Section 63.64. Metering inspections and tests

(a) A public utility shall adopt a program of periodic tests, inspections and preventive maintenance aimed at achieving efficient operation of its system and the rendition of safe, adequate and continuous service.

(b) A public utility shall maintain or have access to test facilities enabling it to determine the operating and transmission capabilities of equipment and facilities, both for routine maintenance and for trouble location. The actual transmission performance of the network shall be monitored in order to determine if the established objectives and operating requirements are met. The monitoring function shall consist of circuit order test prior to placing trunks in service, routine periodic trunk maintenance tests, tests of actual switched trunk connections, periodic noise tests of a sample of customer loops in each exchange and special transmission surveys of the network.

(c) If a meter is used in connection with telephone service, it shall be read, where applicable, at monthly intervals. The meter reading records from which the customers’ bills are prepared shall show:

(1) Identifying number or means to determine readily the customer’s name, address and service classification.

(2) Meter readings.

(3) Date of meter reading.

(4) Multiplier or constant if used.

(d) A meter or other recording device used to record data and prepare customers’ bills shall be in good mechanical and electrical condition, shall be accurately read and may not involve approximations. A meter or recording device shall accurately perform the following:

(1) For message rate service, if timing the length of message is not involved, the meter or recording device shall show the number of completed messages sent by the station or trunk which it is measuring.

(2) For measured rate or toll service when, in addition to recording a call, it is necessary to time the call, the recording device shall show the number of calls, and the chargeable time involved in each call and the station or trunk making the call. If a meter is associated with the station making the call, the meter shall accumulate the number of message units for these calls.

(3) If the recording equipment provides customer bills, accurate interpretation of the coded information is required.

(e) A telephone meter and recording device shall be tested prior to installation or when released for service and at regular intervals, or both, either by the manufacturer, the public utility or an approved organization equipped for the testing. The utility shall comply with the following:

(1) A public utility furnishing service, if local exchange billing is based on the number or duration of messages, shall provide the necessary facilities, instruments and equipment for testing its metering or recording equipment.

(2) The overall accuracy of the test equipment and test procedure shall be sufficient to enable testing of meter and record equipment within the requirements of this chapter.

(3) A meter and recording device tested under this subchapter for routine or complaint shall be tested in its normal operating location and wiring mode prior to removal or adjustment.

(4) A record of meter and recording equipment tests and adjustments and data sufficient to allow checking of the results shall be recorded. The record shall include the identifying number of the meter and recording device, its type, the date and kind of test and the results of each test.

(f) A public utility shall perform periodic testing and maintenance of its controlling trunk equipment associated with the meters or recording devices, or both, to assure the integrity of their operation.

(g) Upon request of a customer, a public utility shall make a test of a meter and recording device related to the billing. The requests may not be made more often than once every 3 months unless unusual circumstances exist.

(h) A customer, by request to the Commission, may have a test conducted by the public utility in the presence of a Commission representative.

The provisions of this § 63.64 adopted January 29, 1988, effective July 30, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 466.

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 63.64 issued under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 504, 1501, 1504 and 2901.