Meter tampering: know the risks | News

Unfortunately, we’ve noticed a worrying increase in the number of cases of home energy meter tampering.

Tampering with and/or wiring your meter(s) in an attempt to save money significantly increases the risk of an electrical fire. This not only puts your own life in danger, but your family’s, neighbours’, and your/their children’s lives, too.

The risks of tampering with your meter:

• Shocks and severe burns: attempting to reconfigure the wiring on your meter(s) could make switches or appliances ‘live’ to the touch or make them overheat/malfunction. This greatly increases the risk of shocks and severe burns, especially for anyone using connected electrical appliances.
• Fires: wires with loose connections can get so hot that they start fires. Damaging the gas supply also risks dangerous leaks which can be easily ignited.
• Explosions: if large amounts of gas escape from a tampered meter, it can build up throughout the property and has the potential to cause a devastating explosion.

It’s a fact that 40% of house fires are caused by electrical appliances and supply, so it’s important to stay safe.

Under no circumstances should you tamper with the utility meter(s) in your home. If you believe there’s a fault or problem with your meter(s), please report this immediately to your utility supplier.

For more information on the risks of meter tampering, visit:

• Stay Energy Safe: www.stayenergysafe.co.uk
• Energy Networks Association: www.energynetworks.org/newsroom/please-think-of-your-home-and-familys-safety-before-tampering-with-your-meter

How you can help to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe:

If you think a friend, family member, or neighbour is struggling to pay their bills and is considering tampering with their meter or may have already done so, please let us know (by calling 01204 328000 or emailing buildingsafety@boltonathome.org.uk).

This’ll mean we can work to make their meter(s) safe and look at ways to support them if they’re struggling with their finances.

If you think something’s not quite right, report it. You’ll be helping to keep your friends, neighbours, family members, and your/their children safe.

You can also anonymously report suspicions of energy theft 24/7, 365 days a year by calling the Stay Energy Safe hotline on 0800 023 2777.

Our new building safety hub: helping to keep you (and your home) safe:

We’ve recently launched a growing ‘hub’ area on our website containing handy guides, documentation, and advice on topics such as fire/energy safety, asbestos, and improvement works- and we’ve also included a series of short animated films covering the same/similar themes.

It’s worth a visit if you’ve a minute: www.boltonathome.org.uk/building-safety. We’ll continue to add to it over time.

Due to rising living costs, we understand that the current economic/financial situation may prove to be a worrying one for many:

It’s something we’re all having to contend with, which is why we’ve created a dedicated support ‘hub’ on our website that pulls together many of the ways our staff can help at this time (if you need us): www.boltonathome.org.uk/cost-of-living.

You can also give us a call on 01204 328000 for help if you’d prefer. We hope this is useful for you or someone you know.