my meter

Country Energy’s meter readers are responsible for the accurate reading of 1.5 million meters; approximately 6 million meter readings per year.

why does Country Energy require access to my meter?

• By ensuring meter readers can access and read meters safely, customers can avoid having their electricity usage estimated on past consumption.
• Country Energy’s authorised personnel, including meter readers must have access to the meter in order to read, test or maintain it, or remove and replace as necessary. Even though some meters can be read electronically, it’s still essential that they are kept free from obstructions so that Country Energy can access them in critical times and continue to read them as necessary.

what problems do meter readers face?

To reduce the risk of dog bites and access problems faced by meter readers, Country Energy suggests five simple tips:

1. Do not fence in meter boxes - build fences and gates behind the meter box.
2. Ensure safe and easy access to meter boxes by not locking gates, trimming back nearby bushes, moving rubbish and clearing spider webs and insect nests.
3. Keep dogs safely secured during the day or place them in a different area to where the meter box is located.
4. Phone 13 23 56 to tell us if you have a dog that is unrestrained during the day or have a new puppy. We will work with you so meters can be read safely.
5. Do not use private padlocks or locking devices on meter boxes. If you’re concerned about the security of your meter, contact Country Energy about a customer lock. This will ensure meter readers and emergency crews can still access the meter, especially in case of fire or electric shock. To purchase a Country Energy customer lock for your meter box visit your local customer service centre or call 13 23 56.

Country Energy provides meter readers with intensive dog awareness and safety training and has a range of internal warnings and procedures in place. These include a dog register to alert meter readers before entering a property.

Country Energy meter box clearance and access guidelines:

Customer must ensure the following guidelines are met:

• A minimum of two metres of clear space is required to be kept around the meter box.
• No permanent obstructions, such as trees, bushes or walls should be placed in front of or near the meter. Build fences and gates behind rather than in front of meter boxes.

for more information

The complete Service and Installation Rules of New South Wales October 2006 can be found by visiting the Publications page at www.deus.nsw.gov.au.

Meter box clearance and access guidelines, plus excerpts from both the Standard Form Customer Supply Contract and the Service and Installation Rules of New South Wales October 2006 can be downloaded here.