Nearly half of electricians and fuel engineers have been requested to tamper with meters within the final yr, as folks battle with the price of their power payments, new analysis suggests.

Almost a 3rd of tradespeople (30%) additionally say they've seen proof of tampering in shoppers' houses, based on the survey.

Tampering with a meter means it does not learn the correct quantity of power getting used.

But anybody caught doing it could face a £30,000 fantastic and even threat shedding their life.

Research from Direct Line enterprise insurance coverage discovered 43% of electricians and fuel engineers have been requested by clients to tamper with their meters.

A fifth (19%) additionally say they both know or work with another person who has seen indicators of meter tampering.

Nearly all (92%) of the electricians and fuel engineers surveyed consider that elevated prices have led to extra folks trying to make their meters run slowly to economize on power.

'Constant degree of hazard'

David Powell, {an electrical} set up security engineer at Electrical Safety First, has been within the business for 25 years and stated he's no stranger to a casual request to tamper a meter.

But doing so is a "ticking time bomb", he advised Sky News.

"Once it has been tampered with, it is just a matter of time before something happens," he stated.

"It could be a day, it could be two days, but there is just a constant level of danger and risk there."

And whereas sensible meters have made it more durable, it's nonetheless potential - particularly in older houses.

In one incident, he identified a charred and discoloured cable on the backside of the field.

"The meter won't be recording what is being used," he stated.

"But there is also thermal damage around the cable, and that is exposing people to direct electric shock."

These shocks will be lethal, with the dangerous wiring a hearth hazard.

What to do if you cannot afford your power payments

Anyone battling their power payments is suggested to name their power provider. They typically have discretionary funds or can assist set you up on a cost plan.

You might also qualify for advantages to assist pay and might contact Citizen's recommendation for extra data.

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Alison Traboulsi, product supervisor at Direct Line enterprise insurance coverage, says: "It is worrying to see that meter tampering and electricity theft attempts have become relatively widespread.

"While instances are undoubtedly onerous, folks ought to bear in mind that is harmful and a legal offence, which might result in extreme penalties. People must also not be asking power contractors to carry out unlawful acts.

"Despite this, it is encouraging to see the majority of electricians and gas engineers have a good understanding of this and remain on the right side of the law by not facilitating meter tampering for clients."

The survey of 150 electricians and fuel engineers within the UK was carried out in March.