Energy Meter Safety – How to Identify Faults, Damage or Tampering

Why Energy Meter Safety Matters

Electricity and gas meters are critical for accurate billing and safe supply, but if they’re damaged, poorly installed or tampered with, they can pose serious risks to people and property.

For landlords, developers and business owners, identifying potential issues early can prevent accidents, legal complications and costly downtime.

Common signs of a faulty or damaged meter

Even without specialist equipment, there are several warning signs that may indicate a meter fault or deterioration over time:

• Buzzing or crackling sounds near the meter
• Flickering lights or fluctuating appliance performance
• Unusually hot or scorched casings
• Visible damage, exposed wires, or melted components
• Burning smells near the meter box

If you notice any of these, isolate the supply only if it’s safe to do so, and contact your energy supplier or a qualified engineer immediately.

Meter tampering and energy theft

Tampering with an energy meter, whether to bypass it, reduce readings, or add an unauthorised feed, is illegal and extremely dangerous.

The UK energy industry loses an estimated £1.4 billion each year to gas and electricity theft, adding around £50 to every customer’s bill. (Source: Energy UK)

Tampering can cause:

• Gas leaks and explosions from damaged pipework
• Electrical fires or shocks from exposed wiring
• Inaccurate billing and potential legal liability for property owners

Even if you didn’t commit the tampering yourself (for example, a previous tenant or neighbouring unit did), you could still be responsible for ensuring the issue is reported and resolved safely.

How to tell if a meter has been tampered with

Be alert for:

• Unsealed or missing meter covers
• Extra wires or tubing that don’t look original
• Burn marks, melted casing, or disconnected cables
• A meter still supplying energy despite showing zero credit
• Unexplained spikes or drops in your energy usage

If you’re unsure, don’t touch the meter. Report it to your supplier or contact the UK Revenue Protection Association (UKRPA), who can investigate safely.

Responsibilities for landlords and property managers

Landlords and site owners have a legal duty to maintain safe utilities.

Tampering or unsafe meters could invalidate insurance, breach tenancy agreements, or expose you to prosecution under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 or the Electricity Act 1989.

If you manage multiple units, ensure:

• Routine meter inspections
• Tenant education on how to report issues
• Controlled access to meter rooms
• Proper documentation of maintenance and replacements

When to replace or have a meter professionally inspected

Meters should be checked regularly for accuracy and safety, especially in older buildings, high-usage sites, or where tampering is suspected.

If your meters are damaged, outdated or previously tampered with, Crown Energy can arrange safe removal, replacement and certification to bring your supply back into compliance.