Meter Reading in the Snow

When was the last time one of your utility companies personally thanked you? I don't mean in an add, or a generic flier, or a "thank you for your business" on the bill - I mean, took the time to send you a personal letter.

Yesterday we got two envelopes from PSNH (our power company). I first thought that we must have gotten one of the neighbor's bills, along with our own. Upon checking the addressees, they were both to us. I chose to open the skinnier envelope, as I figured that the actual bill was in the fatter envelope (they add in informational pamphlets and return envelopes with the bill).

I took out the sheet of paper, and this is what I read:

"As our meter readers have to wade through deep snow and climb over banks daily during the winter months, it is a pleasure to find someone like yourself who has cleared a path to the meters.

We would like to express our appreciation for your thoughtfulness in taking the time from your schedule to think of the meter reader."

Confession time - the meter is next to the oil tank, so we make sure to keep a path opened up (yes, after every storm, not just when we need oil). However when we moved the oil tank from the greenhouse (which neccessitated a path that went by the electric meter), I eyeballed the meter to make sure it could be seen from the oil tank, or whether we would need to deliberatly shovel a bit further.

This is the first time we have ever gotten this type of letter, which argues strongly for the point I made last year about our meter are not read every month as it is specifically stated on the bill. Another argument that the post last year was on target is that our electric bills have stayed stable since November - just minor fluxuations that you expect from month to month. We have never had a year where it didn't jump wildly around, so it has been a pleasant surprise that we know within a couple of dollars (literally), what our bill will be.

I'm guessing we got a new meter reader for this area!

Comments

[Cop Car]

Hooray for you! And for your power company. It's nice to know that they are conscious of your efforts.