Abstracting electricity

Abstracting electricity is a statutory offence of dishonestly using, wasting, or diverting electricity, covered by different legislation in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The law applies, for instance, in cases of bypassing an electricity meter, reconnecting a disconnected meter, plugging an electronic device into a socket without permission, or unlawfully obtaining a free telephone call.

In Low v Blease [1975] Crim LR 513, it was held that electricity could not be stolen as it is not property within the meaning of section 4 of the Theft Act 1968.^[1]^[2] Before the Computer Misuse Act 1990 those who misused computers ("hackers") were charged with abstracting electricity, as no other law applied.^[3]

^ Low v Blease (1975) 119 SJ 695, [1975] Crim LR 513, DC
^ Cite error: The named reference ie was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "Abstracting electricity". Oxford Reference. Retrieved 6 October 2020.

[1] Low v Blease (1975) 119 SJ 695, [1975] Crim LR 513, DC

[ie-2] Cite error: The named reference ie was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[3] "Abstracting electricity". Oxford Reference. Retrieved 6 October 2020.

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