Many of us are feeling the pinch right now with the cost of living crisis. Our energy bills, our food costs and everything else have seemingly gone up in price leaving us looking for ways that we can make a few savings each month.
On a personal level, we are definitely more aware of using the heating and during the day I am reducing the heating by turning it down a few degrees and also by wrapping up warm in the home. I love my oodie for this as it really does keep me toasty when it is just me at home.
There are a number of legitimate ways to reduce the cost of energy being used in your home which we will look at in this post.
The rise of energy theft
However, there has been a rise in the dangerous practice of energy theft. This is when the meters are tampered with so that the correct usage is not recorded. This may seem like a victimless crime that doesn’t hurt anyone but this is simply not true.
Energy theft is on the rise and in the past four months over a 1,000 people reporting energy theft through the reporting service. There has also been a 400% increase in people tampering with their energy supply since 2017. People need to understand that this is a dangerous practice and that the repercussions could be fatal.
Firstly it is a very dangerous practice and energy theft can cause fires and gas explosions that lead to injury and even in some cases, death. Fiddling with meters can cause untold dangers for your family and household and it simply is not worth it. For example, the wires and elements can overheat causing a fire when you least expect it. You could be sleeping when a fire sparks and the consequences could be life changing. Gas leaks caused by tampering can also lead to explosions which not only causes danger for the occupants but also for neighbours and the community. It really isn’t worth the risk.
Secondly, it is not a victimless crime as we all pay more for our energy bills to compensate for this theft. Bill payers are reportedly paying an extra £50 per year to fund those who are stealing energy from us.
During the cost of living crisis, there has been an increase in energy theft and Stay Energy Safe, which is powered by Crimestoppers, is trying to raise awareness of this crime. The aim is to keep people and communities safe from the disastrous effects of energy crime by encouraging people to report this anonymously.
Signs that your meters have been tampered with:
If you suspect that your energy meter has been tampered with, there are a few things you can look out for:
- Check for physical damage: Look for any visible damage to the meter or the seal that is supposed to protect it from tampering.
- Look for signs of interference: If there are any wires that appear to have been tampered with or if the meter itself looks like it has been moved, it’s possible that someone has been trying to manipulate the readings. You should not be able to hear any hissing or crackling noises. Likewise you should not see any sparks or burnt casing or wires.
- Review your energy bills: If you notice any significant changes in your energy bills for example that suddenly they are much lower or that the numbers are not moving question why.
- Ask your energy supplier: If you are concerned that your meter may have been tampered with, you can contact your energy supplier and ask them to inspect it. They can also provide you with advice on how to identify if there are any issues.
It’s important to remember that tampering with an energy meter is a criminal offence. If your meter has tampered with you can report this anonymously by phone or online for more signs check out this page on the dangers of energy theft.
How to save energy safely
Saving energy is important for both the environment and your wallet. Here are some ways to save energy safely:
- Use energy-efficient appliances: When buying appliances, look for those with an Energy Star rating. These appliances are designed to use less energy and can save you money in the long run.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs: LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
- Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule.
- Unplug electronics when not in use: Even when turned off, electronics still use energy. Unplugging them when not in use can save energy and reduce your electricity bill.
- Insulate your home: Insulating your home can help keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.
- Use natural light: Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light instead of using artificial lighting during the day.
- Avoid standby mode: Many electronic devices go into standby mode when not in use, which still uses energy. Turn off your devices completely when not in use.
Further reading: 10 Creative Ways to Save Money in Those Expensive Months and Easy ways to keep warm when working from home.
