N.M. Admin. Code § 17.10.650.10

Current through Register Vol. 36, No. 1, January 14, 2025

Section 17.10.650.10 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.Disposition of gas:

(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the commission all gas sold by a utility shall be on the basis of meter measurement except where the usage is constant and the consumption may be readily computed.

(2) Wherever practicable and exclusive of field usages, consumption of gas within the utility itself or by administrative units associated with it shall be metered.

B.Meter reading sheets, cards, or records: The meter reading sheets, cards, or records from which the customer's bills are prepared shall show:

(1) customer's name, address, and rate schedule;

(2) identification number or description of the meter(s);

(3) meter readings;

(4) if the reading has been estimated; and

(5) any applicable multiplier or constant.

C.Meter reading interval: Meters shall be read monthly except that authority may be obtained from the commission for reading the meters at other than monthly intervals. Commission approval need not be obtained where deviation from monthly meter reading schedules occurs because of changes in meter reading routes. As nearly as practicable utilities shall avoid sending a customer two successive estimated bills.

D.Condition of meter: No meter shall be installed which is mechanically defective, has an erroneous correction factor, or has not been tested and adjusted if necessary in accordance with Subsection B of 17.10.650.13 NMAC. However, meters being transferred from one service location to another need not be so tested if the time period prescribed in Paragraph (5) of Subsection A of 17.10.650.13 NMAC has not yet expired unless the utility has reasonable grounds for believing that some particular meter may be registering improperly. The capacity of the meter and the index mechanism should be consistent with the gas requirements of the customer.

E.Prepayment meters: Prepayment meters shall not be geared or set so as to result in the charge of a rate or amount higher than would be paid if a standard meter were used except under such special rate schedule as may be filed under 17.1.210 NMAC.

F.Temporary service: When the utility renders temporary service to a customer it may require that the customer bear all the costs of installing and removing the service in excess of any salvage realized.

G.Extension plan: Each utility shall develop a plan acceptable to the commission for the installation of extensions of mains and service lines where such facilities are in excess of those included in the regular rates for service and for which the customer shall be required to pay all or part of the cost. This plan must be related to the investment that can be made prudently for the probable revenue and expenses to be incurred.

N.M. Admin. Code § 17.10.650.10

6-30-88; 17.10.650.10 NMAC - Rn, NMPSC 650.11-650.17, 6-15-05, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXI, Issue 21, November 10, 2020, eff. 11/10/2020