Urgent warning for anyone trying to save on energy bills over mistake that could land you with £30k fine
BRITS trying to save money on their energy bills are being warned not to tamper with their gas and electricity meters.
Bodging an electricity meter so that it doesn’t accurately record the amount of electricity used, is one way to illegally cut bills.
Others may try to bypass their meter completely so that it doesn’t record any electricity usage at all.
But no matter what method is used, these are all forms of electricity theft.
If you are caught cheating the system, you could face fines worth up to £30,000.
You could also receive a criminal record and up to five years in prison if found guilty.
But nearly half of electricians and gas engineers have had customers enquire about tampering with meters to make them run more slowly, according to new research by Direct Line.
Plus, almost a third of workers in the trade have reported that they’ve seen evidence of meter tampering in homes, according to the survey.
Tampering with your energy meters is not only illegal but it is considered extremely dangerous.
And charities have now warned that cheating the system by fiddling with live cables could cause deadly electricity shocks, severe burns and electrical fires.
David Powell, electrical installation safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: “Tampering with electricity meters is not only a criminal offence – it could cost you your life.
“Many people are struggling financially but it is never worth putting you or your family at risk.
“Tampering with meters exposes anyone in your household to electric shocks, burns, fire and even death.
“If you are struggling with your energy bills, speak directly to your energy provider.”
Martin Lewis has previously warned households against cheating their meters to falsify their energy readings.
With money tight for so many people up and down the country, everyone is trying to find ways to cut back where possible.
But there are a number of cost-of-living payouts and schemes available to help hard-up households.
What cost of living help is available?
Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.
The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
Meanwhile, a £150 payment will be made to millions with disabilities and pensioners from June 28.
Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment from November this year.
Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you’re struggling.
Here’s a list of schemes open right now:
- British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
- British Gas Energy Trust
- EDF Customer Support Fund
- E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
- Octopus Energy Assist Fund
- OVO Energy
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
There’s a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment meter.