The UK energy system has been regulated to protect consumers. However, it can seem quite complex and difficult to navigate. We’ve broken the UK energy system down below to help consumers understand it better and help combat misinformation.
Energy usage
Each energy supply point in the UK is allocated a unique number to identify individual electricity and gas supply points. For electricity, this is called the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). For gas, this is called the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN). The authorised supplier’s meter has its own serial number to identify it against the energy supply point number. Each number is kept on a database with information of the allocated authorised supplier. Energy usage and metering equipment are the responsibility of the authorised supplier whilst the supply points are the responsibility of the network operators.
As a consumer, when you use energy from a supply point you must pay the authorised supplier for what you have used.
As a consumer, you can change the authorised supplier to get the most competitive energy cost. The metering equipment will transfer from one supplier to another if a consumer chooses to change suppliers. A supplier may opt to change the meter equipment to their specification.
Network operators and authorised suppliers have a right of access to their equipment so they can ensure it is safe, maintained, replaced if needed, and that energy usage is accurately measured through a registered meter. The authorised supplier’s meter must record the energy being used.
Energy meters
Energy meters, both gas and electric, belong to an authorised supplier. The cost of energy is therefore not included when you rent or purchase a property. These meters meet UK safety and accuracy standards.
In the UK, it is against the law to interfere with the dials of a meter and/or stop the meter in any way from recording the energy being used. It is also extremely dangerous to interfere with an energy meter.
Authorised suppliers’ designated metering agents are qualified to fit registered seals to metering equipment as part of their installation work. For safety reasons, these should only be touched by an authorised supplier’s agent.
As a consumer, you cannot remove the authorised supplier’s meter as that would stop it from recording the energy being used.
As a consumer, you cannot fit your own meters, consumers wanting to provide their own meters need permission from the authorised supplier. In domestic cases, it would not be normal for the consumer to provide their own meters. Authorised suppliers provide meters to the correct specification and accuracy requirements that are fitted by their approved agents.
When meters in industrial commercial application are built and fitted to BSC/Elexon specification, or Gas IGEM 6 by REC authorised engineers, the authorised supplier is obligated to put the meters through rigorous testing for accuracy, and safety before they are adopted by the authorised supplier and logged against the MPAN or MPRN number.
Energy theft is dangerous
It is extremely dangerous to interfere with any meter as it can lead to electric shock, house fires, gas explosions, power surges, respiratory problems, and even death.
Metering equipment is directly connected to the network supply. That means that electricity meters are connected to network voltage and current that can be fatal if touched by a non-qualified professional. If the gas supply is damaged, it can lead to dangerous gas leaks.
The network operators and the authorised supplier agents are specifically trained and registered with the appropriate body (Retail Energy Code) for the purpose of being competent to work on Electric Meter Points.
Gas meters installations are carried out by the authorised supply’s agent who will be Ofgem approved meter installers. Gas meters have an emergency control valve (ECV) that can be used by consumers to turn off their gas supply should it be needed in an emergency situation or if advised to do so by network operators or authorised suppliers to make it safe.
Energy theft is a crime
Interference with the Energy Network, a supply point and/or the authorised supplier’s meter can lead to prosecution for energy theft.
Electricity is covered under Section 13 of the Theft Act 1968, Abstraction of Electricity i.e. a person who dishonestly uses without due authority, or dishonestly causes to be wasted or diverted, any electricity.
Gas is deemed as property so falls within Section 1 of the Theft Act 1968.
Additionally, the Gas Act 1986 and the Electricity Act 1989 make specific reference to criminal offences concerning meter interference, damage to metering equipment and restoration of supply without consent. The Criminal Damage Act 1971 may also subsequently apply.
Report energy theft
Energy theft is too dangerous to ignore. When people try and steal energy, it puts us all at risk. Reporting it helps keep you and those around you safe.
Report suspected energy theft anonymously to the UKRPA for cases in Northern Ireland here or to Stay Energy Safe for cases in Great Britain here.
Helpful resources
If you need help or advice regarding a consumer problem, please contact: