SECTION 165:35-15-2. Meter reading, meter reading records, cards, and charts

(a)   Meter reading records. The meter reading records shall show:

(1)   Consumer's name, address, and rate schedule symbol.

(2)   Identifying number or description of the meter.

(3)   Meter readings and dates thereof.

(4)   If the reading has been estimated.

(5)   Any applicable multiplier or constant.

(b)   Meter charts. All charts taken from recording meters shall be marked with the date of record, the meter number, consumer's name and location, and the chart multiplier.

(c)   Meter constants or multipliers. Each service meter shall clearly indicate the reading from which the charge is made to the consumer. In any case where the dial reading of a meter must be multiplied by a constant to obtain the units consumed, the proper constant to be applied shall be clearly marked on the face or dial of the meter.

(d)   Meter reading information. Each service meter shall be read by the utility, or a utility may by its rules prescribe a procedure for reading of meters by consumers.

(1)   Meters read by the utility. For each utility that regularly reads its own meters, each service meter shall be read at monthly intervals at least ten (10) times a year, weather permitting, on approximately the same day of each meter reading period. The utility may, if specified and approved in its tariffs, delegate the reading of the meter to the consumer; however, the reading must be verified by the utility every six (6) months. Whenever it is not possible, with reasonable diligence, to read a meter for a billing period, the utility may submit an estimated bill based upon previous usage and other available information, the amount of such estimated bill to be adjusted as necessary when the next actual meter reading is obtained. No more than two (2) consecutive estimated bills shall be rendered without the utility reading the meter. If it is necessary for the utility to estimate more than two (2) bills per year due to the actions of the consumer regarding meter accessibility, and where the inaccessibility is beyond the control of the utility, it will be permissible for the utility to submit an estimated bill based on consumer reading or past service records. The amount of such estimated bill will be adjusted as necessary when the next actual reading is obtained.

(2)   Meters read by the consumer. For each utility whose normal procedure is to have its consumers regularly read their own meters, the procedure for meter reading by the consumer shall provide for meter reading at approximately monthly intervals or annually, if an annual rate applies. The utility shall verify such readings not less than once every six (6) months. When the consumer fails to furnish meter readings, the utility may submit an estimated bill based on the consumer's previous usage and other available information, the amount of such estimated bill to be adjusted, as necessary, when the next actual reading is obtained. No more than two (2) consecutive estimated bills shall be rendered without the utility reading the meter. When by reason of a consumer's failure to furnish meter reading, the utility reads the meter, it may charge the service fee for reading the meter prescribed in its approved tariffs.

(3)   Access to meters and other property. The utility shall at all reasonable times have access to meters, service connections, and other property owned by it on a consumer's premises. Refusal on the part of the consumer to provide reasonable access for the above purposes shall be deemed to be sufficient cause for discontinuance of service on the part of the utility, after at least ten (10) calendar days written notice. In the event the consumer is a tenant, the utility should attempt to notify the property owner of the access violation and pending disconnection of service. Service will be reconnected after a method of permanent access on the meter reading date is agreed upon by the customer consumer and utility. If the consumer and/or property owner does not correct unsafe conditions or obstructions, including aggressive animals, the utility may relocate the meter to a safe and accessible location at the expense of the consumer and/or property owner. The utility shall provide its employees with a means of identification to claim the right of access.

(4)   Special meter reading request. Whenever a special meter reading is required following a request by a consumer, the utility shall not make a charge for the special meter reading, whether or not its applicable tariff authorizes a charge for a special meter reading, unless the consumer has requested and received special meter reading within the previous twelve (12) month period.

(e)   Consumer submeter record information. Consumer submeter records shall contain the information set forth in (a) and (c) of this Section and such meters shall be read within three (3) business days of the applicable utility meter being read by the utility.

[Source: Amended at 10 Ok Reg 2633, eff 6-25-93; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2237, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 1799, eff 7-1-05; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 1030, eff 9-12-14; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 620, eff 7-25-19]