Meter Tampering

Almost 60 Power and Water customers have been caught tampering with their electricity meters over the past year.

“Meter tampering is illegal, subject to fines of up to $22,000 and even imprisonment under the Electricity Reform Act and the Criminal Code Act , and we take tampering and theft of electricity very seriously’’ Power and Water’s General Manager Retail Jim Bamber said.

“It is only a matter of time before the tampering is identified”.

Tampering is primarily discovered by the Power and Water Corporation but it is also regularly reported by the public. 

Generally people are upset and angry to discover that they are effectively paying for electricity stolen by others,” Mr Bamber said. ‘’Theft of any service or good affects the cost of those items.”

Aside from being illegal, meter tampering can also be very dangerous.
“The far greater penalty that can occur from tampering with electrical wiring is death or injury from electric shock or fire starting from hot wire,’’ Mr Bamber said. 

“Tampering risks the safety of not just those who have modified their meters, but also Power and Water staff and contractors and other people (including children) who may come into contact with the meter box or inappropriately connected wiring.

“If the installation is deemed unsafe we will disconnect the supply immediately and issue a 'connection/defect report'. Supply is not restored until a certificate is presented certifying the installation meets electrical standard.”

Members of the public wanting to report meter tampering or theft can contact us in a number of ways, including calling us on 1800 245 092, or send an email to CustomerService@powerwater.com.au, or leaving an anonymous message on our website report a fault. All approaches will remain confidential.

Contact:
Tracie McPherson,
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
0401 117 599 or 8985 8481