“Homeowner Chains His Own Electric Meter — What Happened Next Shocked the Utility Company”
In a bizarre and unexpected standoff between a homeowner and a utility company, a man took extreme measures to prevent workers from installing a new smart meter on his property — and the situation quickly made its way into the local news cycle. The homeowner, who claimed he feared the new technology would disrupt his privacy and health, decided to secure his old meter with a heavy-duty chain and lock, hoping to stop the installation crews from completing their work.
But the move didn’t go unnoticed.
According to the utility company, the area was scheduled for mandatory smart meter upgrades. The meters, which allow real-time energy monitoring and remote reading, are being rolled out statewide. Workers say they routinely encounter residents who prefer the older style meters, but most disagreements are settled through conversation. This time, however, things escalated into something far more unusual.
When workers arrived at the man’s home, they immediately noticed the chain wrapped tightly around the meter box. One contractor even said it looked like “something out of a movie scene,” with padlocks, cables, and layers of reinforcement around what should have been a standard installation point. The crew attempted to speak with the homeowner, explaining that the upgrade was required, but he reportedly refused to cooperate and insisted the old meter stay in place.
The utility company then had to bring in a different team — one trained to handle restricted access meters while still following safety guidelines. Bodycam-style footage from the incident shows the workers carefully accessing the panel, documenting everything they did to avoid misunderstandings later. Their job wasn’t simple: meters carry high voltage, and any obstruction or tampering adds significant risk to the process.
After assessing the situation, the workers determined that they could still perform the upgrade safely. They began removing the chain and accessing the electrical components step-by-step, staying calm and professional despite the unusual challenge. The video captured the moment the panel was opened and the interior wiring revealed, showing just how determined the owner had been to protect the old meter.
Neighbors who witnessed the scene were surprised, with some saying they had no idea the homeowner would go to such lengths. Others admitted they’d heard him complain about smart meters before, but never expected him to take physical action to stop the installation. One neighbor even said, “He warned them he didn’t want the new tech. But chaining the meter? That’s a whole new level.”
The utility company later released a statement reminding residents that tampering with meters can be dangerous and may violate service agreements. However, they noted that the workers handled the situation appropriately and managed to install the smart meter without incident.
As for the homeowner, sources say he was frustrated but eventually accepted that the installation was completed. While he still disagreed with the company’s decision, he avoided further conflict.
The incident sparked conversations online about privacy concerns, property rights, and modern technology — proving once again that even something as ordinary as a utility upgrade can turn into unexpected headline news.