Enedis is intensifying efforts to tackle Linky meter fraud by deploying a specialized team to identify and address tampering incidents. With a significant rise in electricity prices prompting illegal activities, the company has detected numerous cases of manipulation, utilizing a team of analysts and algorithmic analysis. Despite legal repercussions, such as fines and imprisonment, many individuals continue to engage in fraud, exploiting simple methods that can easily go undetected, leaving honest consumers to shoulder the financial impact.
Enedis Steps Up the Fight Against Linky Meter Fraud
Enedis is ramping up its efforts to combat fraud involving Linky meters, deploying a dedicated team to catch those who manipulate the devices. No fraudulent activity goes unnoticed, as the company intensifies its vigilance against those who evade their electricity payments.
This issue is becoming increasingly prevalent in France, with a notable rise in the number of tampered Linky meters. In the wake of a staggering 43% increase in electricity prices over the past two years, many individuals are resorting to illegal methods to reduce their energy costs.
Understanding the Methods of Meter Tampering
The tactics employed by fraudsters remain consistent: some install diversion systems to underreport energy consumption, while others directly connect to the electricity network, resulting in a zero consumption reading.
One resident in the Paris area opted for the latter approach. When Enedis fraud agents visited, he feigned ignorance about his year-and-a-half of zero energy use, despite not being on an extended vacation. A quick inspection of the meter quickly exposed the deception: “These two blue cables shouldn’t be here,” the agents noted. The individual may attempt to blame the company, but he now faces the possibility of repaying an estimated €2,900 in arrears, along with a potential court summons. This incident was not a random discovery by Enedis.
According to Enedis, they have successfully identified all individuals tampering with Linky meters, thanks to a team of 250 analysts who monitor anomalies across the country. With 37 million meters in France, algorithmic analysis, including the use of artificial intelligence, is essential for thorough investigations.
Once suspicious cases are flagged, agents are dispatched to confirm the existence of fraud. Enedis aims to double its workforce by 2025 in a bid to eliminate this issue, currently facing over 100,000 instances of tampered meters. “Since 2022, electricity theft has surged by two terawatt-hours, equivalent to Charente-Maritime not paying for electricity, costing €250 million,” explains Bertrand Boutteau, the director of Enedis’ fraud division.
Moreover, tampering with Linky meters is alarmingly straightforward. An anonymous fraudster claims that “even a teenager could do it,” demonstrating that he can install a diversion system in just over six minutes without any formal training in electrical work.
A mechanic discovered tampering methods through a Snapchat advertisement and paid €1,500 for the knowledge, now profiting between €2,000 to €3,000 per month in addition to his regular salary. This reality sheds light on why existing legal penalties fail to deter such fraudulent activities. Offenders risk up to three years in prison and fines of €45,000, but these consequences often do little to discourage dishonest practices, leaving honest customers to bear the financial burden.