Meter safety

Keeping the area around your meter clear helps you, meter readers and emergency crews reach it safely at all times. The energy you use enters your home or business at the meter, so it’s important to give it space to do its job.

Is your meter damaged?

We’re here to help. If your meter is damaged in any way, contact us:

Gas meters: Call FortisBC’s gas emergency line right away at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) to report damage.

Electric meters: FortisBC electricity customers should call 1-866-436-7847 (24 hours) to report damage.

Keep it clear in winter

  • Remove built-up snow from meters by hand. Make sure the regulator and shut-off valve on your gas meter are not covered.
  • Never kick or hit a meter to break ice or snow. If ice builds up on a meter or regulator, call us and we’ll remove the ice for you.
  • Don’t use a snowplow or blower near a meter.
  • Keep a clear path to each meter—don’t shovel snow onto it.
  • If your meter is being upgraded to an advanced meter, we’ll book an appointment to help minimize any interruption to your heating during colder months. In most cases, the technician will need to shut off your gas service to safely complete the exchange. If you're home at the time, they’ll relight your appliances once the work is done. If you’re not home, they’ll leave information about who to contact to have your appliances relit.

Safety measures in spring and summer

  • Keep the area around your meter clear of plants, bushes and landscaping.
  • Don’t tie or hang anything on a meter, like clotheslines, ropes, leashes or hoses.
  • Don’t store or lean things against a meter, like bikes or garbage bins. 
  • If your meter is in a driveway or parking area, put up posts to protect it from cars.
  • Don’t build anything around or over a meter or gas pipes, like a shed or deck.
  • Make sure the gas meter shut-off valve, which is next to the meter, isn’t covered with dirt or buried.
  • If you’re adding windows, doors or vents to your building, make sure they’re not too close to the gas meter. For more information, call us at 1-888-224-2710 or talk to a licensed gas contractor.

Give your meter room to work

Try to keep a clear path to your meter at all times. Be careful not to block it with stored items such as boxes, snow or plants. Don’t build anything around or over a meter or gas pipes, like a shed or deck. Building too close could lead to a safety hazard, and prevent our crew from completing meter readings, meter exchanges and maintenance.

The risk of overbuild hazards

If we identify an overbuild hazard, which is when third-party construction impacts gas meters and service lines, we may need to visit your property to clear the hazard. We may also need to replace your meter if it no longer complies with current safety standards. If work is required, we’ll contact you directly.

Has your gas been shut off?

DON’T try to turn it back on. Only a FortisBC technician or licensed gas contractor can turn the gas back on safely. Call FortisBC or a Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor to restore gas service at the meter.

Planning a tear down?

Gas and/or electricity service must be disconnected before any demolition work begins. This is important for your safety and that of workers, contractors and the general public. If you’re planning to demolish a house or building, contact us first to request removal of gas service or disconnection of electricity service.

Tip: Always click or call before you dig to find out where gas lines and other buried utilities are. Dig carefully by hand near your meter and/or gas line. If you damage this equipment, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs.