Unregistered Gas or Electricity Meters – What are the legal risks?

At Energy Solicitors, we often speak to businesses and individuals who have unknowingly used gas or electricity for years without a registered meter or any formal billing. In many cases, clients only realise the issue when they attempt to change supplier, sell the property or simply decide to put things right.

The question we are asked most often is:

Can the supplier charge me for all the years I have used energy without paying?

The answer is yes and in some cases the consequences can be serious.

What is an unregistered meter?

Every property that uses gas or electricity should have a meter that is:

• Properly installed
• Registered to a recognised energy supplier
• Linked to a named customer who is responsible for payment

If the meter is not registered and no bills are issued, but energy is still being consumed, this can go undetected for years. However, the fact that bills were not sent does not mean that the energy used is free, or that the supplier cannot recover the charges.

Is this considered Energy Theft?

While the term “theft” might sound harsh, energy suppliers and network transporters may treat long-term use of unregistered and unpaid energy as unauthorised abstraction, even if there was no intention to avoid payment.

This can include:

• Failing to register the meter
• Failing to inform a supplier that energy is being used
• Tampering with metering equipment (in more serious cases)

This kind of usage may be investigated under:

• The Gas Act 1986
• The Theft Act 1968 (in relation to electricity)
• The supplier’s internal fraud procedures or revenue protection unit

Can the energy supplier claim for charges going back more than six years?

Many people believe that the Limitation Act 1980 prevents suppliers from chasing bills older than six years. Unfortunately, that is not the case in these circumstances.

If no bill was ever issued because the meter was not registered, then legally, no cause of action ever arose. The six-year limitation period never began.

Under Section 32 of the Limitation Act, if a person’s actions (or inaction) prevented the supplier from discovering the issue, the limitation period does not start until the supplier becomes aware of it. This applies directly to cases where the meter was not registered or where the supplier had no knowledge that energy was being used.

Ofgem rules prevent energy suppliers from back-billing more than 12 months where the supplier is at fault (for example, a billing error). However, this rule does not apply where the customer failed to register the meter or knowingly used energy without receiving bills. In those cases, suppliers can go back as far as necessary to recover the full amount owed.

What should you do if you are in this situation?

If you or your business has been using gas or electricity from an unregistered meter, we recommend:

1. Take legal advice before contacting the supplier.

There may be a way to approach the issue constructively, minimise risk and reach a fair outcome. 

2. Do not ignore the issue or delay action.

Energy suppliers are more likely to take enforcement action if the matter is discovered independently, rather than disclosed voluntarily.

3. Be prepared to cooperate.

Registering the meter, allowing inspection, and proposing a repayment plan can make a significant difference in how the supplier chooses to handle the situation.

How we can help

At Energy Solicitors, we specialise in energy law and resolving complex utility disputes. If you are facing a situation involving long-term unpaid usage from an unregistered gas or electricity meter, we can:

• Advise on your legal position
• Draft letters or formal correspondence to suppliers
• Help agree fair repayment terms based on actual usage

Speak to a solicitor who understands the law, the industry and how to protect your interests.