I have a question about meter readers?

Question

I HATE it when meter readers have to come n my property to read meters. So i was wondering is there a way to have them read it without them waltzing on my property? Here is why : I have two dogs. They are sweethearts but A. They would run out if a door/gate was open. B. They arent friendly to intruders or new guests. Every time the meter reader comes her opens my gate, walks in, reads it, walks out. He has to go through the whole yard (it is at the oppisite end) and he lets my dogs out and/or sprays them. I am sick of it! Help! ps I live in CA

Answer 1

Then you should inquire about having an RF meter installed if this is electric . If it's gas, then they will still have to get in every so often to check the meter as required by OSHA. On your bill, it should have your next scheduled read date, read that and try to be prepared on that day . After all, this is the reason why its there. One thing to remember is that they have the right to be there , regardless . I have personally had many many people removed from their own property long enough for me to get in and do my business (only the really irate customers) , and trust me , you don't want that as it can be a bit embarrassing for the customer .

Answer 2

Most utilities have remote meters located on the outside of the house. You can probably (at your expense) have the meter run to the fence at the gate. The water company I worked for allowed this. They still required an actual reading of the main meter once a year.

Answer 3

In Alabama, you have the option to read your own meter...they will still come by, but not near as often, just to make sure that you are being truthful. You can try to contact the power company and see if you guys offer such a thing over there in California!

Answer 4

Meter readers are required to read the meter no matter where they have to go. I hate it when they come in the back but no choice.

Answer 5

The are staring to electonically read the meters, If you don't have that in your area, I would just call your utility, You did not mention if it was for gas or electricty. and tell them about your dogs, and ask them if there is any other way for them to read it. I agree with the other poster, you don't want them to estimate it, so find another way that they can handle it. Good Luck

Answer 6

The meter readers we have do use a thing where they read the meter from their vehicle. I don't know what they are called though.

Answer 7

In most areas of southern california they have the ability to electronically read your meter..if this is not available where you are call the power company and ask if you can send in the readings monthly...if not they will estimate and you dont want that...believe me

Answer 8

Put locks on the gates...most meter readers now have binoculars..In Panama city,florida they read them all like this, no matter if there is yard access or not

Answer 9

You can read the meter yourself and write it down on a piece of paper and hand it to them when they make their call.

Answer 10

put a note on the gate beware of dogs he will knock at your door every time if it doesn't work print a sign that read "please knock at door to enter backyard" and get it laminated at a office supply store then hang on gate. if that still don't work get a lock for the gate.... also check with your utility company mine lets me do my own readings and then they double check every 6 months to a year, depending on how long you are with them.