Meter Technician Che: Delivering excellence, rain or shine
Adverse weather can make everyday tasks a challenge, but our meter technicians rise to the occasion to ensure our customers stay connected, regardless of the conditions.
Che Aisbitt, a dedicated member of our team in the North East for over two years, exemplifies this commitment.
On a particularly cold and wet day this winter, Che attended an appointment at the property of an elderly customer who wanted smart meters. However the thickness of her walls and the distance between the meters made it tricky to install them. So she’d had to rely on her son to read the meters for her — a situation that was far from ideal.
Che, however, came armed with a solution. He introduced the customer to ‘Alt HAN’ technology which extends the signal range between a smart meter’s communications hub and the gas or electricity meters, much like a Wi-Fi booster. This innovation meant the customer could have smart meters installed, simplifying her life significantly.
Despite the severe weather and cold, Che persevered. "Working with small components requires precision, which can be tough when your hands are cold and wet!" he explained. With his trusty E.ON umbrella shielding him from the elements, Che successfully installed and set up the customer’s new smart meters.
Reflecting on the experience, Che said: "I felt a great sense of achievement, especially knowing how much easier this would make life for the customer." It’s this dedication that defines our technicians’ work, with hundreds of similar jobs being completed daily, often in the most challenging weather conditions.
Che takes pride in going the extra mile, saying: "I like to set a high standard for myself. Doing the extra work to achieve the best outcome for customers helps build trust and remove any concerns about smart meters."
Preparation is key
To prepare for adverse weather, Che has a well-honed routine: “I wear as many layers as possible without restricting mobility, always keep a dry pair of gloves handy, rely on my umbrella for outdoor jobs, and make sure my waterproof gear is properly dried after each job.”
The customer’s reaction made it all worthwhile. "She was over the moon that I managed to install her smart meters, especially given the weather. She even offered me an extra cup of tea to warm up," Che shared with a smile.
Che also drives an electric van, part of E.ON’s commitment to sustainable transport. He noted, “Even in tough weather, the EV van is a great drive.”
Dedication that powers us all
Che’s story is just one of many from our incredible team of 1,600-meter technicians who work tirelessly in all weather conditions to support our customers. Their dedication ensures that we deliver on our promise of a reliable energy service, whatever the forecast.