Ice can damage meters and cause problems for homeowners

Jan. 23, 2015: Warmer days with cold nights are causing a thawing and freezing cycle that can damage electric and natural gas meters. So, Avista is asking customers in the Sandpoint area to check their electric and natural gas meters to make sure they are clear of ice. This will help prevent damage and ensure safe operation of the meters.

Customers can call Avista at (800) 227-9187 for assistance in clearing their meter of ice or to request a check of their meter for any possible damage. Additional Avista field employees are currently in Sandpoint neighborhoods hardest hit with a thawing and freezing cycle to check meters for any damage.

Outdoor electric and natural gas meters are designed to withstand harsh winter conditions. However, freeze/thaw cycles, falling ice or snow or excessive snow weight can result in damage to meters and cause problems for homeowners. It is important that ice and snow be gently removed from a meter to prevent damage. Please remember to never kick, hit or use an open flame near a meter or its piping to break away built-up ice or snow.

"We appreciate customers taking a few minutes to check their electric and natural gas meters to make sure the equipment is free of ice. We're here to help customers who find they have a problem with an ice-covered meter. We want to make sure everyone stays safe," said Paul Good, Avista's Sandpoint operations manager.

About Avista Utilities
AvistaUtilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 368,000 customers and natural gas to 325,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.5 million.  Avista Utilities is an operating division ofAvista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visitwww.avistautilities.com.

The Avista logo is a trademark of Avista Corporation.


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