1. (a)

   1. (1) A utility may not estimate a customer’s usage for more than two (2) consecutive bills.
   2. (2) If a utility estimates usage, it shall use the customer’s consumption for the same time at that location the year before.
   3. (3) A utility may apply a weather-sensitive factor to the consumption in arriving at the current month’s estimated usage.
   4. (4) If no figures are available for the current customer at that location for the previous year, a utility shall use the class average to estimate consumption.

2. (b) Exception.

   1. (1) A utility may estimate bills for more than two (2) months when the meter is inaccessible or the location is impractical for reading.

   2. (2) However, after the second estimated reading, the utility must:

      1. (A) Notify the customer in writing at the billing address on the customer’s account record; and
      2. (B) Explain that the meter is inaccessible or the location is impractical for reading.
   3. (3) The written notice must also explain the action required of the customer to correct the situation.

Codification Notes: This section was promulgated as Rule 5.08 of the General Service Rules prior to codification in the Code of Arkansas Rules.