Meter reading: Keep areas around utility meters accessible, safe

When Longmont utility customers keep clear access to areas around electric and water meters, they make a positive difference for city meter reading staff. This staff walks Longmont neighborhoods on foot collecting electric and water usage data. Keeping meters clear helps save them time and reduce costs related to their work. It also minimizes the need for utility bill estimates when meters can't be easily read.

Below are some ideas for ways to make meters more accessible:

Relocate obstacles such as wood, storage cabinets, vehicles and debris away from the meter area so that readers can gain access quickly and easily.
Plant landscaping such as trees, shrubs and foliage at least three feet from the meter so

Trees and other landscaping should be located three feet from meters to provide quick and easy access for the meter reader.

that readers do not have to work around these barriers.
Regularly trim landscaping and existing vegetation to maintain clearance to the meter.
Consider fencing or other measures that will prevent dogs from accessing the meter area as well as the path to the meter. Even a friendly dog may object and react unexpectedly to a stranger entering the yard.
Either unlock gates or place a combination lock on the gate and provide LPC with the combination. Combination numbers are kept secure and only used by utility employees.
In winter, remove ice and snow from the access way to the meter. Be sure walkways are not slippery, allowing the reader to approach the meter safely.
When shoveling snow from walks and driveways, avoid covering the water meter, which is often located in a pit in the front yard.

New meters make reading easier and more accurate

While City Code (14.32.210 - Meters, Paragraph C) requires all customers to provide access to the City's metering equipment, LPC appreciates the support customers provide in eliminating access restrictions that create reading delays leading to increased costs to the process.

If barriers can't be completely removed, customers can invest in an encoder receiver transmitter (ERT) meter. This allows readers to collect information from a distance, eliminating the need for access to the premises.

ERT meters and installation fees are added to a customer's utility bill for convenient payment.

ERT Costs

Residential electric ERT meter (200 amps & under)	$66.00
Residential water ERT meter installed inside the residence (basement or crawl space)	$90.00
Residential water ERT meter installed in a water meter pit	$110.00