PowerStream Smart Meters Have a Proven Safety Record

VAUGHAN, ON--(Marketwired - August 14, 2014) - Following recent reports in the media of several fires in locations where smart meters were installed in Saskatchewan, PowerStream is assuring customers that the devices installed at their homes and businesses are safe.

Although the smart meters in use locally by PowerStream were manufactured by Sensus, the same company that produced the devices deployed in Saskatchewan, the models are different. Also, PowerStream has installed more than 345,000 units since 2007 without encountering any fire-related issues.

All smart meters in Canada must meet stringent requirements for safety (American National Standard Institute) and accuracy (Measurement Canada) and are thoroughly tested for by both the manufacturer and the utility.

PowerStream emphasizes that a combination of the company's rigorous training methods on the proper installation of smart meters and the overall safety record of the meters installed to date are evidence as to why the utility's customers need not be concerned. Furthermore, PowerStream has a built in technology to measure the temperature of the meter, which enables the company to actively investigate any potential issues.

QUOTES

• "It is difficult to speculate as to the exact cause of the handful of fires experienced in Saskatchewan by SaskPower in its smart meter program," explained Eric Fagen, VP Corporate Communications for PowerStream. "However, we do know that careful meter installation procedures, including the examination of meter bases and internal wiring at installation, proper training of meter installers and the need to take rapid remedial action when field problems are observed, are all critical to ensuring safety in any meter deployment initiative whether it be smart or the old electro-mechanical."

BACKGROUND

• Since 2007, PowerStream has installed more than 345,000 Sensus smart meters consisting of three different model types.
  
• PowerStream experienced no fires, or other catastrophic events, at the time of the installation the Sensus meters or subsequently.
  
• 35 other Ontario electric utilities have installed an additional one million Sensus meters that are also different from the model being used in Saskatchewan.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is a community-owned energy company that provides power and related services to more than 370,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. It is jointly owned by the Cities of Barrie, Markham and Vaughan.

ABOUT SENSUS

Sensus is a leading clean technology solutions company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control.

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