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Starting in late February, SUB will begin its meter access program and will visually inspect every electric meter to verify that the utility has safe, clear, and continuous access to it. The technician who inspects the meter will also check the seal on the meter to ensure it is safe and secure.
“Customers often forget about the meter and put things in front of it or even enclose it,” Meter Reader Fernando Berry said.
Get your meter ready for a visit
Residents with a radio meter that can be read from a vehicle are not accustomed to SUB employees physically accessing their meters. Since the program will run over many months, SUB will be sending a letter and following up with an automated call to let customers know when they can expect their meter to be inspected. Customers with cell phones on file may also receive a text.
Be sure SUB has your current phone number to ensure you are contacted about the meter access program, as well as other important matters. If you need to verify or update the phone number on your account, call (541) 746-9599 for assistance.
Physical access to electric meters
SUB’s nine meter readers have a lot of meters to inspect (300-500/day each), so they will likely only be at any one property for a minute or less. Having ease of access to the meter keeps them moving. “A clear path to the meter and easy access to it makes a world of difference to us,” Berry said. “If you lock the gate to your backyard, we can’t get to your meter. SUB can provide a lock for the outside of that gate and give you a key. This makes it easy for us to access the meter, while giving you peace-of-mind.”
Here are some tips to be sure the area around your meter is clear and safe:
- Make sure meters have 3 feet of clearance on all sides
- Clear clutter from walkways and decks
- Trim back plants and shrubs near meters
- Keep pets safely indoors or leashed on meter reading days
- Unlock gates on meter-reading days
- Know your meter-reading day in advance by signing up for text or email alerts through your online SUB account. Don’t have one? It’s easy and free. Just go to subutil.com and search “online accounts” for more.
Keep your yard secure
Sometimes gates need to be locked. SUB can help with that. Call 541-744-3795 and request a free courtesy gate lock, which can only be opened by you and SUB staff. Your safety matters to us, so all meter readers wear distinctive shirts and jackets, and carry official ID. You can also call that same phone number to verify the identity of an employee.
Remember, the meter belongs to SUB, and customers are required to provide access to the meter for everyone’s safety.
Because meter readers have specific routes that they must cover each day, it’s not practical to schedule appointments. That’s why we’ll notify customers by mail in advance and send an automated call reminder two days before the meter is inspected. You might also receive a text the day before as a reminder.
They’re out there no matter the weather
Weather doesn’t stop the mail. It doesn’t stop SUB’s meter readers, either.
They walk as many as 12 miles a day, reading both radio electric meters from a distance and mechanical meters with spinning discs that need to be accessed to be read.
At many homes, they also read water meters, which are usually close to the street.
“I like being outside and really enjoy my job,” Berry said. “The day goes by so fast. Our team works well together. SUB’s just a great place to work.”
Your cooperation means a lot
People in our community are welcoming to meter readers, according to Coralee Garey-Wilder. “People are willing to be helpful. It makes our job so much easier.”
Remember, only someone from SUB can work on your meter. It is against SUB policy – and more importantly, very dangerous – to modify or try to fix the meter, exposing you to the risk of shock, explosion or fire. If a meter is damaged, please call 541-744-3795.
