(A) In the event that the utility finds that its metering equipment or its wiring or connections have been tampered with so as to prevent proper registration of the quantity of electricity used on the premises, the following procedure will be applicable:
(1) The utility reserves the right to discontinue its service at once and without notice to the consumer or any premises for any of the following reasons:
(a) If electricity consuming devices are connected ahead of the utility's meter or metering equipment, or if connections or devices of any kind are found installed on the premises of a consumer which would prevent the meter from registering the total amount of electricity then being used or which may be subsequently used on the premises.
(b) If inspection by the utility shows or indicates that any one has interfered or tampered with any wiring, connections, seals, conduits, equipment or appurtenances, and that interference or tampering may have prevented in the past or could prevent in the future the meter registering the total amount of electricity used.
(2) Upon disconnection of service for any of the above reasons, the following procedure shall apply and be followed before service is restored:
(a) The utility shall, in any reasonable manner, estimate or compute the amount of unmetered electricity used and shall have the right to inspect the premises and to make an accurate survey of all current consuming devices in order to arrive at the probable quantity of unmetered electricity used by the consumer.
(b) The consumer shall pay for all metered and estimated unmetered electricity in accordance with the applicable rate schedule, plus any damages to the utility's metering equipment or installation.
(c) As referred to in § 50.072, special reconnection charges shall be paid by the consumer to cover part of the additional expense the consumer has caused the utility to investigate and correct the fraud or crime.
(d) The consumer shall install, at his expense, all necessary rigid conduit and approved cable plus such protective devices that will, in the utility's opinion, minimize future tampering of the utility's metering equipment. If the utility so determines, the consumer shall also pay all of the expense caused to move the utility's metering equipment to another location on the consumer's premises or elsewhere, so as to prevent the future diversion or theft of electricity from the utility.
(B) The above does not affect, waive or modify any possible action or prosecution under the laws and criminal status of this state pertaining to this crime.
(Ord. 10-85, passed 10-7-85)