The impacts of meter tampering and energy theft range from potential safety hazards to increased energy costs. In most instances where energy is being stolen, dangerous situations have been discovered. Attempting to bypass or tamper with electric or gas meters can result in serious injury or death from fire, explosion or electrocution not only to the thief, but also innocent family members, neighbors and O&R employees. Even if the danger does not occur at the time of the theft, the meter is often left in an unsafe condition that is potentially dangerous to others.

In the long run, energy theft is something that affects all of us. When energy is unlawfully consumed, honest, paying customers are the ones who suffer. Just as shoplifters drive up the price of merchandise in stores, those who tamper with meters to get "free" energy increase energy costs for everyone.

Help Us Prevent Energy Theft

Energy theft is something we take very seriously. Our Revenue Protection department works hard to stop energy theft, but we need your help.

With help from our customers, we can reduce energy theft. If you notice any of the following, it could be a sign of energy theft:

• A person other than an O&R employee working on a meter.
• A person other than an O&R employee digging near underground lines or tampering with overhead power lines.
• Someone bragging about how low their energy usage or energy bills are because of meter tampering.

Contact Us

If you suspect someone is involved in energy theft, please let us know by reporting what you've seen or heard. Your information will be kept totally confidential and you can remain anonymous. You can submit the information by calling our hotline at 845-783-5536 or by filling out the Energy Theft Form.