Hydro’s dedicated, hard-working employees whose job it is to read our customers’ electricity meters, spend much of their workday outdoors, travelling by vehicle and by foot, from one home or business to the next. That means they’re often exposed to all sorts of weather conditions and safety hazards.

You can do a few simple things to minimize those hazards and help keep them safe while they’re out and about doing their work.

Slippery surfaces
• To help prevent slips and falls, keep driveways and walkways free of snow and ice. Add salt to black ice and other slippery spots.

Other hazards underfoot
• Keep the path to and area around your meter clear of obstructions and items that can pose tripping hazards – such as garden hoses, tools, and toys.
• Ensure things such as firewood and construction materials are neatly stacked.
• Fix up or replace loose or rotting boards on steps or bridges that meter readers may have to walk on to get to the meter.

Dogs
We realize not all dogs are aggressive. But it’s usually hard for your meter reader to tell. And even the most friendly and playful pooches can be disruptive.
• No matter the size or temperament of your furry family member, please make sure dogs are in a kennel or inside the home when your meter reader visits.

Easy access and view
• If there are trees and shrubs near your meter, keep them trimmed back enough so they don’t obstruct the ability to see and read the meter or pose a safety hazard.
• Don’t put a cover over your meter.

Other obstructions
• Renovations, such as the addition of a patio or deck, could place the meter in an unsafe location. What might have been easy access before may now be a hazard. Let us know about meters that might be located in dangerous or hard to reach areas.

Damaged meters
• If your meter is damaged (e.g. cracked or shattered glass) – don’t touch it, warn others to stay away, and report it to Hydro by calling 1-888-737-1296.

On the road
• Meter readers spend much of their time behind the wheel, driving between houses and neighbourhoods. For their safety and yours, please remember to drive safely and alertly and follow the rules of the road. 

In the event of extreme weather conditions or if we are unable to access your meter for other reasons, our meter readers may not be able to get a scheduled reading of your meter. In that case, it will be estimated based on past usage and, if necessary, your bill will be adjusted when future readings are taken.

Always feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the accessibility or safety of the area around your meter.

We appreciate and thank our many customers who do their best to ensure their meter is easily accessible and who treat their meter reader respectfully.

Let’s work together to ensure a safe environment for meter readers.

For more information or to report a safety concern, please contact us at 1-888-737-1296.