The Peoples Gas Light and Coke Co. has begun a program to install remote meter-reading devices on existing gas meters in homes and businesses in Chicago. The company has utilized a temporary work force to perform the bulk of these installations. These individuals are not subjected to pre-employment screening, nor are they supervised by Peoples Gas. A similar plan in Philadelphia resulted in the creation of serious gas leaks by the contractors.
In addition, this type of program came to an abrupt end in Pittsburgh when a contracted worker was charged in the rape of a utility customer in her home. This plan proceeds in Chicago, though Peoples Gas has a willing, well-trained and experienced service department in place.
By not allowing their existing work force to perform this sensitive work, Peoples Gas executives are ignoring an ethical obligation to public safety. It is also dictated by common sense that gas company-owned equipment is best maintained by the men and women who have the best knowledge of that equipment.
