Meter Lab COVID-19 Safe Operation Plan

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures’ (AWM) Submeter Laboratory tests meters that measure the utilities delivered to individual units of multi-use buildings. This protects consumers from overcharges and provides developers with tested submeters as part of their construction workflow. When utilities are charged to individual tenants rather than the building, submeters measure the amounts of water, gas, or electric use. New multifamily building developments are required to have water utilities sub-metered. Each year AWM tests tens of thousands of submeters. Submeter testing requires customers to deliver and retrieve them at the laboratory. To avoid laboratory closures during COVID-19 restrictions, AWM developed a meticulous safety protocol in April 2020. Following its approval, which adhered to CDC guidance, county policy, and public health guidelines, the laboratory was able to remain in operation and test 42,600 meters during the pandemic. Customer and staff safety was ensured with no reported COVID-19 transmission in the laboratory while AWM supported developments. Without tested meters, customers may lack confidence in their utility billing, and new developments would have stalled waiting for new submeters or incur additional costs and time to test them outside of San Diego.