One night my neighbor was outside with flashlight near his electric meter. I know him fairly well & walked over to see him fiddling around with the interior dials. The glass cover was completely off!!!!! I asked what the hell he was doing and he told me I better not tell anyone. I agreed and he taught me everything he knew. This guy was saving thousands a year!!!
I tuned mine back shortly afterward but ran into a problem as the little pointer needle for the '100 KPH' broke right off when I tried to turn it backwards. There is definitely no way to get it back on there are even some weird coils sticking out now. To make matters worse all the other dials seem to be moving faster now (I assume charging me more). I put the cover back on but am worried. My neighbor is vacationing in Europe for the next 3 weeks so he can't help me.
How do I fix this? Are there any electricians that can help me with an answer? Actually anyone that can help me?
2007-03-28 03:55:01 · 11 answers · asked by Billy Jack H 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Actually when they come out to read your meter next they will find that you have tampered with it, will change out the meter and charge you for usage. What you did is a chargable offense and you can be arrested for it. It is stealing.
2007-03-28 04:00:01 · answer #1 · answered by kimmi_35 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well you could smash the glass and claim an intruder did it. That way it will be no suprise if they find trouble inside. If you just leave it as is chances are the repairman will write it off to wear and tear even if he is suspicious. However I think there is a seal on these meters which will give you away in either case.
2007-03-31 18:45:21 · answer #2 · answered by richard d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. I'm not sure how to answer... you've already been called a thief and been told to prepare for jail, so....
You could always swap meters with your neighbor.
Of course, that adds another theft charge, and puts your already questionable judgment back into action with lethal voltage... on second thought, just call a defense attorney.
2007-03-28 12:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by rris-tusla 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the power company will replace the meter when they see it is broken....you will be very lucky if the dont have you arrested for theft of services....soon they will be changing all meters to electronic ones where they dont have to come out to your house to read them or turn your power off..they have already done this where i am from...
2007-03-28 12:15:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no good way out of this so you may as well call the electric company and fess up.
2007-03-28 13:02:54 · answer #5 · answered by shermisme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"This guy was saving thousands a year!!!"
Correction: This guy is STEALING thousands a year. And you were stupid enough to try and copy him. It is illegal to tamper w/ the sealed meter. You're in heaps of trouble, and deserve it.
2007-03-28 11:01:46 · answer #6 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your screwed and will probably go to jail or fined big time. your luckily your not dead from messing around inside a meter.
2007-03-28 11:02:58 · answer #7 · answered by Boomrat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about fixing it. You are going to jail and will not need one there. They go back and estimate your old bills anyway and you will have to play catch up.
2007-03-28 11:07:23 · answer #8 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah- call your electric company and fess up! no wonder rates have been going up... thief
2007-03-28 11:31:48 · answer #9 · answered by Mark B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry that really sucks :(
Do you have any children living with you?...
2007-03-28 11:04:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋