Energex has said that despite a tragic incident last year in which a meter reader was killed after a dog attack, there were still incidents in which its employees were endangered by stray dogs.
General Manager of Customer Operations at Energex, Cloe Kernick said meter readers and field crews were required to assess the safety risks before entering properties to do work for customers.
“If they cannot see that dogs are suitably restrained, they will not enter,” Ms Kernick said.
“In January a Townsville meter reader was left shaken, but thankfully unscathed, after two dogs were able to burst through the front gate.”
She said dogs were not the only threat, with crews copping abuse from customers whose properties they won’t enter for safety reasons.
“There is no excuse for abuse, and we will not enter properties where meter readers or crews have been verbally or physically threatened,” Ms Kernick said.
She said Energex’s 24/7 Customer Self Service Portal was a handy resource for dog owners or anyone with continuing meter access issues.
“Customers can submit online self-meter reads, register for free SMS and email notifications the day before their scheduled meter read, and update their dog details so that we are aware of any changes at their property,” Ms Kernick said.
“Information provided by customers helps us make an assessment on whether it’s safe to enter a property, so it’s important that these details are accurate.”
