What can they really do?

Question

I just wondered if anyone knew

Our water company called today, they told us if we do not let them in the house to change the water meter, they were going to shut us off. We told them there is a small child in the house, and the man was very rude about it. We did not let them in the house the first time, because no one was home. What I want to know is can they turn off our water, if our bill is paid on time every month. Our meter is old and we just got a new water company. We are mostly afraid that they will charge us for a gallon when we use a half gallon. There is nothing wrong with our water meter, it reads fine, but whatever. Anyhow thanks for the help!

Answer 1

you shouldn't let them in if they are rude and threatens you. call the company and tell them that if anything happens to it or to you.

Answer 2

Yes they most certainly can shut off your service for not making the meter accessible to them. The meters are NOT your proprty. They belong to the utility company and they have the right to maitenence or change the meter at their discretion. They can't come into your home without your permission but they can disrupt your service even if your bill is paid in full. In most cities they would only be required to send a written notice signed by the city offices before doing so. Having a small child is NOT a valid reason for refusing the utility company access to their property. Be very happy its a water company. A natural gas company would have shut your service off immediately after being told they were not allowed access simply for the safety of others.  

Answer 3

The new meter probably has remote reading capability so that they don't have to send someone to read it every month.

Calibration of the meter is supervised by the Public Utilities Commission (or an equivalent government organization. The new meter should be at least as accurate as the old one.

They can eventually shut off service if you do not permit them to install the new meter, but they will need approval from the appropriate government agency. Best to cooperate now and avoid the hassle.