Fortis BC has responded to a concern raised by one of its customers about in-house appointments with technicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fortis BC customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Vancouver Is Awesome in an email that he had a meter exchange appointment set up for this Wednesday, March 18. However, he believes that in-house visits aren't appropriate due to the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. When he pointed this out to the company, he says he received pushback.
"When I pointed out the seeming disparity between what the federal and provincial health authorities are telling us to do and Fortis BC’s plan, they insisted I keep the appointment," he writes
"It was only after I pressed the issue that they miraculously came up with an alternate appointment on March 30, but that still doesn’t solve the issue. I’m also afraid that others won’t have the opportunity to reschedule."
The customer also noted that Measurement Canada has mandated that a number of meters must be changed by the end of March, but he feels that this should be put on hold given the current health crisis.
"I think Fortis has to stop replacing these meters indefinitely until the Coronavirus crisis has passed," he underscores.
Sean Beardow, Corporate Communications Manager, Fortis B.C., told Vancouver Is Awesome that the company won't enforce scheduled appointments.
"We are happy to delay meter exchanges," says Beardow. "We will just reschedule the appointment."
Beardow adds that there are a couple of different meter exchanges that Fortis BC conducts. One is a time-expired exchange, which takes place when a mechanical device is over 15 - 20 years old. As such, Measurement Canada requests that these are changed out. The other, known as a sample meter exchange, is meant to test a range of natural gas meters for homes and businesses under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada guidelines. Fortis BC conducts these random samples to ensure that meters continues to be accurate, safe and reliable.
Beardow reports that, "The current situation trumps the regulation. We'll be working closely with Measurement Canada to find an alternative solution."
With this in mind, Fortis BC won't discontinue in-house appointments - yet.
Beardow notes, however, that the company is doing everything possible to protect its employees. He adds that the situation is rapidly evolving and that the company will continue to respond to new information.
There are now 103 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 30 new cases Monday. There have also been three more deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported new cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region, Fraser Health region, Vancouver Island Health and in the Interior Health region. She notes that more cases could come in the following days as more people continue to be tested.
