Meter tampering is dangerous and illegal

21 Oct 2011

An average of 50 Power and Water customers are caught tampering with their meter or engaging in water or electricity theft annually.

General Manager Retail Rebecca Kardos said that it is not only illegal but a hazard to the individual, to Power and Water staff and contractors.

“Tampering with water or electricity meters is illegal and is subject to fines or imprisonment, but also the cost of stolen electricity or water is borne by the wider community,” Mrs Kardos said.

“Electricity meter tampering and electricity theft carries the risk of serious injury or even death through electric shock, explosion or possible fire,” said Mrs Kardos.

“Water meters are designed with inbuilt backflow prevention to prevent the flow of water from the premises back to the water supply and tampering with this puts other customers at risk of contaminated drinking water,” she said.

Fines for water meter tampering and water theft can cost individuals up to $53,200 or two years imprisonment while penalties for corporations are up to $266,000.

Electricity and water meters measure and record customer usage, allowing for customer billing.

“Power and Water is committed to providing safe and reliable power and water supply to customers and we take meter tampering very seriously,” Mrs Kardos said.

While the majority of meter tampering cases are discovered by Power and Water, members of the public can report suspected cases.

To report meter tampering or electricity/water theft complete the online form at powerwater.com.au/reportfaults or send an email to customerservice@powerwater.com.au or call 1800 245 092. All reports will remain confidential.