Introduction of an energy theft Referral Assessment Service under the REC
Summary
Energy theft is a significant issue, costing consumers between £457 million and £760 million annually (based on Autumn 2024 retail prices). Energy theft also poses safety risks, particularly due to tampered meters, which have caused fatal incidents. Whilst existing measures under the REC, such as the Energy Theft Tip-Off Service (ETTOS) and Theft Detection Incentive Scheme (TDIS) seek to provide information on likely instances of energy theft and the incentives to investigate them, there are currently insufficient enforcement mechanisms and coordination with law enforcement agencies. In particular, there are challenges due to limited police engagement and inconsistent prosecutions, contributing to a low deterrent.
Latest update and next planned activity
Date of latest update
Latest Update
This Change Proposal has been implemented as part of the REC Release on 27 June 2025.
Impacts Overview
Priority and rationale
High
Priority last updated on 29 May 2026
Solution development
Problem Statement
The introduction of the ETU provides the mechanism to prosecute and add a significant deterrent previously missing from the theft landscape. To ensure an effective operation of this unit, the referrals should include standardised data by introducing the Referral Assessment Service (RAS). RAS will assess, triage and co-ordinate theft referrals received from industry parties.
No documents available.
Change Plan
Change Report (Proposal Plan) at Change Panel
Introduction of an energy theft Referral Assessment Service under the REC > Change Plan
Start:
29 Jan 2025Due:
04 Feb 2025Completion:
04 Feb 2025Presentation to TIG
Completed
Start:
13 Jan 2025Due:
29 Jan 2025Completion:
29 Jan 2025Change Proposal Updated Plan (Extension) at Change Panel
Introduction of an energy theft Referral Assessment Service under the REC > Change Plan
Start:
04 Feb 2025Due:
18 Feb 2025Completion:
18 Feb 2025Final solution presented to TIG
Completed
Start:
18 Feb 2025Due:
26 Feb 2025Completion:
26 Feb 2025Original submission
Change details
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13 Jan 2025
Change details
Introduction of an energy theft Referral Assessment Service under the REC
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Impacts
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Priority & timing
Yes
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Activity
Implementation Date has been updated to 27 Jun 2025.
florentina.monea has been allocated as Lead Analyst.
rosalind.timperley, vaishnsharma have been allocated as SME.