I think my upstairs neighbor is stealing electricity. i dont want to get arrested for it since we split the electric bill. how do the electric companies check that sort of thing?
2006-11-03 11:40:39 · 14 answers · asked by wikkedsun 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I work for the electric company and there are many ways to find out a customer is stealing electric .. the main way is when the meter is read... customers usually stick something in there to slow the meter down or put a big magnet to slow it... sometimes they switch meters out before the meter reader comes out.. the meter readers are trained to look for anything different with the meter.. if they suspect something is different they put in a request to have it investigated ... another department is trained to take pictures of it copy license plates in the driveway ... get as much proof as possible .. most likely you wont go to jail but eventually everyone gets caught.. and there is a big fine to pay plus whatever electric that was stolen
2006-11-03 11:51:06 · answer #1 · answered by Yaz 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I work in the utilities industry, and those figures seem ridiculously high - average UK household uses around 3500 kWh a year. You can make a complaint to British Gas to dispute the meter readings and report that you believe the consumption is too high. The charge they are claiming is to send out a Meter Operator (MOp), but if you claim there is a problem with the meter this charge should be waivered. However, the only issue is that if the MOp finds a problem with the meter - for example, that it has been tampered with - they will inform the Supplier who will request the Revenue Protection Services (RPS) take a visit. If the RPS find a fault with the meter, the owner of the meter will be liable. That, in theory, will be your landlord. However, I don't think he'll be too pleased and will probably try to pass on the charges to you. There is no way to determine the electricity usage for each wire unless an additional "Check Meter" is fitted for each wire. Currently, that meter records all electricity consumption at that metering point, and this includes all the wires coming off of it. The wire in the photo looks like an aerial cable (??) and I have no idea why it is attached to the meter. However, I'm no expert on the technical specifications of the meter so I can't really comment. You should definitely ask for the meter to be secured so as nobody outside of your flat can tamper with it.
2016-03-16 06:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Penalty For Stealing Electricity
2016-11-14 00:59:13 · answer #3 · answered by poul 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The meter could be running backwards. Instead of the line flowing to the right, it could be turning left. The numbers would be going backwards also.
A person get's caught when the number goes back farther than the previous reading.
With today's modern technology and instant reading meters by computers, I don't think anyone could cheat.
If the meter is not on your property, then one cannot see how you could be liable for it.
It is the electric companies responsibility to keep up with their own meter.
2006-11-03 14:58:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How can the electric company check to see if your stealing electricity?
I think my upstairs neighbor is stealing electricity. i dont want to get arrested for it since we split the electric bill. how do the electric companies check that sort of thing?
2015-08-17 02:25:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ride past and notice the colored tag missing.
Routine inspections and tag is broken.(they'll open it)
Missing meters but, they KNOW electricity is being used.
Tattletale/vengeful neighbors.
Called "theft of services" punishable by hefty fines and/or jail time.
You're just as guilty if you're "splitting" electricity for not telling. LOOK at your own meter and see if tag is broken. Carefully remove cover and look to see if there's any jumpers(short thick wires) across the terminals of the meter. They just plug right in and should have a "clean" (wirirng-wise) appearance. If there's any extra wires, chances are , he's up to no good.
2006-11-03 11:46:14 · answer #6 · answered by WHY? 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
A meter is installed outside your building or it should be. Electrice company checks to see and read the meter. Your Manager should know what is going on if anything.
2006-11-03 11:54:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
most thefts come from the meter or meter socket...and since they check it every month they will notice anything odd...easiest way is to pull meter out and jump out the meter...thus No readings will take place...but that also means they see lights on yet nothing is showing and they know for sure your stealing...
2006-11-03 12:36:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's an interesting question!
2016-08-23 10:03:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
report electricity theft
2013-10-21 05:09:33 · answer #10 · answered by Annette 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋