Introduction of an Energy Theft Unit (ETU) under the REC

  • 1
    Initial Assessment
  • 2
    Solution Development
  • 3
    Consultation
  • 4
    Decision
  • 5
    Awaiting Implementation
  • 6
    Implemented
Step 6 of 6
Implemented
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
Standard

Priority last updated on 29 May 2026

Solution development

Problem Statement
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. Energy theft is an illegal activity where criminal charges are being given if perpetrators are being prosecuted. However, these are rarely happening due to limited police engagement and inconsistent prosecutions. This means offenders may re-offend given the low deterrent.

No documents available.

Change Plan

Change Report (Proposal Plan) at Change Panel

Introduction of an Energy Theft Unit (ETU) under the REC > Change Plan

Start:

29 Jan 2025

Due:

04 Feb 2025

Completion:

04 Feb 2025

Presentation to TIG

Completed

Start:

13 Jan 2025

Due:

29 Jan 2025

Completion:

29 Jan 2025

Change Report (Consultation) to Change Panel

Introduction of an Energy Theft Unit (ETU) under the REC > Change Plan

Start:

04 Feb 2025

Due:

18 Mar 2025

Completion:

18 Mar 2025

Change Report (Final) for Change Panel

In Progress

Start:

18 Mar 2025

Due:

06 May 2025

Completion:

06 May 2025

Original submission

Change details

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13 Jan 2025

Change details

Introduction of an Energy Theft Unit (ETU) 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.