| (I) If any meter test reveals a meter to be more than nominally defective, the utility must correct previous readings consistent with the inaccuracy found in the meter for the period of either: (-a-) the last six months; or (-b-) the last test of the meter, whichever is shorter. Any resulting underbillings or overbillings are to be corrected in subsequent bills, unless service is terminated, in which event a monetary adjustment is to be made. This requirement for a correction may be foregone by the utility if the error is to the utility's disadvantage. (II) If a meter is found not to register for any period of time, the utility may make a charge for units used but not metered for a period not to exceed three months previous to the time the meter is found not to be registering. The determination of amounts used but not metered is to be based on consumption during other like periods by the same customer at the same location, when available, and on consumption under similar conditions at the same location or of other similarly situated customers, when not available. (8) New construction. (A) Standards of construction. Each utility is to construct, install, operate, and maintain its plant, structures, equipment, and lines in accordance with the provisions of such codes and standards as are generally accepted by the industry, as modified by rule or regulation of the regulatory authority or otherwise by law, and in such manner to best accommodate the public and to prevent interference with service furnished by other public utilities insofar as practical. (B) Line extension and construction charges. Every utility must file its extension policy. The policy must be consistent, nondiscriminatory, and is subject to the approval of the regulatory authority. No contribution in aid of construction may be required of any customer except as provided for in extension policy. (C) Response to request for service. Every gas utility must serve each qualified applicant for service within its service area as rapidly as practical. As a general policy, those applications not involving line extensions or new facilities should be filled within seven working days. Those applications for individual residential service requiring line extensions should be filled within 90 days unless unavailability of materials or other causes beyond the control of the utility result in unavoidable delays. In the event that residential service is delayed in excess of 90 days after an applicant has met credit requirements and made satisfactory arrangements for payment of any required construction charges, a report must be made to the regulatory authority listing the name of the applicant, location, and cause for delay. Unless such delays are due to causes which are reasonably beyond the control of the utility, a delay in excess of 90 days may be found to constitute a refusal to serve. |
| Source Note: The provisions of this §7.45 adopted to be effective June 26, 1977, 2 TexReg 2371; amended to be effective March 30, 1983, 8 TexReg 887; amended to be effective September 25, 1987, 12 TexReg 3040; amended to be effective September 21, 1998, 23 TexReg 9543; amended to be effective November 10, 2003, 28 TexReg 9826; amended to be effective July 12, 2004, 29 TexReg 6635 |
