'Ticking time bomb' over 'widespread' meter tampering during cost of living crisis

Tampering with a meter means it doesn't read the correct amount of energy being used, but anyone caught doing it can face a £30,000 fine and even risk losing their life.

Social affairs and health reporter @megbaynes

Tuesday 6 June 2023 07:04, UK

Nearly half of electricians and gas engineers have been asked to tamper with meters in the last year, as people struggle with the cost of their energy bills, new research suggests.

Almost a third of tradespeople (30%) also say they have seen evidence of tampering in clients' homes, according to the survey.

Tampering with a meter means it doesn't read the correct amount of energy being used.

But anyone caught doing it can face a £30,000 fine and even risk losing their life.

Research from Direct Line business insurance found 43% of electricians and gas engineers have been asked by customers to tamper with their meters.

A fifth (19%) also say they either know or work with someone else who has seen signs of meter tampering.

Nearly all (92%) of the electricians and gas engineers surveyed believe that increased costs have led to more people looking to make their meters run slowly to save money on energy.

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'Constant level of danger'

David Powell, an electrical installation safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, has been in the industry for 25 years and said he is no stranger to an off-the-cuff request to tamper a meter.

But doing so is a "ticking time bomb", he told Sky News.

"Once it has been tampered with, it is just a matter of time before something happens," he said.

"It could be a day, it could be two days, but there is just a constant level of danger and risk there."

And while smart meters have made it harder, it is still possible - especially in older homes.

In one incident, he pointed out a charred and discoloured cable at the bottom of the box.

"The meter won't be recording what is being used," he said.

"But there is also thermal damage around the cable, and that is exposing people to direct electric shock."

These shocks can be deadly, with the bad wiring a fire hazard.

What to do if you can't afford your energy bills

Anyone struggling with their energy bills is advised to call their energy supplier. They often have discretionary funds or can help set you up on a payment plan.

You may also qualify for benefits to help pay and can contact Citizen's advice for more information.

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Alison Traboulsi, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, says: "It is worrying to see that meter tampering and electricity theft attempts have become relatively widespread.

"While times are undoubtedly hard, people should remember this is dangerous and a criminal offence, which could lead to severe consequences. People should also not be asking energy contractors to perform illegal acts.

"Despite this, it is encouraging to see the majority of electricians and gas engineers have a good understanding of this and remain on the right side of the law by not facilitating meter tampering for clients."

The survey of 150 electricians and gas engineers in the UK was carried out in March.