Gas and Electric Meter Safety

Natural gas and electric meters and equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions including heavy snow and ice. Hard-packed snow, icicles falling from your eaves, or water dripping from your roof and freezing on your meter can create a safety hazard. Also, snow and ice build-up around the fresh-air and exhaust vents for your natural gas appliances can cause them to malfunction and create a carbon monoxide hazard.

Protect your meter

• Never let snow completely cover your meter.
• Use caution when using a shovel around your meter. Don't shovel snow up against your meter, and take care using a snow blower or plow near your meter.
• Where possible, use a broom instead of a shovel to clear snow away from the meter.
• Never kick or hit the gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice. Remove the snow or ice with your hands.
• Remove icicles hanging from your eaves or gutters and protect your meter from dripping water that could freeze on the meter and piping.
• If your gas meter is completely encased in ice or you think there might be a problem, call us at 1-800-464-7726.

• If an abnormal amount of snow has accumulated on your roof, use a shovel to remove and protect the dwelling

Keep air supply ducts and vents clear

Some direct-vent and high-efficiency appliances have side wall vents and air intakes that could become obstructed during heavy snow fall.

• Gas equipment requires air for safe combustion and venting of appliances.
• Keep vents unobstructed and free of debris.