Each meter for measuring gas provided by a gas company or municipal lighting plant to a consumer shall, not later than seven years from the date of installation or replacement, be removed by the company or municipal lighting plant from the premises of the consumer and replaced by it with such a meter which has been newly tested, sealed and stamped in accordance with law.
Any gas company or municipal lighting plant which violates any provision of this section, unless in the opinion of the department such violation is due to unavoidable cause, accident or lack of materials, shall forfeit five dollars for each meter which is not removed and replaced as provided herein. Forfeitures incurred under this section shall not be included as expenses in connection with the establishment of rates by said companies.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 164, § 115A