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Dori23
Rank 1
December 20, 2023
Solved

Is there such a thing as investigative electricians who can check for potential energy theft?

We bought a semi detached property from our neighbour and because he's lied about other things we have concerns we're paying for his electricity. Initially we moved in ahead of the completion and the first two months the bill was as expected but once the sale completed we saw a huge rise in our bill. There's a smart meter and we're told by ovo its working though it hasn't been checked in 17 months. Some of the sockets on the connecting wall to this neighbour do not work. Is there a specialist kind of electrician who could detect if our neighbour is somehow using our electricity? It's a complicated old house where certain services like water are private and connected to next door for which we're reliant as he owns the source and the means to pump it. 

BPLightlog
BPLightlogBest Answer
Super User
December 20, 2023

Updated on 21/09/26 by Abby_OVO

 

If you suspect energy theft it’s important that we know about this.

 

If you believe your meter has been tampered with, try to make a note of the information below and contact the Support Team:

  • What does the tamper look like?
  • Is the power on/off?
  • Is the screen on the meter on/off?
  • Are there any lights on the meter (on/off)?
  • Is there anyone living at the property?
  • Are there any animals at the property?
  • Are there any vulnerabilities, young children or electrical medical equipment?
  • Any photographs you’re able to take

You can also report it here - https://www.stayenergysafe.co.uk/report-energy-crime/.

 

There’s also a chance that the meter isn’t faulty, and that it hasn’t been tampered with. Another possibility is that you’re being billed for a neighbour’s meter, and vice-versa. This is known as ‘crossed meters’. You can find out more about this, and what to do in this situation, here:

 

 

Hi @Dori23 , that does sound a difficult situation. There are electrical specialists who could help but there are some simple things you can check as any specialist would be expensive. 


If there’s a slot of a hour or so where you could switch your main power off (at the distribution board) and then check your meter to see if it adds any usage, that might be a start. Incidentally, if you have a smart meter, it can be set to record every half hour which would make checking usage much more simple. 
There are several other tips that you could try but take a look at the suggested step first and then we can go from there. Much is based on the same as if you think the meter is recording high so here’s a guide 


Any photos you have of your electric meter and wiring might also help.

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
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3 replies

BPLightlog
Super User
BPLightlogSuper UserBest Answer
Super User
December 20, 2023

Updated on 21/09/26 by Abby_OVO

 

If you suspect energy theft it’s important that we know about this.

 

If you believe your meter has been tampered with, try to make a note of the information below and contact the Support Team:

  • What does the tamper look like?
  • Is the power on/off?
  • Is the screen on the meter on/off?
  • Are there any lights on the meter (on/off)?
  • Is there anyone living at the property?
  • Are there any animals at the property?
  • Are there any vulnerabilities, young children or electrical medical equipment?
  • Any photographs you’re able to take

You can also report it here - https://www.stayenergysafe.co.uk/report-energy-crime/.

 

There’s also a chance that the meter isn’t faulty, and that it hasn’t been tampered with. Another possibility is that you’re being billed for a neighbour’s meter, and vice-versa. This is known as ‘crossed meters’. You can find out more about this, and what to do in this situation, here:

 

 

Hi @Dori23 , that does sound a difficult situation. There are electrical specialists who could help but there are some simple things you can check as any specialist would be expensive. 


If there’s a slot of a hour or so where you could switch your main power off (at the distribution board) and then check your meter to see if it adds any usage, that might be a start. Incidentally, if you have a smart meter, it can be set to record every half hour which would make checking usage much more simple. 
There are several other tips that you could try but take a look at the suggested step first and then we can go from there. Much is based on the same as if you think the meter is recording high so here’s a guide 


Any photos you have of your electric meter and wiring might also help.

Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
    Rank 1
    Dori23Author
    Rank 1
    December 20, 2023

    Thank you very much. Forgive my total ignorance here please, but is this the box inside the house with all the switches to isolate sockets, lights etc, or is this the meter box outside where the cables come into the house?

    Incidentally that box outside has 3 cables billowing about loosely that go from it's box into the wall then into the box with all the switches. 

    I'm an older person living with my daughter so I'll need her help to switch anything off and want to get it right. 

    BPLightlog
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    December 20, 2023

    Thank you very much. Forgive my total ignorance here please, but is this the box inside the house with all the switches to isolate sockets, lights etc, or is this the meter box outside where the cables come into the house?

     

    The distribution board is the box inside with all the switches. There might be a bigger main off switch as well as all the individual ones but you could just switch the individual ones off or a selection if they’re labelled well

    Incidentally that box outside has 3 cables billowing about loosely that go from it's box into the wall then into the box with all the switches. 

    I'm an older person living with my daughter so I'll need her help to switch anything off and want to get it right. 

    Hmm, they will be the main incoming cables, that again sounds odd as they should be made secure. Can you post a photo of those?

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
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