Gas theft ‘costs householders £138 million a year’

Gas theft could cost the UK around £138 million a year or £6 per household, according to Ofgem. The energy regulator has announced new measures to tackle gas theft. It […]

Gas theft could cost the UK around £138 million a year or £6 per household, according to Ofgem.

The energy regulator has announced new measures to tackle gas theft. It has proposed a new licence condition, which will require suppliers to detect and prevent thefts. Ofgem will also set minimum standards for theft investigations, which involves dealing with affected consumers.

It suggests giving incentives to gas suppliers for theft prevention. Ofgem wants to see theft detection rates doubled as it claims less than 3,000 thefts are found every year.

Andrew Wright, Ofgem’s Senior Partner for Markets said: “We want to see suppliers take more action to reduce gas theft, which threatens the safety of consumers and industry workers as well as making gas more expensive. The announcement sets out a package of reforms that will help ensure the industry takes all reasonable steps to detect, investigate and prevent theft.”

A 24-hour theft hotline will also be put into place to report suspected thefts.

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