This topic was featured in the August 2024 Kansas Country Living Centerspread.

For your safety, never tamper with or pull (remove) a meter. Only electric utility crews should access an electric meter. 

Illegally accessing a meter can cause an arc flash bright enough to result in blindness and powerful enough to launch fragments of red-hot, shrapnel-like debris, according to the Cooperative Research Network. Serious injury or death from electrocution, explosion or fire is often a result of meter tampering. 

Unfortunately, individuals may unlawfully try to tamper with a meter to bypass it, create an illegal connection to a power line or attempt to reconnect or disconnect the power, often resulting in disastrous consequences. 

MORE ON METER SAFETY

      •Tampering with a meter is illegal in most states. 

      •Meters should only be installed, maintained or removed by electric utility crews.  

      •Accessing the backside of a meter can generate high voltage; pulling or tampering with a meter can cause electric shock, sparks, surges, explosions or fire. 

      •Electricity should always be connected or disconnected using a transfer switch or dedicated disconnection point. 

      •There is no guarantee that a structure is deenergized by pulling a meter. 

      •If firefighters try disconnecting a home by pulling a meter, it can introduce additional problems and damage. 

OTHER FACTS

Only the electric utility can properly and safely disconnect a meter. Utility crews are trained in proper disconnection techniques and wear protective clothing and gear.

With AMI meters, the utility is notified remotely whenever a meter is pulled.

For more information about electrical safety, visit www.SafeElectricity.org