(A) All gas customers shall be liable for the gas consumption as shown by the meter. Waste, leakage or other causes not the fault of the city shall be included under the liability. The meter reading shall be conclusive provided, when a meter is found to have a positive average error (i.e., is fast) in excess of 2% in tests made at the request of the customer, the city shall refund to the customer an amount equal to the excess charged for the gas incorrectly metered, for a period of half the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed six months. No part of a minimum or facility charge will be refunded.
(B) When a meter is found to have a negative average error (i.e., is slow) in excess of 2% in tests made at the request of the customer, the city may make a charge to the customer for the gas incorrectly metered for a period equal to half the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed six months.
(C) If a meter is found not to register or to partially register for any period, the city shall estimate the charge for the gas used by averaging the amounts registered over similar periods, preceding or subsequent thereto or over corresponding periods in previous years, all of which shall recognize weather conditions and degree day deficiencies. The action shall be taken only in cases of substantial importance where the city is not at fault for allowing the incorrect meter to be in service.
('74 Code, § 27-168) (Ord. 1060, passed 7-21-87)