Meter Reading Safety

At Newfoundland Power, we consider the safety of our customers and employees our number one priority. The safety of our meter readers may be compromised if pets, ice, snow, tools or equipment interfere with access to your electrical meter. We appreciate the assistance you provide in ensuring our readers complete their work day safely.  

Pets

Please keep pets indoors or detained while the meter is being read. Your Newfoundland Power electricity bill tells you when your meter will be read next. On those days, we ask you to please confine your pet. View a sample residential bill to locate your next reading day. You can also submit your reading online.

If your meter is located inside your home, please bring your pet to another room before the meter reader enters your home.

If necessary, our meter readers may use an umbrella-like device called a “Bite Terminator”. This device will not harm animals; rather, it allows a meter reader to retreat safely.

Winter Meter Reading

Newfoundland weather, especially during the winter, can be a challenge for anyone. Rain, snow and ice, sometimes all on the same day (or even in the same hour), provide unsafe driving and walking conditions.

During winter, be sure to:

• Clear and de-ice the pathway leading to your meter. This includes any walkways or driveways. 
• If you have a gate, make sure snow or ice does not prevent it from opening.
• Ensure any stairs needed to reach your meter are shoveled and free of snow or ice. 
• Keep the area in front of your meter free of any debris. Hidden hazards under the snow, such as siding or construction materials, can be a source of injury. 
• Remove any icicles hanging overhead.

Winter is not the only season when accidents can happen. We encourage and thank you for your co-operation throughout the year.

Accessibility

There may be other reasons why the area around a meter is unsafe for reading. Toys, garden hoses, construction materials and trash can cause trip and fall accidents to occur. You can help prevent accidents by maintaining a clear path to your meter and keeping the area in front of the meter open and free of anything that can block a clear view. Meter readers can read most all meters from a distance; however, the meter itself has to be visible.

Why It May Be Necessary To Estimate Your Bill

Meters located indoors, behind locked or deteriorated gates, high fences, or during times when there is ice or bad weather are a few of the reasons why our meter readers may be unable to read your meter. When this occurs, your bill will be estimated based on your previous electricity usage history. If access issues have been a problem for you and you wish to discuss providing greater access to your meter, please call or email us. Alternatively, you can submit your reading online.