Device that pulls plug on meter questioned

An electronic device named the "electricity stealer" has become a hot seller online after makers claimed it can slow and even stop household meters.

Power suppliers are investigating the device and the way it is being used.

"The price is 600 yuan for a home-use 'electricity stealer' and the customer can adjust it to make the meter run 50 percent slower than it should, or stop altogether," claimed Hong Yuan, manager of Jin Rui Electronic Technology Company, which is based in Xiamen. "We sell around 50 devices a month to customers in Beijing and sales nationwide are even better."