A person, other than an authorized agent or employee acting for the owner, manufacturer, or operator thereof, who maliciously opens, closes, breaks into, or in any manner adjusts or interferes with a meter, or other regulating or measuring device or appliance attached to or connected with wires, pipe lines, mains, service pipes, or house pipes owned or used by a manufacturer or furnisher of electricity, gas, or water shall be imprisoned not more than three months or fined not more than  $100.00, or both.