Meter tampering is interfering with a gas or electricity meter to stop it from recording the correct amount of energy used, or bypassing a meter so it doesn’t record energy use at all.
A wired gas or electric meter can be unstable. It is only a matter of time before tragedy could strike, affecting you and the people who live around you.
People have caused house fires, gas leaks and electrocuted themselves when trying to cut through wires.
If large amounts of gas build up, just one flick of a light switch can cause a dangerous explosion that can rip through the entire building.
Interfering with the wires at the meter can also make switches or appliances ‘live’ to the touch or cause them to overheat or malfunction. It puts anyone using these appliances at risk of shocks and severe burns.
As well as being highly dangerous, meter tampering is energy theft and is illegal.
Anyone found guilty of tampering with utility meters can face up to five years in prison and up to £2,000 in fines.
Meter tampering is a breach of the Tenancy Agreement and Tenancy Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who is found to have tampered or attempted to tamper with gas or electric meters.
If you suspect a meter has been tampered with, report it immediately to Stay Energy Safe anonymously on 0800 023 2777 or by visiting the Stay Energy Safe website https://www.stayenergysafe.co.uk/give-info.
Don't try to fix it or resolve it yourself.
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