Meter Tampering is a Crime!

WHAT IS METER TAMPERING: any unauthorized alteration, manipulation, change, or modification of a meter or meter equiptment, the diversionn or bypass of the meter so that consumption is not properly registered and recorded, interference with  or obstruction of meter communications, or alteration of meter data that could adversely affect the intergrity of billing data or the water utility's ability to collect, record, and process the data needed for billing. Meter tampering includes, but is not limited to, harming or defacing the water utility's metering facilities, physically or electronically disorienting the meter, attaching objects to the meter, inserting objects into the meter, altering billing data, construction of electrical pathways that bypass the meter in whole or part, or other electrical or mechanical means of preventing the metering equipment from registering, recording, and reporting accurate condumption information.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES: meter tampering in Texas carries significant legal consequences, Texas Penal Code 28.03 classifies intentional damage or interference with public utilities as criminal mischief, with penalties ranging from a CLASS C MISDEMANOR for minor offenses to a FIRST-DEGREE FELONY. biloatiors may also face civil penalties, including fines imposed by utility providers.