SaskPower repairs meter boxes in 'several hundred' homes, expands inspections

SaskPoweris expanding its effort to inspect homes in Regina that are at risk of meter box failures as a result of ground shifting.

According to a news release issued Friday, the utility provider said crews have inspected about 1,400 homes in the cityand found several hundred required repairs to meter boxes and electrical wiring.

SaskPower announced earlier in the week all repairs would be paid for by the Crown.

• SaskPower says it will pay for damaged meter boxes
• SaskPowercontinues to uncover Regina homes at risk of electrical fires
• Another meter catches fire in Regina, SaskPower urges public to stay vigilant

Repair costs unknown

On Friday afternoon, spokesperson Jonathan Tremblaysaid in an email to CBC News thatthe final cost is unknown,and that the inspections completed to date have been done usingtemporary fixes and existing resources.

He said crews will return to homes with temporary fixes and install permanent ones.

For the past week, SaskPower workershave focused on inspecting homes inGlencairn, Uplands and Normanview, which are older neighbourhoods.

Tremblay said plans to widen the inspections does not mean all homes in the city will be checked, just those with underground service and some spots in newer neighbourhoods.

It will also begin inspecting homes in Moose Jaw. The city is also being affected by the dry conditions that are causingthe ground to shift and electrical wires be pulled from meter boxes.

Older homes are at greatest risk of meter fires when this happens, while newer builds will more likely experience a power outage if wires are pulled down, Tremblay added.

SaskPower said last Sunday was the last time a meter box caught fire. So far, fire crews have responded to five meter box failures this summer.

Residents are encouraged to check their power meter boxes andsee whether the unithas tilted, which might indicate a cable has shifted.

If this is the case, residents are asked to contact SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937.