Section 57.24. Adjustment of bills for average meter error

(a) Average meter error. In meter tests made by the public utility or by the Commission at the request of a customer, the correctness of adjustment of the meter and its performance in service shall be judged by its average error, determined as follows:

(1) If the meter is used to measure a load which is substantially constant, the meter shall be tested at that load. The error of the meter at the constant load shall be accepted as the average meter error.

(2) If the meter is used to measure a variable load, the average error shall be obtained by taking 1/5 of the algebraic sum of both of the following:

(i) One part of the error at light load.

(ii) Four parts of the error at heavy load.

(3) If, in the opinion of the Commission, another load is more representative of the average operating load, the error of the meter at the average operating load will be accepted as the average meter error.

(b) Fast meters. If, upon testing, a meter is found to have an average meter error of more than 2% fast, the public utility shall refund to the customer the overcharge, based upon the corrected meter reading for a period equal to 1/2 the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed 12 months. If the period of registration error is definitely fixed, the overcharge shall be computed for the period. If the meter has not been tested in accordance with § 57.20 (relating to watthour meter testing), the period for which it has been in service beyond the regular test period shall be added to the 12 months in computing the refund.

(c) Slow meters. If, upon testing, a meter is found to have an average meter error of more than 2% slow, the public utility may render a bill for the service furnished, but not covered by bills previously rendered, for a period equal to 1/2 the time elapsed since the last previous test, but not to exceed 3 months. If the period of registration error is definitely fixed, the charge may be computed for the period.

(d) Access to meters. The public utility shall, at reasonable times, have access to meters, service lines and other property owned by it on premises of customers, for purposes of maintenance and operation. Neglect or refusal on the part of customers to provide reasonable access to their premises for these purposes is deemed to be sufficient cause for the discontinuance of service.

The provisions of this § 57.24 adopted February 25, 1946; amended through May 29, 1973; amended August 7, 1987, effective August 8, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 3324. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (80599).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 57.24 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 1501 and 1504.

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 57.254 (relating to approval of advanced meters).