Three-year data shows dramatic increases in commercial energy theft
The figures, covering confirmed energy theft cases over three consecutive financial years (2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25), reveal:

Commercial Electricity Theft
■ Increased by 88% between 2022/23 and 2023/24
■ Increased by a further 18% between 2023/24 and 2024/25
■ Resulting in a 122% total increase over the three-year period

Commercial Gas Theft
■ Increased by 152% between 2022/23 and 2023/24
■ Increased by an additional 59% between 2023/24 and 2024/25
■ Amounting to a 300% total increase over three years

Taken together, this is equivalent to an average commercial energy theft increase of 138% since 2022/23.

Commercial cases now also represent a much higher share of all confirmed energy theft than they did three years ago.

The context: why commercial sites may be increasingly at risk
New insights from Cadent’s Energy Diaries 2025 – Voices of Small Organisations study provide important context around the pressures facing small organisations:

■ 39% of SMEs and 52% of charities are worried they may not still be operating in five years.
■ Energy bills make up to 30% of core operating costs for some small businesses.
■ 67% of SMEs and 76% of charities are actively trying to reduce or ration energy usage to manage costs.
■ Many describe energy costs as “crippling” and cite volatile pricing and supplier changes as major challenges.

While many businesses respond legally and responsibly, the combination of high costs, narrow margins and limited flexibility can increase the risk that a minority resort to illegal and dangerous meter tampering.

In many cases, the motivation is not financial pressure but deliberate attempts to maximise profit, with some choosing to bypass meters despite understanding the risks. These costs and risks are then passed on to honest billpayers.

Commercial energy theft can cause:
■ Gas leaks, fires and explosions
■ Electric shocks and major equipment damage
■ Power outages for neighbouring businesses
■ Closure of premises and loss of stock
■ Serious injury or even fatalities
■ Criminal prosecution and large financial penalties

Because commercial units often sit in shared buildings or high-footfall areas, a single tampered meter can put multiple businesses, workers and members of the public at risk.

Stay Energy Safe urges the public and business community to report concerns — anonymously
Signs to watch for include:
■ Exposed, improvised or suspicious wiring
■ Damaged or bypassed meters
■ Locked, hidden or inaccessible meter cupboards
■ Unexplained burning smells, scorch marks or buzzing near meters
■ Businesses appearing to run high-energy operations on unusually low bills

Report Energy Theft 100% Anonymously

If you suspect someone of tampering with their gas or electricity meter, you can contact Stay Energy Safe completely anonymously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.