Myth
There are no consequences of energy theft.
Fact
Energy theft is dangerous and puts lives and property at risk. It is illegal and a person can be prosecuted for energy theft, resulting in fines and imprisonment as well as having to pay the costs associated with recouping the losses incurred and the reconnection of supply. The cost of undetected theft is borne by all consumers.
Myth
Under the Magna Carta the land is free, and I don't need to pay for gas and electricity.
Fact
Electricity and gas are not free, you must pay for all the energy that you use. Social media posts are promoting misinformation about using Article 61 of the Magna Carta to reject payments for energy or to follow COVID-19 protocols. This information is wrong. Article 61 of the Magna Carta was never incorporated into Law.
Myth
Energy costs are covered within my taxes.
Fact
Energy costs are not covered within your taxes, and you are liable for the kilowatt hours (kWh) of consumption used, as well as the standing charge.
Myth
As a consumer, I can deny my energy supplier entry to my property by placing a "Denial of Access" notice on my front door or at the entrance to my property.
Fact
Energy companies or agents thereof do not rely on an "Implied Right of Access." The Distribution Network Operator may seek access to the meter position at all reasonable times for the purposes of obtaining an accurate meter reading or inspecting the equipment. This is a condition of your connection to the electricity network and is supported by the powers conferred by Schedule 6 of the Electricity Order (NI) 1992. Should entry be denied, a warrant can be obtained.
Myth
I do not have to pay an energy supplier that I have not contracted with.
Fact
You must pay the supplier that is providing the supply for any energy you use. If you have not contracted with the supplier directly (because you have moved into a new property or if your previous supplier has gone out of business) then you will still be charged and must pay. This constitutes a "deemed contract" and is covered within the Electricity Order (NI) 1992 Schedule 6, paragraph 3 and the Gas Act 1986 Schedule 2b, paragraph 8.
If your supplier goes out of business, The Utility Regulator NI will automatically appoint a new supplier to ensure your supply of energy continues. You can contract with the existing or a different Supplier at any time.
Myth
I can remove the electricity or gas meter at my property.
Fact
Only Distribution Network Operator authorised companies can work on and remove a meter. It is an offence to remove security seals or interfere with electricity line, plant or metering equipment. All work at the metering point must be requested via your supplier. Removal of the meter by non-certified people is illegal and may lead to prosecution.
Myth
It is my landlord's problem if I tamper with the meter within their property.
Fact
If you are the tenant with an energy account registered in your name and have tampered with the meter to save money on your bills, you are liable. You can be prosecuted and will be required to pay back any energy used to the supplier and your landlord can recoup the cost of meter replacement.