“Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow shall keep them from their appointed rounds.” Of course, this quote refers to postal carriers, but it could just as easily apply to utility meter readers. Hartselle Utilities’ Meter Reading Team are Serviceman/Team Leader Matthew Reeves and Meter Readers Glenda Turrentine, Josh Hensley and Brian Hill. They read gas, electric and water meters, inspect meters to confirm that they are in good condition, clean out water meter boxes, and check for signs of tampering or fraud.
Meter readers have set routes which they follow. Generally, they will park their vehicles and walk their route, traveling a half mile or more from their vehicle – so don’t be alarmed if you see one of these friendly faces with no vehicle nearby.
While reading meters through the cold and rain is often part of a normal day’s work for HU meter readers, snarling dogs, wasps’ nests and climbing through rubbish, spider webs and overgrown shrubs to reach a meter box shouldn’t be. And the number one threat comes from dog attacks. To help us safeguard them against the very real danger of dog attacks, please:
● Keep the area around your meter clear and accessible.
● Do not fence in your meter box, if at all possible. Build fences and gates behind, rather than in front of, your utility meter.
● Keep dogs safely secured during the day, or place them in a different area from where the meter is located.
● Call our Customer Service office at (256) 773-3340 if you have a dog that is unrestrained during the day. We will work with you so that your meter can be read safely.
Like all Hartselle Utilities’ employees, meter readers will always carry identification. If you ever have a question or a concern, call Customer Service at (256) 773-3340.