Woman tampered with natural gas meter

A Waterford woman has been given a three-month suspended sentence for interfering with a natural gas meter.

Niamh Power, of 108 Priory Lawn, Ballybeg, Co Waterford, was found guilty under the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995. It is the first time a custodial sentence has been imposed for meter tampering.

Judge Kevin Staunton imposed a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for six months.

The conviction follows three successful criminal prosecutions in Dublin in May of this year.

Bord Gáis Networks welcomed the conviction, saying it serves to highlight the serious safety issues posed by unlawfully interfering with meters.

Head of safety with Bord Gáis Networks, Owen Wilson, described tampering as a serious public safety concern.

“By interfering unlawfully with a gas meter, people are not just putting their own safety at risk, but the safety of their families, neighbours and the general public. The consequences could be costly or even fatal,” he said.

Revenue protection manager with Bord Gáis Networks, Con O’Donnell, said legal action was regrettable but necessary.

“We firmly hope this further criminal conviction sends a clear message to those who are currently involved in or thinking of unlawfully interfering with a gas meter. We have received an increased number of tip-offs from members of the public concerned about the dangers arising from unlawful interference and safety is our number one priority.”

According to Bord Gáis Networks, 512 people have tampered with their meter so far this year. The overall figure for last year was 740, based on the number of reports of tampering received by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Last September, Bord Gáis Networks set up a dedicated unit specifically to identify meters that have been tampered with. They also launched a nationwide safety campaign, with a particular focus on counties with a high number of confirmed cases such as Cork, Waterford, Dublin, and Kildare.

If you suspect meter tampering is taking place, you can report it to Bord Gáis Networks on 1850 200694 or via bordgaisnetworks.ie/metertampering