Confirmed electricity thefts in Britain climbed to 21,354 in 2025-2026, as high fuel costs drive financial strain.
Here's what to know
New figures obtained by Stay Safe Energy show confirmed electricity thefts rose 22% — from 17,422 cases in 2021-2022 to 21,354 by 2025-2026, as reported by The Independent.
The cap averaged £1,664 — up from about £1,331 in 2021. Russia's invasion of Ukraine pushed Ofgem's price cap to a record £4,279, though the government's energy price guarantee kept it at £2,500 from 2022 to 2023.
The sharpest increase was among commercial electricity customers, with confirmed thefts surging 276% and rising from 996 cases to 3,747 over that period.
London led all cities, with more than 2,000 incidents reported in 2025-2026, including 643 in north London alone. Birmingham followed with 1,008 thefts, while Liverpool recorded 975.
More background
In the UK, electricity theft can be punished with up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.
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Stay Safe Energy, run by the charity Crimestoppers, said, "Latest figures from the industry confirm that more than 100,000 confirmed energy theft offences in five years is a stark warning that this is far from a victimless crime. Tampered meters can cause fires, explosions and electrocution, while energy theft can be part of serious organised crime. It also pushes up costs for other households and businesses, meaning we all ultimately pay the price."
What can be done?
People who notice possible meter interference can report concerns anonymously through the Crimestoppers-run service.
"We urge anyone with concerns to report it anonymously. You could be preventing a fire, protecting a neighbor, or even saving a life," a spokesperson from Safe Energy said.
Among the warning signs it highlighted were meter bypasses, strange wiring, and suspicious activity near a meter box or mains service cables.
Where can I learn more?
Here are some more articles on rising energy costs and the strain on electricity networks.
• In Great Britain, data centers are driving up electricity demand just as bills stay elevated.
• Across the U.S., utilities are backing regional transmission lines that can raise customer bills.
• Across the American South, cryptocurrency mining facilities have added demand that has pushed electricity prices higher.
• In the U.S., major tech companies are fueling power demand that clouds homeowners' utility costs.
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