Kansas Gas Service sends workers to Ottawa area to replace meters

Customers of Kansas Gas Service company soon may get an unexpected knock at the door.

Subcontractors hired by the company are in Ottawa and the surrounding area replacing local residents’ gas meters with new meters that can be read digitally from the road.

Workers already have begun visiting residences where they find people at home. The homeowner or tenant is required to be home because the workers must shut off the natural gas to make the 45-minute change and then go into the home to relight the pilot light after the gas is turned back on. The process became more complicated Monday because of a cold weather rule that prohibits the gas company from shutting off customers’ gas without their knowledge or permission.

Residents reportedly have not been contacted by the gas company prior to the arrival of the workers, and some have expressed concern to law enforcement that the work actually is part of a scam to criminally gain entry into local homes. Kansas Gas Service, however, has confirmed to The Herald that workers are in the area for legitimate work and will be replacing the gas meters for the next month or more.

Residents who are approached by individuals asking for entry to do gas service work should request proper identification and call Kansas Gas Service at (800) 794-4780 with any further questions or concerns.