Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-1-.15

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 770-X-1-.15 - Overbilling And Underbilling

(1) Whenever a meter in service is found, upon test made by the Utility or Commission, to be in excess of two percent (2%) fast or slow determined by the average error or other method prescribed by the Commission, adjustments to customer's bills shall be made as follows:

(a) Adjustments for inaccuracies in billing shall be limited to the most recent thirty-six (36) month period.

(b) If the date meter first became inaccurate can be definitely ascertained, an adjustment shall be made for the incorrect amount charged since said date in the most recent thirty-six (36) month period, over or under what the billing would have been had the meter registered with 100 percent accuracy.

(c) In all other cases adjustments shall be calculated by adjusting the customer's metered consumption for the most recent thirty-six (36) month period by the application of the percentage of error related to 100 percent accuracy as determined by a current test. The rates effective during said thirty-six (36) month period shall be applied to this adjusted consumption and the difference between the amount so obtained and the actual billing shall be adjusted to the customer.

(d) Refunds shall be made either as a credit to the customer's next monthly bill or in a lump-sum payment within forty-five (45) days of confirmation of inaccurate billing, such method of refund to be mutually agreed upon by the Utility and the customer.

(e) In the event the inaccuracy results in the customer having underpaid for utility service, no backbilling shall be allowed without prior written notification to the customer by the Utility. Such notice shall inform that the customer shall be given the option of repayment of amount due in monthly installments equal to the period of said underbilling, or by any other mutually agreeable arrangement, except in cases of proven tampering and/or unauthorized use.

(f) If the inaccuracy is due to proven tampering and/or unauthorized use, the thirty-six (36) month limitation as stated in 770-X-1-.15(1), (2), and (3) will not apply.

(2) Inaccuracies in billing for telephone service shall be handled in accordance with 770-X-5-.05.

(3) Inaccuracies in billing for electric service shall be handled in accordance with 770-X-3-.15, Special Electric Rules of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-1-.15

Effective January 1968. Amended October 1988. Amended December 1991. Filed with LRS February 5, 2013. Filed for Codification in the Alabama Administrative Code by the Alabama Public Service Commission on February 5, 2013, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 41-22-7.

Author: Alabama Public Service Commission

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 37-1-32, 37-1-38.