The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is appealing to customers to cooperate with its meter readers after reporting that some employees have faced physical confrontations while attempting to carry out their duties.
APUA officials said meter readers must be allowed to access electricity meters so the authority can record consumption accurately and issue bills based on actual usage.
The authority acknowledged that customers are concerned about rising electricity bills but said those concerns should not result in workers being obstructed, threatened or physically confronted.
Officials urged customers to ensure that meters are accessible by clearing vegetation, removing garbage and securing dogs when meter readers are expected to visit. Locked gates and other barriers can also prevent workers from recording consumption.
APUA said its intention is to read every meter, but employees regularly encounter properties where access is difficult or unsafe.
Customers who have concerns about the conduct of a meter reader were encouraged to contact APUA directly instead of confronting the worker.
The appeal comes as the authority responds to public complaints about sharp increases in electricity bills. APUA officials said accurate meter readings are necessary to determine whether an increase resulted from higher consumption, a longer billing period or changes in the fuel variation charge.
When a meter cannot be read, APUA may have to estimate the customer’s consumption based on previous usage. The authority has estimated that between 10% and 15% of its electricity meters are not working and is conducting a meter replacement programme.
Officials said meter readers also use handheld devices to enter readings manually, creating the possibility of human error. Customers who believe a bill is incorrect can request an investigation through one of APUA’s customer service centres.
The authority is planning to introduce automated metering infrastructure that would significantly reduce the need for workers to enter customers’ properties.
Under that system, readings would be transmitted directly to APUA through communication links. Electricity customers would also be able to view their consumption by the hour.
Electricity Business Unit Manager Andre Mathias said automated meters would eliminate problems caused by locked gates and dogs because APUA would no longer need physical access to a property to obtain a reading.
APUA expects a major deployment of the new meters to begin later this year or early next year. Until then, officials are asking customers to cooperate with meter readers and allow them to perform their duties safely.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: APUA appeals for customers to cooperate with its meter readers following Reports of Physical Altercations.