4901:1-15-19. Meter reading, inspecting, testing, and the location of meters

(A) This rule only applies to waterworks companies and/or sewage disposal system companies providing metered service. Each company shall read customer meters at least once during a three-month period unless access to the meter is unobtainable. If access to a meter is unobtainable on a quarterly basis, then each company must read each customer's meter at least once per year. The reading of a generator-type or pulse-type remote meter device does not satisfy this requirement.

(B) Inspecting and testing

(1) All billing meters and testing equipment shall comply with the industry accuracy standards such as those set forth by the American water works association.

(2) Each company shall perform routine testing of billing meters and maintain records of individual meters. Such records shall contain numerical identification of the meter, meter size, testing conditions, test results, testing date, and name of the meter tester.

(3) Each company shall perform either an on-site or bench meter test once every three years, without charge, if requested by the customer. The meter test shall be performed within thirty days from the request. The company may request a reasonable justification for a meter test. Results of an on-site meter test shall be provided to the customer at the time of the test. Should the on-site meter test indicate primary meter inaccuracy, the primary meter shall be removed and bench tested in accordance with the accuracy standards set forth in paragraph (B)(1) of this rule. If an on-site meter test is conducted or, if the primary meter is removed for off-site testing, the company shall provide the customer the test results and any associated billing adjustments in writing. If the primary meter fails to meet the accuracy standards, the company shall, within thirty days, perform any necessary billing adjustments. Additional customer requested meter tests within a three-year period shall be at the expense of the customer if the meter is found to be accurate.

(4) The company may test any meter at its discretion. The cost of such test shall be borne by the company.

(5) The customer has the right to be notified of the scheduled test date and, at the customer's request, the customer or the customer's representative may be present when the meter test is performed.

(6) Records of all tests shall be maintained for a period of not less than three years.

(C) Location of meters

(1) The company shall have the right to determine the location of the meter so that it is easily accessible for reading and maintenance, and protected from freezing and mechanical damage.

(2) When a number of meters are grouped, every meter shall be tagged to indicate the particular customer served by it.

(3) When a meter is located inside a home or other building, the company may install a remote register or dial on the exterior of the home or other building.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 08/17/2017 and 08/17/2022
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 4905.04
Rule Amplifies: 4905.06
Prior Effective Dates: 12/12/91, 3/24/03, 8/22/08

Prior History: (R.C. 119.032 review dates: 08/03/2012 and 05/31/2017
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 4905.04
Rule Amplifies: 4905.06
Prior Effective Dates: 12/12/91, 3/24/03, 8/22/08 )