Section 170IAC5-1-14. Billing adjustments

   (a) If any service meter is found to have a percentage of error greater than that allowed under section 6(a) of this rule, the following provisions for the adjustment of bills shall be observed:

(1) When a meter is found to be fast, in excess of two percent (2%) when tested at check and open rates (positive average error), the utility shall refund the customer's account with the amount of any charges in excess of either of the following:

(A) An average bill for the units of gas incorrectly metered.

(B) Separate bills individually adjusted for the percent of error for a period equal to one-half (1/2) of the time elapsed since the previous test, or one (1) year, whichever period is shorter.

An average bill shall be calculated on the basis of units registered on the meter over corresponding periods either prior to or subsequent to the period for which the meter is determined to be fast. No part of a minimum service charge shall be refunded.

(2) When a meter is stopped or is slow, in excess of two percent (2%) when tested at check and open rates (negative average error), the utility may charge the customer for the units of gas incorrectly metered for one-half (1/2) of the time elapsed since the previous test, or one (1) year, whichever period is shorter. The amount of the charge to the customer shall be estimated on the basis of either of the following:

(A) An average bill.

(B) Separate bills individually adjusted for percent of error.

An average bill shall be calculated on the basis of units registered on the meter over corresponding periods either prior to or subsequent to the period for which the meter is determined to be slow or stopped. Such action may be taken only in cases where the utility is not at fault for allowing the stopped or slow meter to remain in service.

  (b) All other billing errors, including incorrect tariff applications, may be adjusted to the known date of error or for a period of one (1) year, whichever period is shorter. (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; No. 34613: Standards of Service For Gas Public Utilities Rule 14; filed Oct 14, 1976, 10:20 a.m.: Rules and Regs. 1977, p. 400; filed Jun 8, 1992, 5:00 p.m.: 15 IR 2166; readopted filed Jul 11, 2001, 4:30 p.m.: 24 IR 4233; readopted filed Apr 24, 2007, 8:21 a.m.: 20070509-IR-170070147RFA; readopted filed Aug 2, 2013, 2:16 p.m.: 20130828-IR-170130227RFA)