Ofgem has issued a warning about meter tampering, emphasizing that it is illegal and causes one death every 10 days in the UK. According to Ofgem, this practice not only poses life-threatening hazards but also results in significant financial burdens for consumers. The regulator encourages homeowners to be wary of anyone who claims they can reduce their energy bills by altering their meter, as such actions are unlawful and could have deadly consequences.
Energy theft costs energy consumers in Great Britain over £1.4 billion a year, according to Ofgem. Penalties for this crime include fines and up to five years in prison, as outlined by the regulator. In a past case, a person in the UK was imprisoned for 15 years for manslaughter related to a gas explosion caused by meter tampering, underscoring the severe legal repercussions. The exact breakdown of the £1.4 billion annual cost, such as how much is due to increased bills versus other factors, remains unclear, and it is unknown how many households in the UK are currently affected by meter tampering.
Meter tampering can cause property damage, injury, or death, according to Ofgem. Tampering with a gas meter can lead to gas leaks, breathing difficulties, fainting, house fires, and explosions from appliances or light switches, the regulator reports. These physical dangers highlight why Ofgem describes the act as both illegal and hazardous, with the number of recent incidents of injury or death directly linked to meter tampering not confirmed.
Ofgem has launched a public awareness campaign to help identify meter tampering, noting common signs such as pipes that look out of place, dials that are not moving or visible, gas supply with no credit on prepayment meters, the meter being back to front with no dials showing, the smell of gas near the meter box, and rubber piping that should be metallic. The regulator warns that these indicators can help prevent accidents, though what specific actions Ofgem is taking to enforce against meter tampering beyond issuing warnings is not detailed.
Smart meters typically have security features that can monitor and report any unauthorized interference, according to multiple reports. This technological safeguard aims to deter tampering, but regional variations in the prevalence or risks of meter tampering across the UK are not specified. Ofgem continues to stress the importance of legal and safe energy use to protect public safety and reduce financial losses.