(A) Metered services.
(1) Meter reading. Meters will be read monthly by the City at approximately the same time each month. The consumption of service indicated by the meter shall be the basis for computing bills for electric and water (where metered) utility service and shall be accepted conclusively as correct by the consumer and the City, except where the meter is found to be registering inaccurately or has ceased to register. If for any reason, a reading cannot be obtained for a particular period, billings shall be based upon an estimate determined from historical data and adjusted, if necessary, in the following billing period.
(2) Combined meter billing.
(a) Single meter generally required. Service measured through two (2) or more meters on the same subject property for purposes of billing will not be allowed except as follows:
1. When two (2) or more service connections are necessary to provide service at the least expense to the City;
2. When two (2) or more service connections are necessary to render proper and reliable service without undue interruption; or
3. When two (2) or more meters are necessary to ensure an accurate utility billing.
(b) Separate billing for each meter. In the event two (2) or more meters are installed for a single subject property, bills for service through each meter will be computed and billed separately.
(3) Multiple rate classifications. When a consumer desires to use water or electricity for purposes classified under different rates, separate water or electrical meters must be installed to measure the water or electricity supplied at each rate. The water or electricity registered by each meter will be charged as specified by the City’s fee and rate ordinance.
(4) Access to meter. If, because of action or inaction by the consumer, the City cannot reasonably gain access to read the consumer’s meter, the City may discontinue service under § 10.04.050(C).
(5) Meter testing. In order to ensure accuracy, the City will inspect and test meters. Special tests will be made upon request by a consumer. If the meter is found to register more than two percent (2%) high or low, the City will adjust the consumer’s billing for the known or estimated period of error, not to exceed the previous six (6) months. For special tests made upon request of a consumer, there will be no charge to the consumer if the meter is found to have more than two percent (2%) error; otherwise, the consumer shall be charged pursuant to the City’s fee and rate ordinance.
(6) Additional meters. Any additional meters desired by an owner other than those necessary to adequately measure the service received at the subject property shall be provided, installed, owned, and maintained by the owner at the owner’s expense.
(B) Unmetered services. Unmetered services shall be charged a flat monthly rate as provided in the City’s fee and rate ordinance. Flat fees for water and sewer will be charged for each dwelling unit served regardless of whether more than one (1) dwelling unit is connected to a single service.
(C) Billing and Payment Procedures.
(1) Bills shall be deemed rendered, and other notices duly given, when delivered to the consumer in person or when deposited in the United States mail and directed to the consumer at their last known mailing address furnished by the consumer. Bills will be sent on a monthly basis and are due and payable on the due date printed on the bills.
(2) All bills will be considered delinquent if not paid by the due date printed on the bill and shall bear interest as provided by the City’s fee and rate ordinance until the balance is paid in full. Failure of the consumer to make payment within twenty-five (25) days from the due date will subject the consumer to disconnection or discontinuance of service under § 10.04.050. The City may, at its discretion, make contracts for payment of delinquencies.
(3) All payments due under this Chapter may be applied in the following order:
(a) late charges due, beginning with the oldest late charge first;
(b) interest charges, if applicable;
(c) any charges due, other than costs of utility services rendered, as required by this Chapter; and
(d) costs of utility services rendered, beginning with the service fees due from the oldest delinquent bill.
(4) Responsibility for payment.
(a) Utility service credit application. Prior to activation of service by the City, applicants shall be required to complete the utility service credit application available at the City’s Department of Finance.
(b) Failure to receive a bill. Failure to receive a bill from the City for any given period of time shall not relieve the consumer of the responsibility of full payment for service(s) provided. Consumers are liable for payment for all service delivered to consumer’s premises or otherwise rendered until the consumer provides the City with written notice that the service is no longer desired. (See § 10.04.050(A))
(c) Property owner responsibility for payment. Regardless of who occupies any premises, residence, or other structure, and regardless of who receives the benefit of the utility service, the real property owner is liable for all utility charges for service to the property, including without limitation monthly charges, connect and disconnect fees, other charges, penalties, and interest.
(d) Ownership change no impact on liability. A change in ownership will not relieve the property owner of liability for accruing utility charges until the City Finance Department actually receives from the property owner a notice to terminate all services, or receives and approves a new application for service from a new property owner.
(5) Insufficient funds checks. Any check given to the City that is returned by a financial institution for insufficient funds is subject to a returned check charge and/or penalties as specified by City ordinance and as may be provided by Alaska Statutes. The City may require any consumer having two (2) or more checks returned by a financial institution for nonpayment within any twelve-month period to pay future bills only by cash, cashier’s check, or money order thereafter.
(6) Change of occupancy. When a change of occupancy or of ownership takes place on any premises being served by the City, written notice of the change shall be given to the City’s Finance Department at least five (5) days prior to the change. The consumer will be held responsible for all service supplied to a subject property until written notice to terminate service has been received by the City.
(Ord. No. 2001-05, passed 5-8-01; Am. Ord. 2005-18, passed 10-15-05; Am. Ord. 2010-12, passed 9-28-10)