Stealing energy is a crime and tampering with an electric meter is punishable by Florida law. When someone tampers with a meter it is extremely dangerous and adds to the costs of doing business, which affects all customers. If you believe someone may be tampering with an electric meter or stealing electricity, report it anonymously at 1-800-528-6621 or email us.
Safety is a priority, and we take meter tampering seriously. Attempting to bypass or tamper with an electric meter is dangerous and can result in fire or electrocution. These hazards are not only to the thief, but also neighbors and our employees. Even if these situations do not occur at the time of the theft, the meter is often left in an unsafe condition.
If meter tampering or theft it is suspected, we conduct a thorough inspection that may involve:
According to Florida rules and regulations, unauthorized connections to, or tampering with, FPL's equipment subjects the customer to:
If an investigation determined that a meter was tampered with or removed and registered lower usage than the electricity that was consumed, the Florida Public Service Commission permits back-billing for prior usage. This also includes investigation fees. These fees are based on actual expenses incurred to complete the investigation and to correct the condition.
We understand sometimes customers experience financial hardship, however meter tampering or theft will only make things more difficult and unsafe. Instead, we work with customers and offer free energy evaluations to help identify ways to save money and energy. Additional community resources are available for those facing financial hardship or in crisis.