https://utilityexplained.com/tags/meter-testing/Recent content in Meter Testing on Utility ExplainedHugoen-usSun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-neighbor-is-stealing-electricity/Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-neighbor-is-stealing-electricity/<h2 id="quick-answer">Quick Answer</h2> <p><strong>The only definitive way to tell if a neighbor is stealing your electricity is the &ldquo;main breaker test&rdquo;: turn off your home&rsquo;s main electrical breaker and check your utility meter; if the meter continues to tick or show active usage, power is being drawn by something outside your control.</strong> While actual theft is rare, &ldquo;phantom usage&rdquo; is often caused by shared circuits in multi-family buildings, wiring faults, or forgotten high-draw appliances. If the meter stops when your breaker is off, the usage is internal; if it keeps running, document the evidence and contact your utility provider immediately—never attempt to confront a neighbor or touch utility-side equipment yourself.</p>