Section 185.77. Request and referee tests.

 

(1)   Request tests. Each utility shall promptly make an accuracy test without charge of any metering installation upon request of the customer if 24 months or more have elapsed since the last customer requested test of the meter in the same location. If less than 24 months have elapsed, an amount equal to one-half the estimated cost of the meter test shall be advanced to the utility by the customer. The amount shall be refunded if the test shows the meter to be over- or under-registering by more than 2%. A report giving the results of the test shall be made to the customer and a complete original test record shall be kept on file in the office of the utility. Upon request, the test shall be made in the presence of the customer during normal business hours.

(2)   Referee tests. Any customer may request to have an official test of the meter observed by the commission.

(3)   Meter retention.

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection, "as found" means retained, filled with water and capped without any other adjustments being made since the last test was performed.

(b) After a customer requested test. When a utility performs a customer requested test on a customer's meter under sub. (1) or when the commission requests that a meter be tested, the utility shall keep the tested meter, in "as found" condition, at a designated location on the utility's premises for at least one full billing period plus four weeks after the test result report is issued so that the meter is available should another meter test be requested. If the meter tests as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer's premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility's premises.

(c) After a referee test. When a utility or third party retests a customer's meter under sub. (2) , the utility shall keep the tested meter, in "as found" condition, at a designated location on the utility's premises for at least 10 business days after the test result report is issued so that the meter is available should further testing or review be needed. If the meter tests as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer's premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility's premises.

(d) When a complaint or dispute occurs. When a utility receives a complaint under s. PSC 185.42 or is notified about a dispute under s. PSC 185.39 involving a meter-related issue, the utility shall keep the meter, in "as tested" condition, at a designated location on the utility's premises for at least one full billing period plus four weeks after the complaint or dispute and any appeal of that dispute is resolved so that the meter is available should testing be requested. If the meter was tested during the complaint or dispute process, and it tested as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer's premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility's premises.

Cr. Register, January, 1997, No. 493 , eff. 2-1-97; CR 13-033 : am. (title), renum. 185.77 to (1) and am., cr. (1) (title), renum. 185.78 to (2), cr. (3) Register July 2015 No. 715 , eff. 8-1-15; correct numbering of (3) (c), (d) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1. , Stats., Register July 2015 No. 715 .