Faced with the increase in electricity prices, some do not hesitate to become illegal.
A few shots of the screwdriver, a fiddle with the wires and, suddenly, a metre signaling a sharp drop in consumption. Faced with soaring electricity prices, more and more French people are resorting to an illegal method to reduce the amount of the bill they pay to Engie (or another operator). Although the Linky metre has been used throughout France, this box is not inviolable and some people take advantage of this to sell their skills in managing electrical systems. With a promise: to save its customers money.
Electricity metre fraud – as well as water metre fraud – is nothing new. Patterns have always existed. But be careful not to get caught because the fine is much higher than the money saved. And, above all, a prison sentence can be imposed on those who cheat (and cause cheating). However, modest and wealthy families, young and old, individuals and businesses do not hesitate to take the plunge.
The system is simple. These improvised electricians directly connect the most consuming equipment directly to the electricity grid, without going through the metre. Therefore, the energy used is not counted. But the method is (very) dangerous between the risk of electrocution and the risk of setting your home on fire in the event of a bad connection.
To find people capable of changing the system, customers simply go through social networks. Groups have been created on the various existing platforms on which “handymen” offer their services, for a fee ranging from a few hundred to 1500 euros per intervention, including after-sales service!
Because if fraud is detected, the energy company can contact you to come and check your metre. There is no need to panic in the eyes of the tinkering “technician” who promises to erase the traces. “Your Linky is at your house, so his agents have to ask you for permission to enter. But while you plan their visit, call me and I will come and put him back as before. The inspectors will not see anything and I will come back later and put it back into the system,” explains one of them Parisian.
Should the phenomenon develop, Engie says it has identified just 1,000 frauds daily, using “automatic alerts”. “If the metre will be modified, in any way, we will know in real time,” assures the newspaper Eric Salomon, customer director of Engie, who highlights artificial intelligence and controllers to detect anomalies in consumption. However, some seem to be able to overcome it through deception.
But justice monitors the situation. In Doubs, a man was sentenced to two years in prison, one of which closed, to pay a fine of 10,000 euros, as well as damages to Engie for carrying out bypasses on the meters, while customers received a fine of 3,000 to 6,000 euro. I’m not sure the economics would have been very real.
How can governments and energy providers address rising electricity prices to prevent meter fraud?
Time.news Interview: The Rise of Electricity Meter Fraud in France
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a concerning trend that’s emerged in France, where soaring electricity prices have led some individuals to engage in illegal practices to reduce their bills. Joining us is energy expert Dr. Marianne Dupont, an authority on electrical systems and consumer behavior. Dr. Dupont, let’s dive right in. What are the main factors driving this increased prevalence of electricity meter fraud?
Dr. Marianne Dupont: Thank you for having me. The primary drivers are indeed the skyrocketing electricity prices that many households are facing, combined with a palpable frustration over rising living costs. With energy bills consuming a significant portion of household budgets, some individuals, spanning various demographics from young families to affluent businesses, feel pressured to seek shortcuts, even if they are illegal.
Interviewer: It’s alarming to see such a diverse group resorting to illegal measures. Can you shed light on the methods people are employing to commit this fraud?
Dr. Dupont: Certainly. The most prevalent method involves individuals bypassing the electricity meter entirely. They connect their high-consumption appliances directly to the electrical grid, which effectively allows them to use electricity without it being recorded. While this can lead to immediate financial relief, it’s important to note that it’s incredibly hazardous—not only in terms of the potential for electrocution but also due to the risk of electrical fires.
Interviewer: That’s quite concerning. You mentioned social networks—how are these platforms facilitating such illegal activities?
Dr. Dupont: Social media has become a crucial tool for those seeking to find people skilled in these illegal practices. Various groups and forums have sprung up where self-proclaimed “handymen” advertise their services. This ease of access lowers the barrier for entry for many individuals looking to save money quickly, despite the serious consequences that may follow.
Interviewer: What are the legal repercussions for those who engage in such fraud? Is the risk worth the potential savings?
Dr. Dupont: The risks are significant. Penalties can include hefty fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. The financial savings—though sometimes enticing—are often dwarfed by the possibility of long-term legal trouble. In addition, the implications of causing property damage or endangering lives can have irreversible consequences.
Interviewer: It seems there’s a complex interplay between desperation and risk. What can be done to address the root causes of this trend?
Dr. Dupont: Addressing rising electricity costs will be vital. Governments and energy providers need to consider implementing more sustainable pricing strategies and providing support to those most affected by these increases. Additionally, raising awareness about the dangers of illegal practices is essential—both to protect consumers and to deter them from taking such risks in the first place.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Dupont. Your insights are invaluable. As we see the impact of energy pricing on consumer behavior, it’s clear that finding solutions will require a multi-faceted approach that balances affordability with safety.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope to see proactive measures taken soon.
Interviewer: We appreciate your time and look forward to following this story as it develops. Thank you to our audience for joining us today at Time.news. Stay informed and stay safe.