Section 1220-04-04-.18 - ADJUSTMENT OF BILLS(1) Meter Fast - Whenever a meter from service is found upon periodic, request or complaint test to be more than two per cent (2%) fast, tests shall be made, as stipulated in Rule 1220-4-4-.38, to determine the average error of the meter. (a) Whenever a meter is found upon periodic, request or complaint test to have an average error of registration of more than two per-cent (2%) fast the utility shall recalculate the monthly bills for a period equal to one half of the time elapsed since the last test, but in no case shall this period exceed six (6) months. (See exception noted in paragraph (4).) The method of recalculating the monthly bills shall be as shown in the following example: A meter, upon test, was found to have an average accuracy of one hundred five percent (105%) or an error of five percent (5%) fast. The consumption registered for a billing period previous to test was one hundred five (105) kWh. The correct amount is determined by multiplying one hundred five (105) kWh by one hundred (100) and dividing this product by one hundred five (105) (the average per-cent accuracy), which result is one hundred (100) kWh and is the proper amount to be billed. After making such recalculations the utility shall refund to the customer the difference between the amount previously billed and the amount calculated as being the proper charge.(2) Meter Slow - When a meter upon periodic, request or complaint test is found to have an average error of more than two per-cent (2%) slow, the utility may recalculate the monthly bills for a period equal to one half of the time elapsed since the last test, but in no case to exceed six (6) months. The method for recalculating the monthly bills shall be as shown in the following example: A meter, upon test, was found to have an average accuracy of ninety-five percent (95%) or an error of five percent (5%) slow. The consumption, registered for a billing period previous to test, was one hundred five (105) kWh. The correct amount is determined by multiplying one hundred five (105) kWh by one hundred (100) and dividing this product by ninety-five (95), (the average per-cent accuracy) which result is 110.526 or 111 kWh and is the proper amount to be billed.
After making such recalculations the utility may collect from the customer an amount equal to the difference between the amount previously billed, and the amount calculated as being the proper charge.
(3) Per-cent Error - It shall be understood that when a meter is found to have an error in excess of two per cent (2%) fast or slow, the figure for calculating the amount of refund or the amount to be collected by the utility shall be that percentage of error as determined by the test, i.e., it is held that it is the duty of the utility to maintain the accuracy of its measuring devices as nearly one hundred percent (100%) as it is commercially practicable.(4) Refunds - The burden of maintaining measuring equipment, so that it will register accurately, is upon the utility; therefore, if meters, other than single phase meters tested under a sampling procedure approved by the Authority, are found upon test to register fast, and also if time for periodic test has overrun to the extent that one half of the time elapsed since the last previous test exceeds six (6) months the refund shall be for the six (6) months as specified in paragraph (2). In addition thereto a like refund upon those months exceeding the periodic test period, provided, however, that the Authority may relieve the utility from this requirement in any particular case in which it is shown that the failure to make the periodic test was due to causes beyond the utility's control.(5) Notification - When a meter is tested and it is found necessary to make a refund or back-bill a customer, the customer shall be notified in substantially the following form: Click to view Image
(6) Partial or Non-Registering - If a meter is found not to register or to register only partially for any period, the utility may estimate the consumption and demand, based on a like period of similar use, and any other pertinent facts.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1220-04-04-.18
Original rule certified May 9, 1974. Amendment filed October 30, 2000; effective January 13, 2001.Authority: T.C.A. § 65-2-102.