Ofgem introduces new strategy to stop gas theft - 27/03/2012
Ofgem has looked to protect consumers by giving energy suppliers greater incentive to tackle the problem of gas theft.
The regulator estimates this crime costs the UK around £138 million per annum - or £6 for every household - while it suggested the 3,000 incidents detected each year are only a minority of the total cases.
Senior partner for markets at Ofgem Andrew Wright said: "We want to see suppliers take more action to reduce gas theft, which threatens the safety of consumers and industry workers as well making gas more expensive."
Measures put forward by the organisation include introducing enforceable obligations on suppliers to detect and investigate crimes more effectively.
It will support the industry in developing a new code of practice and the creation of a risk assessment service to improve the way thefts are dealt with.
Earlier this month, the Peterborough Evening Telegraph reported just one out of 53 reported incidences of gas theft in the town in 2011 led to a prosecution.
If you want to find out more about how to compare energy suppliers and save hundreds of pounds in minutes, click here.
Share this story with your friends:-
Save up to £300 on your gas & electricity bills at energyhelpline.com
Compare prices from all energy suppliers to find your best deal