Tamper detection apparatus for an electric meter (M) installed at a
facility supplied power through an electrical distribution system, the
meter being connected to the facility using a receptacle (K) and
monitoring electricity usage at the facility for electricity delivered to
the facility flowing through the meter. A sensor (RR) senses movement of
the meter more than a predetermined amount with respect to the
receptacle, whether or not electricity is flowing through the meter, and
produces a tampering signal when this occurs. A second and optional
sensor (Z) senses the proximity of the meter to its receptacle with
removal of meter from its receptacle producing a tampering signal
representative thereof. Generation of a tampering signal results in a
tamper alert signal being transmitted to the system through a two-way
communications path established between the facility and the system.