Bluewater Power crews began removing and replacing 3,500 smart meters in parts of Sarnia-Lambton Monday.
The Electrical Safety Authority has ordered their removal over concerns they could arc and start a fire if exposed to moisture.
There's been just one reported incident in Ontario.
The units in question in Sarnia represent about ten per cent of Bluewater Power's meters.
CEO Janice McMichael-Dennis says workers will knock on the door before working on outside meters. There will be a 30-second power outage.
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McMichael-Dennis says removal will cost about a million dollars.
Bluewater Power is working through the legal process of cost recovery with the American manufacturer of the meters.