Safety, security and privacy

Yes. Advanced gas meters meet the same standards as current meters. They’ve been approved by Measurement Canada and meet Canadian Standards Association safety regulations. The meters are also subject to third-party inspections to help ensure safety and security.

Yes, at low levels. Advanced meters use a wireless transmitter that emits a low level of electromagnetic field. The low levels of radiofrequency emitted by advanced meters are within Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 standards.

The meters transmit data a few times a day, approximately every four hours. That equals about two to three seconds per day.

The Radiofrequency Fields in the Environment and from Advanced Metering Infrastructure report concludes that the indoor radiofrequency (RF) exposure from our gas meters is about 24 million times lower than the Health Canada exposure limit. It’s significantly lower than RF emitted from other common sources, including the human body.

Advanced gas meters feature a remote shutoff option. This means we can turn off gas service remotely on a temporary basis if we’re made aware of an emergency such as an earthquake, wildfire, gas leak or flood. Please note: SmartPoint attachments do not include this function. For more details on safety and security features, visit our benefits and technology page.

The meter only measures and sends gas usage data for billing purposes and customer-facing energy usage insights. It also sends service alarm data. The meter does not transmit information like names, addresses and account details.

Your gas usage data is protected using multiple security measures, including encryption, through our private wireless network via our licensed radiofrequency and proprietary protocol. The information isn’t available to the public. Advanced gas meters are subject to third-party audits and monitored regularly.

Customer gas usage data is stored in Canada in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Your usage data is protected under the BC Personal Information Protection Act. FortisBC takes responsibility for security and storage. For more information, check our privacy policy.