Duke Energy is sending technicians door to door across Anderson Township to inspect gas piping and meters for leaks and corrosion.

The utility hired contractor Southern Cross to perform the work, Anderson Township said in a notice posted Monday, Oct. 26 by Steve Sievers. Southern Cross technicians will check inside gas piping and metering equipment at homes and businesses.

The inspections are free.

The township notice did not include a specific start date, saying only that inspections would begin "in the near future." Residents whose inside metering equipment requires an inspection will receive a letter, door hanger or phone call requesting an appointment, according to Duke Energy's inside piping inspection page.

How to spot a legitimate technician

Southern Cross workers will wear a visible Southern Cross picture ID on the outside of their uniforms. For outside-meter inspections, the ID will also carry Duke Energy branding, according to Duke Energy's atmospheric corrosion program page. Technicians will drive vehicles marked with a Southern Cross Inc. logo or magnet, not Duke Energy branding.

Residents should ask to see the photo ID before allowing anyone inside.

What the inspections involve

For outside meters, technicians will look for rust, deterioration and damage to coatings on the meter or natural gas service line, according to Duke Energy. If they find corrosion, they may clean and repaint the piping on site. Those inspections take about 10 minutes.

Inside piping inspections take about 15 minutes. A certified Southern Cross contractor enters the building and checks Duke Energy-owned exposed gas piping and metering equipment for leakage and corrosion. The inspector may paint exposed piping up to the outlet of the meter if needed.

The inspections maintain compliance with federal and state pipeline regulations, Duke Energy said in a 2016 announcement about a similar Cincinnati-area inspection program.

If you miss the technician

If no one is home or the meter is blocked by a locked fence, a dog or another obstacle, technicians will leave a door hanger. Residents can then call 859-817-0990, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to schedule an appointment.

Appointment times are:

  • Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon