Yeah check with the local power company. I work for one in Texas and were installing smart meters right now. They may let you but they'll want access 24-7. Most likely they wont let you, we don't and will cut power off if meter gets covered, smart meter or not. No sense in trying to fight them either, its in the aggreement you sign for service and its law they have access. There may also be a Fire code dealing with this too, the Fire Dept. needs access in case of a fire. Don't want fireman fighting fire in a house with the elcetricty still hot. Good luck.
I think the smart meters they just installed out here use the old pager network to call home. They can turn off your power remotely, much farther than IR can travel.Check with the Power Company, its their call. I think those meters are IR and thus are line of sight (I could be all wrong).
Check with the Power Company, its their call. I think those meters are IR and thus are line of sight (I could be all wrong). In any case, I would think the POCO would still want to retain the right to visually read the meter in person if needed.
Charles
Assuming you're served by Puget Sound Energy, the answer is in their handbook on page 3: http://www.pse.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/builders/1218.pdf
You are required to install your meter socket in a place that is accessible to PSE. All locations are subject to approval by a PSE Representative. If you have questions regarding meter locations, call your CCS Representative at 1‐888‐321‐7779.
Meter sockets, including CT enclosures, must be located:
- Outside.
- On the front 1/3 of your home closest to normal public access.
- In an area that is not subject to being fenced‐in (patios, decks, porches, breezeways and backyards are bad locations).
- On a structure that is owned by you.
Yeah check with the local power company. I work for one in Texas and were installing smart meters right now. They may let you but they'll want access 24-7. Most likely they wont let you, we don't and will cut power off if meter gets covered, smart meter or not. No sense in trying to fight them either, its in the aggreement you sign for service and its law they have access. There may also be a Fire code dealing with this too, the Fire Dept. needs access in case of a fire. Don't want fireman fighting fire in a house with the elcetricty still hot. Good luck.
have them pull the meter, change the box into a sub panel and move the meter outside the garage. half a day work