(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 said liability. The meter reading shall be conclusive, provided that 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 equal to one-half of the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed six months. No part of the 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 one-half of the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed six months.
(C) If a meter is found not to register or 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. Such 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.
(D) Estimated meter readings shall not be used, excepting in the case of meter failure or proven inaccuracy, and then only in accordance with this code. Monthly accounting for all metered gas compared to gas purchases shall be done by the City Clerk and/or Collector and reported in writing to the Public Works Director.
(E) A gas customer may request that the city supplied meter be read manually instead of remotely; the fee for such manual reading shall be $35 per address, per month. A customer who requests that more than one utility meter be read manually shall not be required to pay more than $35 total per address per month.
(1993 Code, § 38-2-10) (Ord. 640, passed 1-7-1980; Am. Ord. 726, passed 2-3-1986; Am. Ord. 845, passed 9-3-1991; Am. Ord. 1755, passed 4-16-2018)