Authority: IC 8-1-1-3; IC 8-1-2-4

Affected: IC 8-1-2-34

Sec. 14. Adjustment of Bills. (A) Adjustments Due to Meter Error. If any service meter shall be found to have a percentage of error greater than that allowed in Rule 9 [170 IAC 6-1-9], the following provisions for the adjustment of bills shall be observed:

1. (1) Fast Meters. When a meter is found to have a positive average error, i.e., is fast, in excess of two (2) percent, the utility shall refund or credit the customer's account with the amount in excess of that determined to be an average charge for one-half of the time elapsed since the previous test, or one (1) year, whichever period is shorter. This average charge shall be calculated on the basis of units registered on the meter over corresponding periods either prior or subsequent to the period for which the meter is determined to be fast. No part of a minimum service charge need be refunded.
2. (2) Stopped or Slow Meters. When a meter is stopped or has a negative average error, i.e., is slow, in excess of two (2) percent, the utility may charge the customer an amount estimated to be an average charge for one-half of the time elapsed since the previous test or one (1) year, whichever period is shorter. This average charge shall be calculated on the basis of units registered on the meter over corresponding periods either prior or subsequent to the period for which the meter is determined to be slow or stopped. Such action may be taken only in cases where the utility is not at fault for allowing the stopped or slow meter to remain in service.

(B) Adjustment for Interruption of Service. In the event the customer's service is interrupted for a reason other than the act of the customer or the condition of customer controlled equipment, and the service remains interrupted for more than two (2) days after being reported or found to be out of order, appropriate adjustments or refunds shall be made to the customer. Each company shall file with the commission a tariff detailing the method and amount of refund in such cases.

(C) Other Billing Adjustments. All other billing errors, including incorrect tariff applications, may be adjusted to the known date of error or for a period of one year, whichever period is shorter.

(Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; No. 34805: Standards of Service For Water Utilities Rule 14; filed Nov 28, 1977, 3:00 pm: Rules and Regs. 1978, p. 684; readopted filed Jul 11, 2001, 4:30 p.m.: 24 IR 4233; readopted filed Apr 24, 2007, 8:21 a.m.: 20070509-IR-170070147RFA; readopted filed Aug 2, 2013, 2:16 p.m.: 20130828-IR-170130227RFA; readopted filed Apr 11, 2019, 9:04 a.m.: 20190508-IR-170190136RFA; readopted filed Sep 12, 2025, 11:43 a.m.: 20251001-IR-170240381RFA)