I Worked for the Local Electric Co for a few years and saw MANY things that people do to decrease their electric bill. Most don't work, and all can get you fined and arrested. We had Many cases every month of people stealing power.
The Best method and only really works if either you are Isolated, or compacted in a group of "Modern" houses or similar. look at the meters in the area. do they have "ERT" or anything that hints at "radio". if so, you are in luck. These meters are read by a handheld device that scans all the electric meters in the area and gathers all the readings. (This is good because you have a less chance of a worker walking up to your meter base) Then the thing to do is, get some INSULATED pliers and some #4 Copper wire and "jump" the connection between the terminals. (should take 2 vertical wires about 3-4 inches long) This is straight up stealing!!! another method is to do the same, but replace the meter on top. some power goes through the meter, but most doesn't..
**WARNING** this is obvious theft. If you already have established service, or there were previous tenants, there are flags that show up if you have a bill that goes from $550 every month down to $30... they WILL manually go to the meter and test it and also check for tampering!
Another method is if you have the old style meter that has a revolving wheel... You drill a tiny hole in the bottom and insert a small stick or toothpick, straw, etc to drag the wheel. this slows it down some.
This is for Information purposes only! You will get caught eventually, depending on the Linemen and such that work for your power company.
