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Rank 2
November 14, 2024
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I think my meter may have been tampered with?

  • November 14, 2024
  • 127 replies
  • 3142 views

Hi I need help I'm been charged 300 / 400 for electric some months I'm single parent in 3 bedroom house and my heatings been off since it warmed up in Feb 2022 .I've nothing turned on hardly in my house just a freezer fridge that run all day I have no heating we sleep down stairs but I'm still getting outrageous bills .

A meter reader said whwn I posted a picture of my meter it's been tampered with but my energy company won't listen they said the locks still on it but theirs more wires than b and q 

Best answer by Emmanuelle_OVO

Updated on 21/05/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hey ​@Tazzyy74 

 

Is your energy supplier OVO? Have you sent your supplier a photo of the meters?

This is the information I found on our website with regards to meter tampering:
 

Energy theft – make sure you report it

 

Energy theft is tampering with a meter or its connections. This means the meter doesn’t accurately record how much gas or electricity is being used. Stealing energy is a crime and it’s dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by reporting your concerns.

View REC Schedule 8 – Unbilled Energy Code of Practice

 

Energy theft can be fatal

 

Tampering with an electricity meter could lead to a short circuit, wiring overheating or even a fire. Wiring that seems safe can become ‘live’, so there’s a chance of a fatal electric shock.

Tampering with a gas meter could cause a gas leak. As well as headaches and possible loss of consciousness from the fumes, it only takes a spark to cause an explosion.

 

Tampering with a meter is a crime

 

Tampering with gas or electricity meters isn’t just dangerous – it’s also illegal. Energy theft can lead to a fine or a prison sentence.

 

If you suspect energy theft, report it

 

If you suspect any gas or electricity meter has been tampered with report it immediately. Call us on 0330 3035 063 or get in touch via our online chat.

If you'd rather not give us your details, visit the Crimestoppers supported stayenergysafe website or call them on 0800 023 2777.

If you suspect a gas leak, leave the property and call the 24 hour National Gas Emergency hotline on 0800 111 999 immediately.

127 replies

Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
July 21, 2025

How do I know what that an engineer was changing my meter well I opened the door as an appointment was made I let him in and the rest I've explained am I missing something you didn't get ??

Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
July 21, 2025

Usually the mains are turned off when power needs to isolated , that's what was turned off by the engineer ..... and then by myself to check the sockets 

juliamc
Rank 20
Rank 20
July 21, 2025

There’s an email address for octopus “issue resolution” in the link given previously by Emmanuelle ⬆️ at https://octopus.energy/unhappy/

Firedog
Super User
Super User
July 21, 2025

  

Usually the mains are turned off when power needs to isolated , that's what was turned off by the engineer ..... and then by myself to check the sockets 
  

If the supplier’s engineer needs to work on the meter - e.g. exchange it for a new one - then he will cut off the power by removing the main fuse from the service head. The cut-out is sealed, so you can’t do this yourself. When the main fuse is removed, there is no power to anything in the premises served. 
  

 

Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
July 22, 2025

He never took any fuses out he just turned the means off , he phoned his boss as what to do and was told to leave it that's all I know and was told I needed to get an electrician 

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Retired Moderator
July 22, 2025

Hey ​@Tazzyy74

Have you contacted Octopus’ customer support team? They should be able to advise next steps.

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
July 22, 2025

I'm fed up 9f contacting them all I ever get since all this trouble and high bills is ... Well send you an electric blanket or estimated bills are this and this I never get a straight answer like politician's. 

I've emailed and told them the guy phoned 🐙 and even his boss didn't leave any advice .

I hate this company its a joke .

3 emails as I'm nervous on the phone and all they've replied about is estimated bills 

Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
July 22, 2025

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
July 22, 2025

Hi ​@Tazzyy74 ,

Apologies, but it appears your last comment is blank for some reason.

You may want to try posting again.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Tazzyy74Author
Rank 2
July 22, 2025

This is from 🐙