When a public utility renders a make-up bill for previously unbilled public utility service which accrued within the past 4 years resulting from public utility billing error, meter failure, leakage that could not reasonably have been detected or loss of service, or four or more consecutive estimated bills and the make-up bill exceeds the otherwise normal estimated bill for the billing period during which the make-up bill is issued by at least 50% or at least $50, whichever is greater:

1. (1) The public utility shall explain the bill to the customer and make a reasonable attempt to amortize the bill.

2. (2) The period of the amortization may, at the option of the customer, extend at least as long as:

   1. (i) The period during which the excess amount accrued.
   2. (ii) Necessary so that the quantity of service billed in any one billing period is not greater than the normal estimated quantity for that period plus 50%.

Authority

The provisions of this § 56.14 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 331, 501, 504, 1301, 1305, 1401—1419, 1501 and 1504.

Source

The provisions of this § 56.14 adopted June 16, 1978, effective June 17, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 1655; amended April 8, 1983, effective April 9, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 1250; amended July 17, 1998, effective August 17, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 3379; amended October 7, 2011, effective October 8, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 5473. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (271615) to (271616).

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 56.12 (relating to meter reading; estimated billing; customer readings); 52 Pa. Code § 56.41 (relating to general rule); 52 Pa. Code § 56.83 (relating to unauthorized termination of service); and 52 Pa. Code § 56.191 (relating to payment and timing).