A local company is doing its part to make sure consumers are getting what they pay for at the pump.
Cantest Solutions Inc. of Airdrie received certification from Measurement Canada, a government organization that is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of measurement in the Canadian marketplace, Nov. 25. The Airdrie business now has the authority to inspect and certify retail and cardlock gas pumps.
Cantest created an electronic closed-loop calibration system to more accurately measure gasoline in pumps.
“This marks an important milestone in fair trade at the gas pump for both service station owners and consumers across Canada,” said Al Krause, president of Cantest Solutions Inc.
“This is a large step towards fair measurement for all.”
Inaccurate calibration cans have been used to measure gasoline since the 1920s. These cans have a margin of error of about 0.5 per cent.
Cantest’s system eliminates vapour loss, human errors, temperature errors and provides lab quality results in the field with a margin of error of approximately 0.03 per cent. Companies such as Esso, Shell, UFA, Safeway, Loblaw and Huskey use the Cantest calibration system.
“The consumers from these locations are getting exactly what they pay for,” said Krause.
Allan Johnson, president of Measurement Canada, said his organization is going even further to ensure the accuracy of pumps.
“Bill C-14 is currently before the Senate and it is a bill that would require gasoline dispensers be inspected and certified every two years,” he said.
“There are currently no requirements. This will ensure the devices are inspected and accurate and provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes in Canada.”
If the bill is passed, the number of inspections would increase from 42,000 to between 250,000 and 300,000 annually.
