BC Hydro customer in different kind of smart meter battle

Sandra Hermiston & Lynda Steele, CTV Vancouver Published Wednesday, March 5, 2014 6:00AM PST Last Updated Wednesday, March 5, 2014 7:26PM PST

While some BC Hydro customers have fought tooth and nail against getting smart meters at their homes, a North Vancouver man has spent years battling the utility giant just to get his installed.

Stephen Stalbergs electricity meter is in an odd location, high up on the side of his house.

Apparently the previous owner raised this house put the basement in and the meter never got brought down, said Stalberg.

It wasnt an issue until BC Hydro wanted to install a smart meter. The first contractor called to Stalbergs home told him the meter was too high, and he did not have a ladder. As well, the contractor said the siding of the house was too close to the meter so the installation couldnt be complete.

BC Hydro said it would send a tradesman out, but a year later nothing had been done.

Then Stalberg got a surprise in the mail, a letter saying he was delaying the process and would be charged $35 a month for refusing a smart meter.

"I've been phoning once a month, they just say they're on their way," he said.

Hopeful, Stalberg took down the siding on the house last September and left a ladder out for workers. But after 18 months, he was fed up and called Steele on Your Side.

Consumer reporter Lynda Steele took the issue to BC Hydro on his behalf.

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BC Hydro customer in different kind of smart meter battle