Theft of electricity and gas increases the cost of energy for customers. Interfering with gas and electricity meters also has potentially serious safety implications.
Existing regulatory arrangements place a number of obligations on market participants to detect, investigate and prevent theft of electricity and gas. However, we are concerned that more should be done to tackle theft.
Ofgem is working with the industry to develop improved arrangements for detecting and preventing investigating cases of theft. The changes being proposed are significant. To determine which proposal or proposals should be adopted, Ofgem is consulting on new rules for the gas market. These include new licence obligations for gas suppliers. We will set out our thoughts on any required reform to the electricity arrangements early next year.
A recent doorstep meter fraud relating to illegal electricity PPM top-ups has been brought to our attention. To find out more visit Top-up Safe - (link opens in a new browser window). If you have been affected, you should contact your supplier on the relevant number below or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06:
- Atlantic 0800 980 0419
- British Gas 0800 980 4365
- EDF Energy 0800 056 2357
- E.ON 0845 302 4284
- npower 0845 070 4853
- Scottish Hydro 0800 980 0415
- Scottish Power 0845 270 3333
- Southern Electric 0800 980 0418
- SWALEC 0800 980 0425
If you have information about anyone selling illegal electricity meter top-ups then you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Crimestoppers - (link opens in a new browser window).