Okla. Admin. Code § 165:45-5-3

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 165:45-5-3 - Information as to reading of meters

(a)Means of informing consumers concerning the method of reading meters. Each utility supplying metered service shall adopt a means of informing its consumers as to its method of reading meters, either by printing on its bills a description of the method of reading meters, by distributing booklets or folders describing the method, or by notice to the effect that the method will be explained at the office of the utility upon application for service.

(b)Clarification of method by which quantity is determined. Each service meter shall indicate clearly the number of cubic feet of gas registered by the meter. Where gas is measured under high pressure or where the quantity is determined by calculation from recording devices, the utility, upon request, shall supply the consumer with sufficient information clarifying the method by which the quantity is determined.

(c)Meter reading information. Each service meter shall be read by the utility or their designated representative at monthly intervals at least ten (10) times a year, on approximately the same day of each meter reading period. If it is necessary for the utility to estimate more than two (2) bills per year due to actions of the consumer regarding meter accessibility, and where the inaccessibility is beyond the control of the utility, it will be permissible for the utility to submit an estimated bill based upon consumer reading or past service records, and the amount of such estimated bill shall to be adjusted as necessary when the next actual reading is obtained.

(d)Meters read by consumers. For each utility which permits its consumers to regularly read their own meters, the procedure for meter reading by the consumer shall provide for meter reading at monthly intervals. The utility shall verify such readings not less than once every six (6) months; however, a utility which has a residential rate schedule which does not have seasonal variations shall verify such readings not less than once a year. The utility shall file its proposed plan for implementing this subsection for approval by the Commission. Upon approval, said plan will become part of the utility's terms and conditions of service. When the consumer fails to furnish meter readings, the utility may submit an estimated bill based on the consumer's previous two (2) months average usage and other available information or based on previous usage adjusted for weather or other comparative data. The amount of such estimated bill will be adjusted as necessary when the next actual reading is obtained.

(e)Authorization of meter reading. Upon application of the utility and after notice and hearing, the Commission may authorize the reading of meters less frequently than required by this Section and prescribe conditions and procedures therefore. However, a utility is not prohibited from reading meters more frequently than required by this Section.

(f)Utility records. The utility records shall show the following:

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

(2) Identifying number and type of the meter;

(3) Meter reading and dates thereof;

(4) Whether the reading has been estimated; and,

(5) Any applicable multiplier or constant.

(g)Meter charts. All charts taken from recording meters shall be marked with the date of recording and sufficient information to identify the location.

(h)Meter constants or multipliers. Each service meter shall clearly indicate the reading from which the charge is made to the consumer. In any case where the dial reading of a meter must be multiplied by a factor due to gas being delivered at a pressure not consistent with the meter index pursuant to OAC 165:45-7-12(a), the gas bill will be calculated with the correction factor.

(i)Access to meters and other property. The utility shall, at all reasonable times, have access to meters, service connections, and other property owned by it on a consumer's premises for the purpose of meter reading, maintenance, inspection and discontinuance of service. Refusal on the part of the consumer and/or property owner to provide reasonable, safe and unobstructed access for the above purposes shall be deemed to be sufficient cause for discontinuance of service on the part of the utility, after ten (10) business days written notice. In the event the customer is a tenant, the utility shall attempt to notify the property owner of the access violation and the pending disconnection. If the consumer and/or property owner does not correct unsafe conditions or obstructions, including dangerous animals, the utility may relocate the meter to a safe and accessible location at the expense of the consumer and/or property owner. The utility shall provide its employees with a means of identification in order to claim the right of access.

Okla. Admin. Code § 165:45-5-3

Amended at 13 Ok Reg 3259, eff 7-25-96; Amended at 15 Ok Reg 2177, eff 7-1-98; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 1808, eff 7-1-05

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 36, Issue 21, July 15, 2019, eff. 7/25/2019