Some PECO customers in the Northeast have been receiving notices that the utility company soon is going to replace their electric meters.
The letters are on the up and up, according to a PECO spokeswoman. The company is working in Lower Bucks and parts of the Northeast. Replacements began in Lower Bucks in March. The utility’s workers should put in new meters in Bustleton in June, said Cathy Engel Menendez, PECO’s communications manager.
The company is updating meters for its 600,000 customers, she said, but it is not publicizing where workers will be or when, for security reasons.
In the past few years, several Northeast residents have been robbed, burglarized or assaulted by criminals pretending to be utility workers. Legitimate PECO workers will have identification badges and will wear protective gear, Menendez said, and their identities can be verified by calling 1–800–494–4000.
Residents will get individual mailed notices 45 days before the meter changeover and reminders 21 days before, Menendez said in an interview on May 3.
PECO employees will knock on doors or ring bells so they can let homeowners know they will be working on their meters because power will be briefly interrupted. If, however, no one answers, PECO installers will continue working, Menendez said. ••
