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Meter & Meter Reader Safety
Your safety — and ours — is our top priority! At Central Hudson, we’re committed to keeping our employees and customers safe. Our team occasionally needs access to your property to read meters and perform essential tasks. Your cooperation helps create a safe environment for everyone!
Thank you for helping us ensure a secure and smooth service experience.
Keep your meter and path to it clear
It is important that all customers keep electric and gas meters clear of snow and ice and maintain a clear path to the meters.
For your safety, the regulators on natural gas meters must be fully cleared to allow proper ventilation. To clear snow off a meter, use a broom, brush or gloved hand. Never use power equipment, excessive force or sharp objects, such as a shovel, directly on the meter, as this can cause damage and unsafe conditions.
Meters must also be accessible to Central Hudson staff. Examples of obstructions for both outdoor or indoor meters include snow, ice, vegetation overgrowth, storage boxes, garbage or any other kind of debris. If your meter is not safely accessible, you will be issued an estimated bill for that period. Regulations mandate a maximum fine of $25 per month for residential customers and no more than $100 for commercial customers per building or premises if access is not provided in a timely manner.
It is important that utility personnel be provided access to meters when necessary not only for meter reads, but also for safety. Inspections of natural gas meters are conducted periodically for your safety and the safety of the general public.
Please remember to notify Central Hudson if your meter is located inside your business or behind a locked gate and you change keys or means of entry.
Please keep dogs restrained
Dogs are often very protective of their family and home. For the safety of our employees and for the sake of your dog, please keep pets indoors or secured, especially around the time of your scheduled meter readings.
Your next scheduled meter reading date can be found:
1) On your Central Hudson bill; or
2) On the My Account Dashboard page.
Our meter readers will not approach a residence if there is a dog outside and you will be issued an estimated bill for that period.
Note about meter reader visibility ...
Central Hudson uses a variety of meter reading devices and technologies to collect customer meter readings. While some meters need to be read visually by a meter reader, other meter readings can be obtained from a distance without us having to set foot on your property. You may not see a meter reader on your property or security camera.