The Theft Charter was developed to ensure a consistent approach by Energy Suppliers to the identification of vulnerability whilst undertaking meter tampering investigations. When a customer is found to be vulnerable, the Energy Supplier will take appropriate action to ensure the welfare of the individual whilst still being able to investigate the potential criminal offence.  

The Theft Charter outlines Reasonable Supplier Actions that a Supplier can undertake when checking meter tampering including gaining access to the property (by warrant if necessary), recovery of costs, installation of alternative metering, monitoring of ongoing consumption, de-energisation and court action.  

Each Energy Supplier should take reasonable steps to implement and comply with the Theft Charter and should publish the Theft Charter on its website and refer to it when dealing with Domestic Customers in relation to Energy Theft.  

The Theft Charter can be found as Annex A in REC Schedule 8 - Unbilled Energy Code of Practice.