The President of AltaGas Utilities says it is responsive to reports of faulty equipment and addresses customers’ issues when they are identified.  
    This came in light of an undated, unsigned letter circulating that alleged that AltaGas could be putting customers at risk.
    The Mail received the letter purported to be from an employee of AltaGas that says a certain model number of gas meters could put customers at risk.
    Greg Johnston, president of AltaGas Utilities says they have instigated a program to replace a number of gas meters that have had a very low instance of failure, and most often, the issue with the meter is that it stops reading.
    He explains between 2008 and 2010, the company purchased about 10,000 meters. In 2010, the company received correspondence from the manufacturer that some of the index units may have a flaw.
    “We received a letter from the manufacturer saying the experienced .058 per cent defects on odometer indexes,” said Johnston. “These indexes were on meters shipped across North America during that time period of 2008-2010. They said they were not able to predict which of these indexes would fail due to the very small number of defects.”
    He said this meant the defect would affect meter readings as the index might stop. 
    “We didn’t take on any wholesale replacement program because we didn’t think the meters were stopping and there was such a small percentage of failures, we responded to customers as they called,” said Johnston.
    From 2010 to 2012 the company responded to a few calls, most often when the index stopped, but in a very few cases, the gas was cut off. Two houses received some damage, according to Johnston.
    Johnston said when Measurement Canada approved a new replacement in 2012, AltaGas made an arrangement with the manufacturer to replace the indexes on these meters.
    “Crews have replaced all the faulty indexes but a few and the program is wrapping up at the end of next week,” said Johnston.
    He adds that the expense to change the indexes has been borne by the manufacturer and not passed on to the customer.
    Johnston also disputes a claim in the letter, which states the writer has remained anonymous, because the company has no whistleblower protection.
    “We have had whistleblower protection for over 15 years, it is an organization called Ethics Point.  New employees when they start here are made aware of Ethics Point and every current employee has gone through an awareness program,’ said Johnston.
    AltaGas employees with issues can contact Ethics Point through their office computer, or any other computer not linked to the company. They could also call a 1-800 phone number to make anonymous reports.
    “Ethics Point is a world wide leader in this and we stand behind their integrity and ability to take an anonymous complaint,” said Johnston.

    The string of break-ins in Drumheller continues, with RCMP, so far, unable to reign in any suspects.
    Last week, The Drumheller Mail reported on three break-ins over the Remembrance Day weekend. On Friday, November 15, two more businesses were added to the victim’s list. Then, another on Monday, November 18.

Kimberly Moffat’s Family Hair Care, which shares space with The Healing Waye and Sereca’s Barber Shop, is the latest victim of a rash of break-ins plaguing Drumheller. A person or persons broke through the front door, which is now boarded up, and stole a computer and change. Drumheller RCMP are investigating five break-ins that have occurred over the past week and a half.

    On Friday, at some point in the early hours of the morning or late the previous night, a person or persons broke into Angie’s Window Tinting and were then able to gain access to the adjacent Chop Shop. Roughly $100 in change, a Harley Davidson flag, small model motorcycles, a silver Sony digital camera, and several flash drives were taken from the two businesses. Other items were taken as well.
    “They got some tips from one of the stylists, clippers, and other things from around the shop, like the candy machine and hair products. They took some stuff from Angie’s, too,” said Cathy Morse, owner of The Chop Shop.
    On Monday, it was discovered another break-in had occured at Kimblery Moffat’s Family Hair Care, which shares space with The Healing Waye, and Sereca’s Barber Shop, sometime overnight.
    “They took a log from the neighbours place and threw it through the front window. They stole a computer and a small amount of change,” said Drumheller RCMP Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
    Over the past two weeks, five businesses have been broken into. So far, only small items and cash have been stolen.
    “When it comes to break and enters, they’re all looking for money. It’s not even large amounts of money,” said Hopkins. “Many could be related, but they could be completely separate as well. There’s nothing to say either way. They know the businesses are closed and chances are they are empty. There’s generally money at a business, you just have to find it.
    In addition to having items stolen, a break-in can result in more than just a few stolen goods.
    “The cost can be more than just money. The inconvenience can be phenomenal. It’s not just the money, it’s the damage they can do while in the property,” said Hopkins.
    Hopkins recommends businesses take a few precautions to help protect themselves.
    “There’s a lot a business can do. They can install an alarm or cameras. They can leave lights on to give the impression someone is there. They can mark their property so it’s easily identifiable or put any valuable property away,” said Hopkins.
    Morse is doing what she can to move on and protect her business.
    “Take any precautions you can. We’re stepping up the lighting around here, but there’s only so much we can do,” said Morse.