Meter exchanges
In line with Measurement Canada requirements, we exchange and test a range of natural gas meters for homes and businesses. We do this to ensure your natural gas meter continues to be accurate, safe and reliable.
Arranging a meter exchange appointment
When your meter needs exchanging we’ll call to let you know, and confirm if you’re comfortable having a technician entering your home to relight your natural gas appliances after we exchange your meter. To exchange your meter, your natural gas service will be shut off temporarily so our technician can safely do the work. If you don’t have self-igniting natural gas appliances, our technician can relight them for you after they finish exchanging your meter.
A technician can relight your appliances for you, but if you’re not comfortable having a technician enter your home, you can:
- Have a technician guide you through the relighting process via videoconferencing technology so you can do it yourself, or;
- let us know that you’re comfortable relighting your appliances without guidance.
What you can expect
Exchanging your meter will take about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. There is no cost to you. This work is part of our routine maintenance program.
FortisBC is accredited as a meter service organization. This recognized status is based on federal government approval of our quality assurance programs. We also meet international standards for quality control.
When our technician arrives, they will:
- take the last reading on your current meter
- shut off the natural gas supply to the existing meter
- remove the meter
- put the new meter on
- take a new reading
- turn the natural gas back on
- relight your natural gas appliances, or provide guidance as needed if you prefer to relight your appliances yourself (unless you have self-igniting appliances).
Safety and security
We all love our pets, but even the friendliest of dogs can become protective of their home. If you have a meter exchange scheduled, please keep your dog inside or away from the meter, and if a technician is entering your home to relight your appliances, keep your pets away from the technician so our technician can do their job safely and efficiently.
We also care about your personal safety and want you to feel comfortable. All FortisBC employees carry photo identification. If someone approaches you claiming to work for FortisBC, ask to see identification. You can also call us at 1-888-593-8772 to verify that a FortisBC service technician is, or has been, working in your area.