6.1. ERMUSR 07-06-2004 Elk River
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway phone: 763.441.2020
Elk River,MN 55330 Fax 763.441.8099
June 29, 2004
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
Jim Tralle
John Dietz
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Electric Meter Accuracy
One of our customers in Otsego called, concerned about high electric usage. This
specific facility has six meters. The owner sub meters for their information, some of their
facilities and the sub meter totals are not close to our billing meters. Upon further
investigation, three of the six accounts utilize form 3S meters with a single current
transformer. The proper "CT" ratio is 1/2 of the calculated "CT" ratio. Unfortunately we
were utilizing the calculated "CT" ratio which in effect is billing twice the actual usage.
These services were installed over 20 years ago and to the best of our knowledge, the
metering has not been changed since the initial installation. Based upon the last 12
month consumption history, we have been over billing this customer approximately
$8300.00/year.
The PUC (public utility commission) rules for metering errors, refunds or charges shall
be computed for a period of no longer than one year. Under state law, if the error is a
result of negligence or fraud, the termination is six years. The customer supposedly has
records back seven years. Out of fairness, does this commission desire to exceed the
statuary requirements?