RISING energy costs have been linked with an alarming rise in the number of struggling families putting themselves at risk to tamper with their energy meters.

Official industry data revealed this month that Britain’s energy debt has climbed to a record high of £3.9 billion.

Campaigners warned today that the number of households stealing about £1.5bn of gas and electricity every year will rise as people become “increasingly desperate” to avoid falling into debt.

Britain’s official energy theft tipoff service estimates that as many as one in every 150 homes tamper with their energy meters, pipes or cables to secure energy.

Organised criminal gangs are also increasingly tapping into the electricity grid to steal power for cannabis farms and bitcoin mining operations. 

It is all ultimately paid for through bills, adding almost £50 a year to the costs faced by all households.

End Fuel Poverty Coalition co-ordinator Simon Francis said: “As energy debt reaches even higher record levels and energy bills continue to rise alongside other household costs, people are becoming increasingly desperate. 

“We’ve already seen evidence of households turning to loan sharks to pay energy bills at the same time as the energy industry makes billions in profits. 

“This is why the government must take short and long term action to bring down energy bills and Ofgem’s new Debt Relief Scheme can’t come soon enough for customers struggling with the cost of energy.

“We’d encourage anyone struggling with the cost of the energy to reach out for help from their energy firm or from reputable advice organisations. 

“Energy theft is criminal, it can lead to energy firms forcing entry to your home to investigate issues and in some cases it is extremely dangerous, such as if customers tamper with meters.”

National Energy Action’s head of policy Matt Copeland said: “As prices continue to rise and energy debt increases, households struggling to pay their bills will turn to increasingly desperate measures to stay warm at home and keep up with their bills.

“It is important that the UK government recognises this and provides significant support to households to reduce their bills, through the upcoming warm homes plan and financial support this winter.”

The Department for Energy Security has been contacted for comment.