(a) A duly authorized agent of the distribution utility may enter any dwelling, building or other location supplied with service by the distribution utility for the purposes of inspecting and examining the meters, pipes, fittings, wires and other apparatus for regulating, supplying and/or ascertaining the quantity supplied on a nonholiday workday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., or at such other reasonable times as requested by a customer. At such time, the agent shall exhibit a photo-identification badge and written authority signed by the president or vice-president and secretary or assistant secretary of a distribution utility corporation, or by the mayor or clerk of a municipal corporation or by the chairman and secretary of a municipal board in control of a municipal utility.

(b) The provisions of subdivision (a) of this section shall not apply to the inspection and examination of any such equipment where an emergency may threaten the health and safety of a person, the surrounding area, or the distribution utility's distribution system.

(c) Inspection and examination of any such equipment may be conducted between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on any day when there is evidence of meter tampering or theft of services.

(d) An agent of the distribution utility, otherwise duly authorized to inspect and examine apparatus, may not enter locked premises without the permission of the person lawfully in control on the premises, nor use any manner of force to carry out inspection and examination, except when an emergency may threaten the health or safety of a person, the surrounding area, or the distribution utility's distribution system, or where authorized by a court order.