FortisBC asks Elk Valley residents to keep natural gas meters clear for safety

With snow piling up, Elk Valley locals need clear snow from their natural gas meters as well as their driveways.

“Our operations team in Fernie, Sparwood and Cranbrook are noticing that many customers’ natural gas meters are buried under snow,” said a spokesperson for FortisBC, the natural gas provider for the province.

“We’re hoping customers can help our crews mitigate any safety concerns by clearing all snow off their natural gas meters.

“A natural gas meter measures the amount of natural gas a home or business uses. The natural gas meter is located where the service line enters the premises. Keeping a clear area around your meter ensures that residents, meter readers or emergency responders can reach it safely at all times,” they said, adding that in order for the metres to function properly, they needed to be clear of ice and snow at all times.

Residents should only remove build-up snow by hand, and not use a snowplow or blower near a meter. A clear path should also be maintained to the meter. If ice builds up on a meter, never kick or hit it to clear it.

“If ice builds up on a natural gas meter or regulator, please call FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 and we’ll remove the ice for you.”

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