What happens if you steal gas or electricity?

People who tamper with their meters are not only putting their own safety at risk but also that of their neighbours. Gas and electricity can be very dangerous if unqualified people try altering pipes, wires or meters. This can be extremely dangerous and is a criminal offence.

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Energy

If the supplier believes that more gas or electricity has been used than has been registered through the meter they will disconnect the supply as soon as possible. 

Before they disconnect the meter,  gas or electricity suppliers will have proof (such as photographs) that the meter, the pipes or wires leading to or from the meter have been changed in some way.

The supplier will obtain permission from a Court (a warrant) to enter a home where tampering is suspected. But if the occupier will not let them in or there is no-one at home, they will use powers under the Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989 to force entry (break in).

Once the meter has been taken away the supplier will work out how much gas or electricity they think has actually been used and stolen. They will then bill for the energy and the disconnection costs. They may use debt recovery agencies to get the money back.

As theft of gas and electricity is a criminal offence, the supplier may also report the matter to the police.  People have been prosecuted and been left with a criminal record.

Getting re-connected

As tampering with a meter is so dangerous, the supplier may not be willing to put a "credit" meter back into the property in case the meter is tampered with again.  The supplier is allowed in this case to refuse to install another meter.  If they do agree to re-connect, the costs of any damage to the meter will have to be paid for first as well as possibly a security deposit, a re-connection fee, the charges for energy used whilst the meter was tampered with and any other administration costs.

In most cases, the supplier will install a pre-payment or "pay as you go" meter after tampering has been found.  But if theft from a meter has happened before, they can refuse to install this meter as well. This will leave the property without any gas or electricity at all.