6.1. ERMUSR 12-15-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River ,~.,, Municipal Utilities Memorandum To: Elk River Utilities Commission Jabn Diets .~'~' ~~~ Prepared By: David Berg Date: 12/10/2009 Subject: Meter Billing Errors Questions have arisen about why water misplacement issues occur. Examples of ERT heads will be provided for commissioners to view at the monthly meeting. It is a rare occurrence that a meter head is improperly placed onto a water meter, but this is an item that brings concern. All ERT heads fit every Badger water meter, no matter the size or type of meter, this can cause the problem. The only noted difference in the ERT's look is the presence of small numerical text on the head. Anything from an ERT's misplacement into a shipped box of heads, to an incorrect storage action can cause such a mix up. The initial reading of a new head is in proper range and varies in duration until the numbers do not add up to a legitimate read and the error is found. The exercise of caution toward preventing errors is being practiced. ** Less than ahalf-dozen ERT's have been incorrectly placed onto meters since the start of the ERT technology. ERMU began using ERT's in 2002. 7820.3800 Subpart 1. When a customer has been over or undercharged as a result of incorrect reading of the meter, incorrect application of rate schedule, incorrect connection of the meter, application of an incorrect multiplier or other similar reason, the amount of the overcharge shall be refunded to the customer or the amount of the undercharge may be billed to the customer. Subpart 2. Remedy for overcharge. When a Utility has overcharged a customer, the utility shall calculate the difference between the amount collected for service rendered and the amount the utility should have collected for service rendered, plus interest, for the period beginning three years before the date of discovery. Interest must be calculated as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes 325E.02(b).