N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 16 § 226.9

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024

Section 226.9 - Large volume meters-in-test programs

(a)Large volume meter in-test program.

After installation, all large volume meters shall receive an in-test at least once every seven years, except as otherwise provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) of this section. In-tests of meters shall be made at ambient temperature conditions at the same open and check test flow rates as used for out-tests specified in section 226.6(a) of this Part. Where possible, each in-test shall be performed within 60 working days after removal from a customer's premises.

(b)Alternate large volume meter in-test program.

(1) Initial notification. In lieu of the schedule of testing set forth in subdivision (a) of this section, any utility may apply to department staff for approval to adopt the alternate large volume meter in-test program described in this subdivision. The initial application for approval and any subsequent revisions shall include full formulation of said program complying with paragraphs (2) through (8) of this subdivision.

(2) Test groups. Test groups shall be formed in accordance with section 226.8(b) (2) (ii), (iii) and (3) of this Part.

(3) Each approved utility shall test its large volume meters as follows:

(i) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subdivision, the required annual test rate will be used to determine the minimum number of meters to be tested from each test group for each approved utility in an ensuing calendar year and shall be based on meter performance at the check rate during the three preceding calendar years. For example, the performance of meters in the calendar years 1991-1993 shall determine the test rate for the meters in the calendar year 1995. The required annual test rate for each meter type shall be four percent of such meters in service where 100 percent of the meters are within +2.0 percent of 100 percent proof. For each one percent of the meters found over 2.0 percent slow, the test rate shall increase 0.133 percent. For each one percent of the meters found over 2.0 percent fast, the test rate shall increase 0.267 percent.

(ii) Where the calculated test rate is between 8 and 14 percent, the test rate shall be determined from table 1 of Appendix 7-A of this title, infra.

(iii) Where the calculated test rate exceeds 14 percent in table 1 of Appendix 7-A of this Title, infra, the following test rate shall apply: test rate = 2x+y36, where x = percentage of meters fast and y = percentage of meters slow.

(4) The meters tested shall be from all age groups, the majority to be selected from those longest in service since last test.

(5) Meters tested for reasons other than the requirements set forth in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subdivision may be included for compliance therewith, provided that:

(i) the number of meters removed for fault, or found faulty, that may be credited against the test requirements for any meter type shall not exceed the number of meters tested and found to be in sound conditions; and

(ii) meters found to be inoperative or leaking shall be reported as such.

(6) No annual rate of test shall decrease from the required annual rate of the preceding year by a factor greater than three percent per year during each of the first two years of participation in the alternate large volume accuracy maintenance in-test program.

(7) Upon submission of a program satisfactory to the department staff, as described in subdivision (c) of this section, any utility may retire or accelerate the repair of any group of meters identifiable by make, type or any other factor which affects performance. The number of meters that are removed in excess of the number that is required may be credited to those meters with a history of superior test rates. The number credited to each test group shall be limited to quantities which will assure a two-percent sample of the superior test rate meters. Meters to be retired shall be in-tested at the rate specified in subdivision (c) of this section. In-test results for retirement and accelerated repair programs shall be reported separately.

(8) Any utility that does not meet its annual test requirements, in any test group, shall schedule such deficits in the following year's test requirements. Where a utility has exceeded its test requirements in any test group, such meters may be credited toward any deficits in current year requirements, providing that the credits are applied to meters with a history of superior performance. A maximum of two percent or 200 meters, whichever is less, in any test group may be credited toward the following year's test requirements, provided that they are credited to those meters having superior test rates.

(9) Rotary meter differential testing. In lieu of paragraph (5) of this subdivision, a utility may elect to differential test rotary type meters as an indicator of meter condition. An increase of 50 percent in the pressure differential reading between the inlet and outlet of the meter from readings supplied by the manufacturer or readings taken at the time of the meter's installation will require maintenance to the meter to bring it back into specification or the performance of an in-test. Differential tests shall be done at least once every 10 years or at one half the meter's scheduled in-test interval, whichever is greater.

(c)Retirement program.

If a utility files with the department staff a satisfactory retirement program for any group of meters identifiable by make, type or any factor which affects performance, the annual testing requirements of said type meter may be made as follows for the program's duration set forth in the filing:

Period of retirement program, years	Minimum percent of retired meters to be tested per year
Not more than 15	20.0
Not more than 10	15.0
Not more than 5	10.0
Not more than 2	0.0

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 16 § 226.9