(A) If any service meter is found to have a percentage error greater than that allowed by the Public Service Commission of the state, the following procedure for the adjustment of billings will be observed.
(1) Fast meters. When a meter is found to have a positive average error (i.e., is fast, in excess of 2%), the utility will refund or credit the customer’s account with the amount in excess of that determined to be an average charge for one-half of the time elapsed since the previous test of the meter, or six months, whichever period is shorter. This average charge will be calculated on the basis of the units registered on the meter over corresponding periods either prior or subsequent to the period for which the meter is determined to be based. No part of a minimum service charge will be refunded.
(2) Stopped or slow meters. When a meter is topped or has a negative average error (i.e., is slow, in excess of 2%), the utility may charge the customer an amount estimated to be an average charge for one-half of the time elapsed since the previous meter test or six months, whichever period is shorter. This average charge shall be calculated on the basis of the units registered on the meter over the corresponding periods or subsequent to the period for which the meter is determined to be slow or stopped. Such action may be taken only in cases where the utility is not at fault for allowing the stopped or slow meter to remain in service.
(B) All billing errors, including incorrect tariff applications, will be adjusted to the known date of the error or for a period of one year, whichever is shorter.
(Ord. passed 3-3-1987)