Tamper detection apparatus for electrical meters

Tamper detection apparatus for an electric meter installed at a facility that receives power from an electrical distribution system, comprising:

• an electric meter operatively connected to a receptacle installed at the facility to monitor electricity usage at the facility, whereby power from the electrical distribution system transmits through the meter to the facility;
• a first sensor operatively connected to the electric meter to sense movement of the meter more than a predetermined amount with respect to the receptacle when no electricity is flowing through the meter and transmit a first tampering signal to the system;
• a second sensor operatively connected to the electric meter to sense the proximity of the electric meter to its receptacle and transmit a second tampering signal to the system if the electric meter is removed from the receptacle, the second sensor comprising a first component housed within the electric meter and a second component attached to the receptacle so that the first component and second component operatively connect if the electric meter is connected to the receptacle and operatively disconnect if the electric meter is disconnected from the receptacle;
• and
• two-way communicator operatively connected between the facility and the system to transmit an alert signal from the facility to the system to indicate tampering with the meter.