Westar Energy is asking customers to contain dogs on days that meter readers are out for monthly usage readings. The company says animal attacks against employees are well above the average this year.
Incidents have already occurred in a number of the Kansas towns Westar serves, including Arkansas City. Westar workers collectively suffer five to six dog bites in a typical year. That number is at 10 this year, according to a written statement.
Customers are required to provide safe access to Westar’s equipment and failure to provide that access can result in the company refusing service to customers who fail to do so.
The electric meter is read monthly, and the scheduled read date is the same as the due date on a customer’s current bill.
Westar has identified customer accounts where there is a potential problem. Those customers will be receiving a postcard asking for assistance in restraining their pets. If there is a continued problem, a follow-up letter will be sent and additional action may be taken, according to the statement.
Customers may obtain a meter reading schedule by logging into their account at www.WestarEnergy.com, and selecting the link marked meter reading schedule. Customers that do not have online access may call our customer contact center at 800-383-1183, and use the automated phone system to have a schedule mailed to them.
