Arrival at Customer's Home

Video doorbell

Video doorbells are very common nowadays as are other outdoor 2-way communication video devices. Ring the video doorbell as usual, wait to see if you get an answer. If not ring the doorbell again and wave at the camera, hold up a door tag about 2 feet away from the doorbell for approximately 10 seconds as still as you can.

Entering a customer's house

There are some instances where the customer does not have a gate to enter their yard, or the gate is blocked off for whatever reason. Sometimes the electric meter is located inside the person’s house. Be sure to show them the new meter you have with you, some people think you need to go to their breaker box, showing them the meter helps them realize what it is you are there to do. On occasion a tech must enter a customer’s house to change the electric meter. If the meter is located inside the actual house you must call your field manager and have a supervisor present. If the meter is in a closed in porch or screened in porch there is no need to call a supervisor. Before you and the supervisor enter a customer’s house both will follow the Covid 19 protocols with face mask as well as boot covers.

No one is home

If no one is home, assess the situation, can you change the meter safely? Knock on the gate, make noise, whistle, see if they have a dog. Normally if you knock firmly 3 times on the door for two tries you will wake up and alert any dogs. If it is safe to enter the gated area do so.

Approaching a business of any kind

Walk in and allow them to finish any business they might be in the middle of with a customer. Introduce yourself having your ID badge presentable and your letter of authorization. Ask to speak to a manager or person in charge. Explain to the person in charge what you are doing, that their power could go out. Most businesses will not let you change the meter right then and there. Ask them what time would be good for you to exchange the meter. Normally they will ask you to come before they open or after they close. If the hours requested are before or after your normal business hours give them a door tag and ask them to call in and make an appointment.

Meter is not accessible

You will on occasion find the meter is indoors, this includes inside a screened enclosure like a back porch. Leave a door hanger on the front door and the back door. Sometimes rarely, there is something like a vehicle blocking you from getting to the meter, leave a door hanger on the front door and write a note saying, “car is in the way to access the electric meter” Never climb over things to get to a meter. Some people even board up over the meter, never under any circumstances take apart something built around the meter. you will be held accountable for restoring the structure. We also do not move anything out of the way, the liability will be on you if that item breaks or there is any damage to the property.

Door tags

Door tags/hangers are the best way to communicate when you cannot communicate in person. If for some reason you cannot complete the meter change leaves the door hanger, on the back of it write a note explaining what they need to do such as move a car, move some tires, have any pets secured, etc. or if they need to schedule an appointment for any reason.