Energy theft is costing UK consumers an estimated £1.4bn a year, adding around £50 to every household’s annual bill, according to new figures from Crimestoppers’ Stay Energy Safe division.
The sharp rise in meter tampering not only increases costs for paying customers but also undermines efforts to reduce emissions by disrupting safe and efficient energy use.
Residential theft now accounts for more than 90% of all cases, with reported incidents rising by 400% since 2021.
Hotspots include London, the West Midlands, Scotland, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Meter tampering brings serious safety risks, including fires, explosions and electrocution, threatening families and their neighbours.
Despite growing awareness, up to 250,000 cases may still go unreported each year. Research suggests energy theft could be happening in as many as one in 150 homes, with nearly half of heating and gas engineers stating they have been asked by customers to interfere with a meter—often as a response to rising energy costs.
Stay Energy Safe emphasised both the financial and personal dangers.
A spokesperson said: “Recent news highlighted the predicted the £5 increase in energy bills for consumers based on Ofgem’s news relief scheme. However, with energy theft on the rise; this number is dwarfed by the average £50 per household, per year that consumers are forced to pay to counter those who tamper with their meters and steal both electricity and gas – leaving their neighbours to pay the price.
“Beyond the financial impact, the personal risks are far greater. Anyone caught stealing energy could face up to five years in prison and fines of £2,000 or more.”
The organisation urges the public to report concerns anonymously to prevent further harm and help stabilise the energy system.
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