Section 185.35. Adjustment of bills.

 

(1)  Whenever a positive displacement meter is found upon test to have an average percent registration of more than 102 and whenever a compound or current type meter is found upon test to have an average percent registration of more than 103, a recalculation of bills for service shall be made for the period of inaccuracy assuming an inaccuracy equal to the average percent error in excess of 100.

(2)  For the purposes of this rule, the average percent registration shall be the average percent registration for those normal test points which are within the normal test flow limits of the meter, except that the test point within the "change-over" range for compound meters shall be ignored. (For positive displacement meters the light flow test point would not be considered.)

(3)  If the period of inaccuracy cannot be determined, it shall be assumed that the full amount of inaccuracy existed during the last half of the period since the meter was installed or last tested.

(4)  Where a meter in service is found not to register or is found to have an average percent registration of less than 97, the utility may bill the customer for the amount the test indicates has been undercharged for the period of inaccuracy, which period shall not exceed the last 24 months the meter was in service unless otherwise authorized by the commission after investigation. No backbill shall be sanctioned if the customer has questioned the meter's accuracy and the utility has failed within a reasonable time to check it.

(5)  If the recalculated bills indicate that more than $5.00 is due an existing customer or $10.00 is due a person no longer a customer of the utility, the full amount of the calculated difference between the amount paid and the recalculated amount shall be refunded to the customer. The refund to an existing customer may be in cash or as credit on a bill. If a refund is due a person no longer a customer of the utility, a notice shall be mailed to the last known address and the utility shall, upon request made within 6 months, refund the amount due.

(6)  Subject to the utility's written rules setting forth the method of determining a reduced rate, if a leak unknown to the customer is found in an appliance or the plumbing, the utility is encouraged to estimate the water wasted and bill for it at a reduced rate not less than the utility's cost. No such adjustment shall be made for water supplied after the customer has been notified and has had an opportunity to correct the condition.

(7)  Where, because of some deficiency in the utility's portion of the facilities and at the request of the utility, a customer permits a stream of water to flow to prevent freezing of the service or main, the utility shall adjust the bill for the excess consumption which results.

(8)  A record shall be kept of the number of refunds and charges made because of inaccurate meters, misapplication of rates, and erroneous billing. A summary of the record for the previous calendar year shall, upon request, be submitted to the commission.

Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493 , eff. 2-1-97.