Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.113 - Actual and estimated meter reading

Rule 13.

(1) Except as specified in these rules, a utility shall provide all customers with an actual meter reading each billing month.

(2) A utility shall outline in its tariff a process that addresses missing or invalid usage data affecting the amount billed to a customer and that ensures the amount billed during the billing period is appropriate.

(3) A utility may estimate a meter reading under any of the following circumstances:

(a) An actual meter reading cannot be obtained by any reasonable or applicable method described in R 460.102.

(b) An automated or remote meter reading device is not functioning and customer usage data cannot be retrieved.

(c) A utility meter reader does not have access to the meter.

(d) There is a condition at the meter location that puts the meter reader's safety at risk.

(e) The utility bills the customer seasonally in accordance with its commission-approved tariffs.

(4) If a utility estimates a meter reading pursuant to subrule (3)(c) or (3)(d) of this rule, the utility shall notify the customer of all of the following information:

(i) The reason for the estimated reading.

(ii) Safe access must be provided.

(iii) A customer has the option of reading the meter and submitting the actual meter reading to the utility pursuant to these rules.

(iv) A utility may install a remote meter, actual meter reading device, or other similar device that provides the utility with an actual meter reading.

(5) If a meter reading equipment failure occurs, the utility shall make all reasonable efforts to replace or repair equipment so that not more than 2 estimated bills are issued.

(6) A utility shall not use estimated meter reads to deny residential customers the benefit of a lower-tiered rate, if available.

(7) If a utility cannot obtain an actual meter reading, then the utility shall maintain records of the efforts made to obtain such a reading and its reasons for failing to obtain it.

(8) A utility may estimate customer bills only upon a finding by the commission that a utility's estimated bill procedures assure reasonable billing accuracy. A bill that is rendered on an estimated basis shall be clearly and conspicuously identified as such. A utility shall submit any substantive changes to its billing estimation procedures to the commission for approval.

(9) An estimated bill that is generated because the actual meter reading is outside the range for the premises usage shall not be issued in consecutive months. If the utility is actively engaged in resolving the problem, an additional 30 days is permitted to correct the problem and obtain an actual meter reading.

(10) If a utility shuts off service due to nonpayment, the utility shall complete a final reading, or, if unable to obtain an actual meter reading after reasonable attempts, the utility may estimate the bill.

(11) If a utility estimates a customer's bill for 2 or more consecutive months and an actual meter reading is then obtained, the utility shall offer the residential and small nonresidential customer the opportunity to pay the bill over the same number of months as consecutively estimated bills. This subrule does not apply if the utility cannot obtain access to the meter and the customer fails to provide an actual meter reading if requested by the utility.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.113

2007 AACS; 2017 MR 22, Eff. 12/11/2017