1. (1) Meter Fast - Whenever a meter from service is found upon periodic, request or complaint test to be more than two percent (2%) fast, tests shall be made, as stipulated in Rule 1220-04-04- .38, to determine the average error of the meter.

   1. (a) Whenever a meter is found upon periodic, request or complaint test to have an average error of registration of more than two percent (2%) fast the utility shall recalculate the monthly bills for a period equal to one half of the time elapsed since the last test, but in no case shall this period exceed six (6) months. (See exception noted in paragraph (4).) The method of recalculating the monthly bills shall be as shown in the following example: A meter, upon test, was found to have an average accuracy of one hundred five percent (105%) or an error of five percent (5%) fast. The consumption registered for a billing period previous to test was one hundred five (105) kWh. The correct amount is determined by multiplying one hundred five (105) kWh by one hundred (100) and dividing this product by one hundred five (105) (the average percent accuracy), which result is one hundred (100) kWh and is the proper amount to be billed. After making such recalculations the utility shall refund to the customer the difference between the amount previously billed and the amount calculated as being the proper charge.
2. (2) Meter Slow - When a meter upon periodic, request or complaint test is found to have an average error of more than two percent (2%) slow, the utility may recalculate the monthly bills for a period equal to one half of the time elapsed since the last test, but in no case to exceed six (6) months. The method for recalculating the monthly bills shall be as shown in the following example: A meter, upon test, was found to have an average accuracy of ninety-five percent (95%) or an error of five percent (5%) slow. The consumption, registered for a billing period previous to test, was one hundred five (105) kWh. The correct amount is determined by multiplying one hundred five (105) kWh by one hundred (100) and dividing this product by ninety-five (95), (the average percent accuracy) which result is 110.526 or 111 kWh and is the proper amount to be billed. After making such recalculations the utility may collect from the customer an amount equal to the difference between the amount previously billed, and the amount calculated as being the proper charge.
3. (3) Percent Error - It shall be understood that when a meter is found to have an error in excess of two percent (2%) fast or slow, the figure for calculating the amount of refund or the amount to be collected by the utility shall be that percentage of error as determined by the test, i.e., it is held that it is the duty of the utility to maintain the accuracy of its measuring devices as nearly one hundred percent (100%) as it is commercially practicable.
4. (4) Refunds - The burden of maintaining measuring equipment, so that it will register accurately, is upon the utility; therefore, if meters, other than single phase meters tested under a sampling procedure approved by the Commission, are found upon test to register fast, and also if time for periodic test has overrun to the extent that one half of the time elapsed since the last previous test exceeds six (6) months the refund shall be for the six (6) months as specified in paragraph (2). In addition thereto a like refund upon those months exceeding the periodic test period, provided, however, that the Commission may relieve the utility from this requirement in any particular case in which it is shown that the failure to make the periodic test was due to causes beyond the utility’s control.
5. (5) Notification - When a meter is tested and it is found necessary to make a refund or back-bill a customer, the customer shall be notified in substantially the following form: On _____________, 20______, the meter bearing identifying No. _____________________, installed in your building, located at _____________________________________________, was tested at_____________________________________________________ and found to (on premises or elsewhere) register __________________________________________________ The meter was tested (% fast or slow) on_____________________________________________________________________test. *(periodic-request -complaint) Based upon this test, we herewith _______________________________________________ *(charge or credit) you with the sum of $ ________________, which amount has been noted on your regular bill. *To be filled in by utility.
6. (6) Partial or Non-Registering - If a meter is found not to register or to register only partially for any period, the utility may estimate the consumption and demand, based on a like period of similar use, and any other pertinent facts.

Authority: T.C.A. § 65-2-102. Administrative History: Original rule certified May 9, 1974. Amendment filed October 30, 2000; effective January 13, 2001. Administrative changes made to this chapter on April 27, 2018 pursuant to Public Chapter 94 of 2017; “Tennessee Regulatory Authority” references were changed to “Tennessee Public Utility Commission,” “Authority” references were changed to “Commission,” “Authority Director” references were changed to “Commissioner,” and “Chief” references were changed to “Director.”