5.4. ERMUSR 04-14-2009Elk River -:r.
MUr1lClpol ut111t1eS
13069 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 430
Elk River, MN 55330-0430
Apri18, 2009
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities commission
John Dietz
Jerry Gumphrey
Daryl Thompson
From: Theresa Slominski
Subject: Meter Testing Policy
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Phone: 763.441.2020
Fax: 763.441.8099
We have a policy regarding meter testing that is somewhat outdated. The policy exists to
meet customer demands for requests to test a meter that would not be tested otherwise.
For example, if a customer has a high bill one month, many times they will contact the
utility and state that it must be incorrect for any number of reasons. The Utilities will
always investigate these situations by reviewing customer history, consider current
factors, and, if necessary, re-read the meters. If our investigations convince us that the
meter reading(s) are incorrect, we will replace the meter. If our investigations convince
us that the meter reading(s) are correct, we will not take this measure. Sometimes, this is
not acceptable to the customer and so this policy was created (I have no idea how many
years ago) to meet the customer demands and release them from any obligation if the
meter is actually bad, and hold them accountable if it is not.
The policy is outdated because it states that we need to remove the meter to test it, and
that is not the case today. Since we can test the meter without removing it, the policy
should be updated to reflect that. The wording currently reads:
"If a customer requests the removal and testing of his/her electric and or water
meter because of high bills, they shall deposit with the Utility the sum of $50.00
for this test and it shall be paid prior to removing the meter for testing."
The wording change suggested is the following:
"If a customer requests the testing of his/her electric and or water meter because
of high bills, they shall deposit with the Utility the sum of $50.00 for this test and
it shall be paid prior to testing."
The current policy in its entirety is included for your reference.
EL1Z RZ'ITER CIPgZ,
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~ErRER -nEtSTZNG POLICY
On complaints concerning high bills, and where a meter check is indicated, the Utility
will test the meter using calibration equipment under generally accepted industry
procedure.
If a customer requests the removal and testing of his electric and or water meter because
of high bills, they shall deposit with the Utility the sum of $50.00 for this test and it shall
be paid prior to removing the meter for test
If the meter is found to be accurate within plus or minus three percent (3%), the fee will
be retained by the Utility. If the meter is found to be in error beyond these limits, the
Utility will bear the cost of testing and return the $50.00 fee and adjust the cusotmer's bill
in the amount of the error for the past six (6) month period.
E,(fec~ive
Adopted