As much of the Midwest continues to deal with severe winter weather that made roads impassable a week ago, large accumulations of snow and ice remain in areas near electric meters creating hazardous situations for Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) meter readers, line mechanics and other employees who spend their workdays outdoors.

“Public safety and the safety of our employees in these challenging conditions is very important to us,” said Paul Chodak III, president and chief operating officer for Indiana Michigan Power. “Our customers can be assured that if there is an occasion we may not be able to physically read a meter, we will work to make sure that customers will ultimately only pay for the electricity they use.”

I&M offers the following tips to promote safe conditions for customers and employees and to allow for timely and accurate meter readings:

• Make sure that the path leading to the meter and the area around the meter is safe and free from excessive snow and clutter - especially if there are stairs that lead to the meter.

• Please continue to keep dogs secured and away from meters.

Unusual circumstances, such as inclement weather, bad road conditions, locked gates and unrestrained dogs occasionally prevent I&M from reading a meter. When a meter cannot be read, usage is estimated. Estimated readings will be clearly indicated on the billing statement. Any difference between estimated and actual use will be reconciled with the next actual reading.

By providing safe and easy access to meters, obtaining an actual reading rather than an estimated reading is possible. Customers who have questions after receiving an estimated bill may contact I&M at 1-800-311-4634.

As a convenience to customers, the next scheduled read date is printed on each month’s electric bill. The meter reading schedule for the year is available for viewing at indianamichiganpower.com/account.