University is an exciting yet potentially overwhelming time in any person’s life. There’s a lot to think about, from making new friends to learning how to cook for the first time.
One of the most exciting things about embarking on this venture is moving out to private accommodation, whether that be a shared house or flat.
For many students, this will be the first time they have had to manage a household outside of student accommodation. Estate agents and landlords offering students’ accommodation often know this, and unfortunately, some will try and take advantage of them.
At Stay Energy Safe, we want to make all those, who are potentially vulnerable, aware of the dangers of energy theft.
In this guide, we’ll provide students with advice on how to protect themselves from the hidden dangers of energy theft.
Report Energy Theft
Energy theft is dangerous. It puts you and your loved ones in danger. If someone you know is tampering with their gas or electricity meter, make sure you report it 100% anonymously here.
What Is Energy Theft?
Energy theft is when someone illegally tampers with their electricity or gas meter or supply so that it doesn’t record the proper usage.
Some criminals may bypass their meter entirely so that it doesn’t record usage of electricity or gas at all.
Why Would Someone Tamper With My Electric or Gas Meter?
There are many reasons why someone would tamper with your electricity or gas meter. The most common reason for energy theft is because the criminal wants to save money by avoiding paying energy bills.
How Do I Identify Energy Theft in My Student Home?
You should be suspicious of energy theft within a student home if your landlord does either of the following:
- Charges you a fixed rate for your bills
- Won’t give you access to your electricity and/or gas meter
If they do both then there is a high chance your landlord is bypassing, or has tampered with, your meters.
In a student house, one person is normally elected to be the lead tenant. This person will be responsible for energy bills.
You may be suspicious of this person if:
- They brag about lower bills
- They don’t give you access to the meter
Other common signs of energy theft around the home include:
- Sparks from multiple sockets and switches
- Electric shocks from multiple appliances
- Electric shocks from taps, the bath or shower
- Meters locked away
- Smell of gas
If you are a landlord, you should be suspicious if your tenants won’t give you access to the meters
How Do I Report Energy Theft if I Am Suspicious of My Landlord or Housemate(s)?
If you think that someone you know is committing energy theft, the best thing you can do is speak up to Stay Energy Safe, via our online form or by calling Stay Energy Safe on 0800 023 2777 to speak to someone directly. Whichever you choose, you can remain 100% anonymous.
By reporting energy theft, you will be protecting yourself, and others around you, from the potentially deadly dangers it poses.
Read more about the dangers of energy theft here.
For more information about gas and electricity theft click the links below: