Lives being put at risk through gas meter tampering — Bord Gais Networks

People’s lives are being put at risk from illegal tampering with gas meters in a bid to save on fuel bills, according to Bord Gáis Networks safety personnel.

New figures indicate that more than 500 cases of illegal tampering with gas meters have been detected since last September, while 90 of these have been confirmed in the last six weeks.

A tip-off phone line has also received more than 50 calls related to alleged tampering of gas supply since an RTÉ Crimecall programme aired on June 23., with a Bord Gáis Networks spokesperson claiming: “there has been a rise in activity on all levels in the last four to six weeks.”

Bord Gáis Networks has now launched a nationwide safety campaign in relation to gas meter tampering, with a particular focus on certain counties which have seen a number of confirmed cases: Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Cork, Waterford and Louth. Owen Wilson, head of safety at Bord Gáis Networks, said while no explosions or hospitalisations had been caused so far as a result of tampering, a number of gas leaks had occurred.

He warned anyone thinking of asking for their meter to be tampered with that all parties could be penalised financially. Mr Wilson said anyone struggling to meet payments should contact their gas supplier and seek to set up a payment plan.

Those convicted of an offence under sections of the Energy Act can face a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. According to BGN, to date there have been three criminal convictions in Dublin and a further four cases are pending prosecution in the Munster area.