In fact, these systems detect and report the number of times a meter has even been turned off/on with date and time stamps and can even locate the meter if it has been moved from its registered address. In either case some AMI systems have been designed to alert the utility of these conditions. Thieves often try removing a meter from the socket or even taking a meter from another location and replacing their original meter to reduce their electric bill. Technology has become the new eyes and ears for spotting tampering. Fortunately, AMI systems, smart meters, and its data can help utilities find tampering instances remotely. Which means the monthly visual inspection no longer happens.
Today, after a utility upgrades to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, there is no longer a need for on premise meter reading. Occasionally the tampering would be obvious, but often the energy thieves would be creative in their attempts to get around the system and steal power. Often, to find a tampering instance, the utility relied on meter readers to notice an issue during the monthly onsite reading. In the past, older electromechanical meters were very limited in their ability to monitor for tampering. Residential and commercial customers have tried many methods over the years, often creating conditions that are dangerous for themselves, their neighbors and utility. Tampering is usually associated with a utility customer that wants to reduce their electric bill.
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