Meter Tampering and Power Theft: What You Need to Know

At DEMCO, our top priority is keeping members safe while delivering reliable, affordable electricity. Part of that responsibility includes protecting our electric meters. Because the meter is DEMCO’s property and directly tied to the safety of our electrical system, tampering with it is both dangerous and illegal.

Why You Should Never Tamper with a Meter

  • Do not cut the seal. If you notice that a meter seal is missing, contact DEMCO immediately so a technician can inspect and reseal the meter.
  • Do not enter the meter base. If you need a meter installed or removed, call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626). DEMCO will disconnect your service safely before you perform electrical repairs or install a generator—at no charge.
  • Only DEMCO technicians are authorized to install or remove meters.

Tampering with a meter can cause severe injury or death, compromise the safety of DEMCO’s electrical system, and expose others in the community to hazards.

What Counts as Power Theft

Power theft isn’t just cutting corners—it’s a crime. It includes:

  • Utility theft: Actions that prevent a meter from correctly registering electricity use, or removing a disconnect device.
  • Power diversion: Any method used to divert electricity.
  • Meter tampering: Breaking a seal, opening the meter base, removing the meter, or altering service in any way that results in or could result in theft.

Even if unintentional, if your service is altered by someone other than DEMCO, it is considered tampering and could result in disconnection.

What Happens if Tampering is Found

If DEMCO discovers that a meter has been tampered with:

  • Service will be disconnected.
  • Law enforcement may be contacted.
  • Reconnection will require payment of fees and, in some cases, parish permitting before service is restored.

Associated Fees

Members are responsible for all costs linked to tampering or theft, which may include:

  • $200 tampering fee
  • $28.50 for a missing or damaged red disconnect meter collar
  • $150 for a missing or damaged meter
  • $10 per day for unmetered usage
  • Up to $275 deposit plus reconnection fees

Permitting requirements vary by parish and may add additional costs and delays.

Who Pays These Fees?

  • If the account is active, the current member is responsible for tampering fees and unmetered usage.
  • If the account is inactive, DEMCO will require proof of lease or ownership to determine where fees are applied.

Protecting Our Members and Communities

Meter tampering affects everyone by driving up costs and creating safety risks. By leaving meters in the hands of DEMCO’s trained technicians, you help protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors.

If you suspect tampering or notice anything unusual with your meter, please call 1-844-MyDEMCO immediately. Click HERE to learn more.