Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the electric and natural gas meters serving our customers is an important responsibility to us. That’s why Avista has meter testing programs in place that meet requirements of the public utility commissions in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. A few facts about our programs are:
Electric meter testing facts
- Each meter is tested at the factory by the manufacturer.
- Avista randomly tests meters from each pallet received by the company before putting the meters into service.
- Avista randomly tests about 1,800 meters each year that have been in service for at least 10 years.
- On average, annual random meter tests are 100% accurate.
- Avista tests customer meters using equipment that is tested every two years by Seattle City Light, which tests their equipment in Washington, D.C. to national industry standards.
- Electric meters are tested in the field which means you would experience only a momentary power interruption.
Natural gas meter testing facts 
- Over 4,000 natural gas meters will be tested in 2011, including customers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
- In order to conduct the test, natural gas meters must be taken out of service and replaced.
- If your meter is selected for testing, you will be notified in advance because your natural gas service will be temporary disconnected.
- After your meter is replaced, an Avista service representative will check and relight your appliances.
- An adult, 18 years or older, must be present for the service representative to access the home to check and relight appliances.
- Each meter is tested at the factory by the manufacturer.
- Avista randomly tests meters from each pallet received by the company before putting the meters into service.
- Avista’s authorized contractor in Washington to assist with natural gas meter testing is RDI Heating.
To ensure your safety, Avista employees wear photo identification, and authorized contract representatives also have identification.