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Energy theft, or diversion, is illegal, extremely dangerous and impacts all Vectren customers.
Vectren takes energy theft seriously and is working to reduce it, prevent safety hazards and
minimize increased costs.
If you observe suspicious activities around natural gas and/or electrical
equipment or notice any evidence of meter tampering, please report that information to Vectren.
You may anonymously report it by:
Energy theft is illegal
Just like shoplifting, diversion of natural gas (and electricity) is stealing, and it is against the
law. Individuals caught diverting energy, or tampering with gas or electric meters, will be subject to
immediate disconnection of service and collection proceedings and, in certain situations, criminal
prosecution that could result in a fine, imprisonment or both.
Energy theft is extremely dangerous
Electric equipment and natural gas facilities are designed with safety features/devices to protect
the public. Individuals who attempt to divert energy, tamper with or bypass the meter, create dangerous
- even deadly - situations. When they attempt to divert energy, they can damage pipes and valves or
electric wiring and circuits. These situations may result in natural gas leaks or faulty wiring,
which put the individuals, their family members and neighbors at risk of serious injury or death
from fire, explosion or electrocution not only at the time of the theft but for as long as the
tampering persists, because tampering creates safety hazards for all.
Energy theft impacts all customers
Individuals who steal energy are not just stealing from the utility; they are, in effect, stealing
from all customers who pay their bills. Similar to shoplifting, again, those individuals who steal
energy increase the costs to do business/provide service. And all customers are financially impacted
by this illegal activity.
Commitment to customers to reduce energy theft
Vectren takes energy theft seriously and is committed to protecting our customers from the impacts
of energy theft - both from a safety perspective and from a cost perspective. Vectren’s revenue
protection department investigates potential energy theft by analyzing meter consumption data and
inactive account data. In addition, Vectren’s field employees are trained to detect signs of meter
tampering and energy theft as well as investigate alleged diversions. If you notice a situation
where you suspect energy theft or meter tampering, you can help by reporting the suspicious activity
or evidence of meter tampering to Vectren.
You can help to reduce energy theft
Vectren needs your help. Customer tips often alert Vectren to potential energy thefts.
If you observe the following, it could be an indication of meter tampering and/or energy theft:
- Flexible tubing, even a garden hose, which looks look like it doesn’t run into the meter.
- Loose wiring that looks like it doesn’t run into the meter.
- A suspicious-looking person working on a meter or digging near underground pipelines or power lines.
- Someone mentioning their low energy bills because of by-passing the meter.
Please do not risk your personal safety by going near a suspected tampered meter; instead, please contact
Vectren. You can report the suspicious activity online, anonymously, if you choose, using the
Energy Theft Reporting Form below or by calling Vectren at (800) 227-1376.
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If you are experiencing problems, you can report a problem or you
can call a Customer Service Specialist at 1-800-227-1376.
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