Section 410.10  Definitions

 

            "Acceptance testing" means the approval of a group of meters based on statistical testing procedures.

 

            "Act" means the Public Utilities Act [220 ILCS 5].

 

            "Alternative retail electric supplier" or "ARES" means the same as that term is defined in Section 16-102 of the Act [220 ILCS 5/16-102].

 

            "Answer time" means a measurement from the point the last digit of the entity's telephone number is dialed or, if a menu-driven system is used, from the point the last menu digit is dialed by the subscriber and the call is answered by the entity.

 

            "Applicant" means anyone who requests a line extension from an entity providing distribution services.

 

            "Average error" means the difference between 100% and the average percent registration as defined in Section 410.150(d).

 

            "Billing multiplier" means the number by which a meter register reading is multiplied to obtain actual usage data. The billing multiplier shall include the transformer multiplier and meter multiplier, if applicable.

 

            "Commission" means the Illinois Commerce Commission.

 

            "Commission referee test" means the accuracy test of any customer's electric meter made in the presence of one or more members of Commission Staff.

 

            "Complaint" means an objection made to an entity, by a customer or another entity, as to its charges, facilities or service, the disposal of which complaint requires investigation or analysis.

 

            "Creep" means a continuous apparent accumulation of energy in a meter with voltage applied and the load terminals open circuited.

 

            "Customer" has the same meaning as "retail customer."

 

            "Demand" means the electric consumption at the point of delivery measured over a specified interval of time in order to estimate the instantaneous electric load.

 

            "Deposit" means an amount paid by an applicant for service to an entity providing distribution services that is intended to cover any line extension expenses that exceed the free limits allowed.

 

            "Electric cooperative" means the same as that term is defined in Section 3.4 of the Electric Supplier Act [220 ILCS 30/3.4].

 

            "Electric utility" means the same as that term is defined in Section 16-102 of the Act [220 ILCS 5/16-102].

 

            "Entity" means each electric utility while providing services within its service area, each electric utility while providing electric power and energy outside its service area, any ARES providing services subject to this Part, and any electric cooperative or municipal system but only when it provides services as an ARES outside its service territory.

 

            "Instrument transformer" means a transformer used for metering that reproduces in its secondary circuit, in a definite and known proportion, the voltage or current of its primary circuit, with the phase relation substantially preserved.

 

            "Meter multiplier" means the number (other than 1) by which the meter register reading is multiplied to obtain meter data not adjusted for the effect of instrument transformation on the calculated amount of actual usage.

 

            "Meter shop" means a facility containing equipment used by an entity for determining the accuracy of meters.

 

            "Metering service" means the performance of functions related to the provision, installation, testing, maintenance, repair and reading of electric meters used for billing of retail customers and maintaining meter usage data as well as the maintenance and management of meter information and meter data with respect to those meters.

 

            "Municipal system" means any public utility owned and operated by any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the State of Illinois, or owned by such and operated by its lessees or agents.

 

            "Phase-shifting transformer" means an assembly of one or more transformers intended to be connected to a poly-phase circuit so as to provide voltages in the proper phase relations for energizing metering equipment.

 

            "Point of delivery" means the point at which the entity providing distribution facilities connects its lines or equipment to the lines or facilities owned or rented by the customer, without regard to the location or ownership of transformers, substations or meters, unless otherwise provided for by written contract or tariffs.

 

            "Portable standards" means instruments (e.g., watt-hour meters, voltmeters, and ammeters) that are used outside the meter shop to test customer meters.

 

            "Reference standards" means instruments (e.g., watt-hour meters, voltmeters, and ammeters) that are used only for verifying the accuracy of working or portable standards, and whose accuracy is traceable back to the national standard maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology or its successor.

 

            "Retail customer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 16-102 of the Act [220 ILCS 5/16-102].

 

            "Service watt-hour meter" means an electricity meter used for billing retail customers and maintaining meter usage data that measures and registers the integral, with respect to time, of the real power that flows in the circuit to which the meter is connected. This also includes meters that measure demand in watts or volt-amperes.

 

            "Test amps" means the electrical current used during meter accuracy testing as designated by the manufacturer and displayed on the meter.

 

            "Transformer multiplier" means the product of the current transformer ratio multiplied by the potential transformer ratio when instrument transformers are part of a metering installation.

 

            "Var-hour meter" means an electricity meter that measures and registers the integral, with respect to time, of the reactive power of the circuit in which it is connected. This includes meters that measure demand in vars.

 

            "Working standards" means instruments (e.g., test benches and demand boards) that are used in meter shops to test the accuracy of customer meters.

 

Section 410.20  Application

 

This Part sets forth minimum requirements and shall apply to any entity in this State.  This Part shall not apply to any electric cooperative nor to a municipal system when operating within its service territory. Records required by this Part shall be retained as set forth in 83 Ill. Adm. Code 420, unless longer periods of retention are stated in this Part.

 

Section 410.30  Exemption or Modification

 

Any entity may file an application requesting modification of or exemption from any Section of this Part that applies to the entity.  Upon showing that the modification or exemption is economically and technically sound and will not compromise safety, reliability or the service obligations of the entity, the Commission may grant the modification or exemption.  A petition for exemption or modification shall be filed pursuant to 83 Ill. Adm. Code 200 and shall set forth specific reasons and facts in support of the requested exemption or modification.

 

Section 410.40  Complaints

 

a)         Each entity shall investigate each complaint received. The receipt of all written complaints shall be acknowledged in writing or verbally.

 

b)         Each complaint received by an entity shall be documented, and any records required by this Part shall be made available to Commission personnel upon request. Each record shall contain, at a minimum, the name and address of the complainant, the time of day and the date received, the nature of the complaint, the result of the investigation and/or analysis, when and by whom conducted, the final disposition of the complaint, and the date of disposition.

 

c)         Records of complaints related to voltage regulation or accuracy of metering equipment or data, other than requests for meter rereads, shall be kept in the following manner: each entity receiving complaints shall keep an index or file containing all those complaints for 3 years, separated by year. If the entity chooses to maintain an index of complaints, it shall contain enough information to allow access to individual records of each complaint.

 

Section 410.45  Customer Call Centers

 

a)         Each entity shall maintain a customer call center where customers can reach a representative and receive current information. At least once every 6 months, each entity shall provide written information to customers explaining how to contact the call center. The average answer time for calls placed to the call center shall not exceed 60 seconds where a representative or automated system is ready to render assistance and/or accept information to process calls. The abandon rate for calls placed to the call center shall not exceed 10%. Each entity shall maintain records of the call center's telephone answer time performance and abandon call rate. These records shall be kept for a minimum of 2 years and shall be made available to Commission personnel upon request. In the event that answer times and/or abandon rates exceed the limits established above, the reporting entity may provide the Commission or its personnel with explanatory details. At a minimum, these records shall contain the following information in monthly increments:

 

1)         Total number of calls received;

 

2)         Number of calls answered;

 

3)         Average answer time;

 

4)         Number of abandoned calls; and

 

5)         Abandon call rate.

 

b)         Entities that do not have electronic answering capability that meets the requirements of subsection (a) shall notify the Manager of the Commission's Consumer Services Division or its successor by January 15, 2001 and work with Staff to develop individualized reporting requirements as to the call volume and responsiveness of the call center.

 

c)         On or before March 1 of every year, each entity shall file a report with the Chief Clerk of the Commission for the preceding calendar year on its answer time and abandon call rate for its call center as described in subsection (a). A copy of the report shall be sent to the Manager of the Consumer Services Division or its successor.

 

Section 410.100  Application of Subpart B

 

This Subpart applies to all entities that are providing metering service.  Each entity shall be responsible for ensuring that its meters and metering service comply with these requirements.

 

Section 410.110  Meter Records

 

a)         Each entity shall keep records that contain the following information about each service watt-hour meter and var-hour meter the entity owns or has in service in this State:

 

1)         manufacturer and date of purchase, along with any testing data provided by the manufacturer that is used by the entity for acceptance testing of the meter;

 

2)         manufacturer or entity identification number;

 

3)         nameplate data, including:

 

A)        form designation or circuit description;

 

B)        "watt-hour meter" or other description;

 

C)        manufacturer's name or trademark;

 

D)        manufacturer's type;

 

E)        electrical current class;

 

F)         rated voltage;

 

G)        number of wires;

 

H)        frequency;

 

I)         test amperes;

 

J)         watt-hour meter constant; and

 

K)        watt-hour meter test constant (if applicable);

 

4)         date and place of present or most recent installation (entities that do not already retain this information on meters removed from service must begin keeping this information starting with all meters installed or removed from service after January 1, 2001);

 

5)         date and type of last major repair, or of final disposition; and

 

6)         accuracy of each meter in accordance with the testing policies set forth in this Subpart, including:

 

A)        date of test;

 

B)        reason for test;

 

C)        reading and accuracy of meter as found and as left;

 

D)        creep test results, if applicable;

 

E)        identification of person performing test; and

 

F)         identification of equipment used to test meter.

 

b)         Each entity shall keep records of tests of the accuracy of each of its service watt-hour meters installed in this State until superseded by a later test, but not less than 3 years. Each entity shall keep all other records required by subsection (a) for not less than 3 years.

 

c)         Each entity having service watt-hour meters installed in this State shall compile a report of the results of all meter accuracy tests required by this Part at least once each year. This report shall include the number of meters tested and the number of meters that tested outside of accuracy limits for each of the following categories: sample testing, periodic testing, and at customer request. Each entity shall keep this report for not less than 8 years.

 

d)         Each entity having instrument transformers in service in this State shall maintain a record for each instrument transformer that includes the manufacturer's name or trademark, type, and serial number. Each instrument transformer placed in service will be marked with the same information.  Each entity shall also retain a record of the most recent accuracy test of each instrument transformer for at least as long as the instrument transformer is in service.

 

e)         Each entity having phase-shifting transformers in service in this State shall maintain a record for each phase-shifting transformer that includes the manufacturer's name or trademark, type, and serial number.  Each phase-shifting transformer placed in service will be marked with the same information. Each entity shall retain a record of the accuracy of each such phase-shifting transformer for as long as the phase-shifting transformer is in service.

 

Section 410.120  Metering Service Requirements

 

a)         Each service watt-hour meter shall have a register or display on the front of the meter that: displays energy consumption in a definite and known proportion to the actual energy consumption of that customer; is plainly visible; and can be read by the customer. This requirement may be waived in writing by the customer.  This requirement shall not affect the entity's right to secure meters for safety reasons or in situations in which the meter is subject to excessive risk of damage or tampering.  At the customer's request, a representative for the entity providing metering service shall explain to the customer how to read the meter used for billing that customer.

 

b)         If a billing multiplier is used to calculate customer usage, the entity shall mark the billing multiplier on the front of the meter (or other location on the metering installation where the multiplier is plainly visible) and identify it as a billing multiplier at the time of installation or test, using a permanent marking method.  Any entity providing instrument transformers shall mark the multiplier based on instrument transformer ratios on all new installations, and shall mark the multiplier on all existing installations when periodic meter testing is performed on the meter at that installation. The billing multiplier shall include the transformer multiplier and meter multiplier.

 

c)         No meter shall be installed that is known to be mechanically or electrically defective, or that has not been tested in accordance with this Subpart and shown to comply with the accuracy requirements in this Subpart.

 

d)         Meters shall be installed so as to be accessible to metering personnel for reading, testing, and making adjustments and repairs.

 

e)         Meters installed after January 1, 2001 shall, at a minimum, meet the standards set forth in Section 4.7 of the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) Code for Electricity Metering (1995 edition, approved June 12, 1995, published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, Virginia 22209).  No later amendments or editions are incorporated.

 

f)         The entity may refuse to install a meter or to serve a customer if, in the entity's judgement, the metering installation is hazardous or of such character that satisfactory service cannot be provided. In case of refusal, the entity shall inform the customer in writing of the reason for refusal to render service and shall notify  within 24 hours by telephone or in person the customer and all other entities providing service to that customer.

 

Section 410.130  Separate Metering

 

a)         Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a separate meter shall be used to measure the electricity that is consumed within, and controlled by the occupant of, each individual unit contained in any new building, newly remodeled portion of an existing building, or new mobile home park for which a building permit was obtained on or after November 1, 1981, or, if no permit was required, for which construction was commenced on or after November 1, 1981. Separately metered consumption shall be used as the basis for billing the occupant of the individual unit as a separate customer.

 

b)         Definitions – For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:

 

1)         "Individual unit" means each portion of a building that is separately leased, rented or owned.

 

2)         "Control" means the ability of the occupant of an individual unit to determine the timing and amount of electricity consumed. Electricity used for central space heating, central water heating, central ventilation or central air conditioning systems is not "controlled" by the occupant of the individual unit.

 

3)         "Remodeled portion of a building" means each area in which interior alterations are made that are required by local code or ordinance.

 

4)         "Mobile home park" means contiguous parcels of land used for the accommodation of occupied mobile homes.

 

5)         "Multiple-unit building" means buildings with more than 4 individual units.

 

c)         Exceptions – Separate metering and billing of electricity shall not be required for the following:

 

1)         Units within buildings normally considered to be temporary domiciles, such as motels, dormitories, health care facilities and nursing homes.

 

2)         Residential units that do not have kitchen and bathroom facilities separate from common use facilities.

 

3)         Portions of buildings in which separate metering is impractical, such as concession stands in lobbies, and individual offices that share office service areas.

 

4)         Buildings for which space heating is provided by electric lighting and that qualify for service under special rates.

 

5)         Multiple-unit buildings that are designated as congregate, assisted-living care facilities for elderly or handicapped persons.

 

d)         The provisions contained in this Section are minimum requirements and shall not prohibit any electric utility from filing tariffs that impose additional restrictions on the use of master metering.

 

e)         Waiver – Any applicant for electric service who is refused master metered service by an entity, and who has exhausted his remedies in the informal complaint process set forth by the Commission (83 Ill. Adm. Code 200.160), may file a formal complaint (83 Ill. Adm. Code 200.170) with the Commission seeking a waiver from the requirements of this Section or the corresponding rules of the entity. The complaint shall comply with the Commission's Rules of Practice (83 Ill. Adm. Code 200) and shall name the entity as a Respondent. The complaint shall allege that the long-run benefits of separate metering are outweighed by the associated costs or that separate metering would otherwise be impractical or unreasonable.

 

Section 410.140  Testing Facilities and Equipment

 

a)         Each entity shall provide a meter shop adequately equipped with reference standards, instruments and other facilities, equipment, and personnel necessary to make the tests required of the entity by this Part.  Each entity shall provide working standards and portable standards necessary to make the tests required of the entity by this Part. All apparatus and equipment shall be available at all times during the entity's established business hours for the inspection of or use by authorized representatives of the Commission.  The entity shall take precautions to ensure that the meters used for billing and maintaining customers usage are not damaged in transit to or from any testing facility.

 

b)         Each entity shall verify the accuracy of all reference standards at least once every 12 months.  If the comparison indicates that the reference standard is in error by more than 0.5% on any combination on which it will be used, the entity shall adjust the standard to reduce the inaccuracy, if possible.  In any case, the entity shall apply the correction indicated by the certificate or calibration card accompanying the instrument (pursuant to subsection (d)).

 

c)         When in use for testing meters, all solid state working and portable standards shall be compared to a  reference standard at least once every six months. All other working and portable standards used regularly for testing meters shall be compared against a reference standard at least once every month. When working and portable standards are used for purposes other than testing meters, they shall be compared to a reference standard at least once each year. If found in error by more than 0.5%, the entity shall adjust the instrument to read within the specified limits or shall apply the proper correction factor.

 

d)         Each working, portable or reference standard shall be accompanied at all times by a certificate or calibration card signed or initialed by the person responsible for the calibration giving the date and results of the last calibration of the instrument. The entity shall keep any superseded certificates or calibration cards on file for at least 3 years.

 

e)         An authorized representative of the Commission may check or establish the accuracy of all testing equipment owned by each entity, as well as the methods of operation of testing equipment. An authorized representative of the Commission shall perform an audit of each entity's meter testing equipment and methods at least every 3 years.

 

Section 410.150  Meter Accuracy Requirements

 

a)         The accuracy of service watt-hour meters shall be determined using the following criteria:

 

1)         Light Load test:  10% of test amps at 100% power factor;

 

2)         Heavy Load test:  100% of test amps at 100% power factor; and

 

3)         Power Factor test:  100% of test amps at 50% lagging power factor. The power factor test is only required on meter shop tests.

 

b)         Accuracy limits:

 

1)         On any test of a service watt-hour meter, the meter shall be left so adjusted that the error shall not be in excess of the following:

 

A)        Average error:  1% fast or slow.

 

B)        Error at heavy load:  1% fast or slow.

 

C)        Error at light load:  1% fast or slow.

 

D)        Error at power factor:  2% fast or slow.

 

2)         Meters shall not be deliberately set in error by any amount.

 

c)         Each entity shall test a service watt-hour meter for creep at the time it makes any accuracy test of that meter if the percent registration at light load deviates by greater than 2% from the percent registration at heavy load. No service watt-hour meter found to creep shall be placed in service or allowed to remain in service in that condition.

 

d)         The average percent registration of a watt-hour meter shall be determined by adding the light load registration to 4 times the heavy load registration and dividing that quantity by 5.

 

e)         Demand meters, when tested on the loads specified in this Section, shall be adjusted, if necessary, to meet the following requirements:

 

1)         Demand Meters other than Lagged Demand Meters:

 

A)        Electrical element – Error shall not exceed that specified for service watt-hour meters in this Section.

 

B)        Timing element – When used to measure time interval only, error shall not exceed 2%. When used also to keep a record of time of day at which the demand occurs, error shall not exceed 0.25%.

 

2)         The demand error for lagged demand meters shall not exceed 3% of full scale indication.

 

Section 410.151  Installation and Removal of Lagged Demand Meters

 

Lagged demand meters shall not be installed after January 31, 2001. All lagged demand meters shall be removed from service by January 31, 2008.

 

Section 410.155  Installation Inspections

 

Within 90 days after installation or exchange of any meter with associated instrument transformers and/or phase-shifting transformers, a post-installation inspection shall be made under load to determine if the meter is accurately measuring customer energy consumption. At a new or re-wired metering location, where the installation includes potential transformers, the inspection shall be performed by someone other than the original installer.

 

Section 410.160  Initial Tests

 

Initial tests are tests made before installation, regardless of whether the meter and associated devices have previously been in service. Each meter and associated devices (unless included in the sample testing plan in Section 410.180) shall be inspected and tested in the meter shop of the entity or other location that meets the requirements of this Part before being placed in service, and the accuracy of the meter shall be within the tolerances permitted by this Part. If a meter is removed from a customer's premises, except for field testing, it shall be tested and inspected as described above before it is placed in service again. If creep or inaccuracy is discovered in a meter removed from service, the entity shall correct the metering data as detailed in Section 410.200.

 

Section 410.170  Accuracy Testing of Meters

 

a)         Each service watt-hour meter and var-hour meter shall be inspected and tested according to the schedule in subsection (b). At the time a service watt-hour meter or var-hour meter is tested, any demand meter associated with it shall be inspected or tested. Each demand meter shall be tested at least as often as the meter with which it is associated and, as nearly as practicable, at the same time. If the service watt-hour meter is of the type in which the same element that measures watt-hours is used to measure demand, then the watt-hour test and the demand test shall be considered to be one and the same.

 

b)         Alternating current service watt-hour meters and associated var-hour meters shall be tested according to the following schedule:

 

1)         Self-contained single-phase and three-wire network meters:

 

A)        Non-demand:

 

i)          Sample according to Section 410.180; or

 

ii)         8 years;

 

B)        Demand:

 

i)          with pulse-operated electronic demand registers: 4 years;

 

ii)         with surge-proof magnets or solid state: 8 years.

 

2)         Self-contained 480 volt single-phase and poly-phase meters; transformer-rated single-phase meters:

 

A)        Non-demand:

 

i)          with surge-proof magnets: 8 years;

 

ii)         without surge-proof magnets: 4 years;

 

B)        Demand:

 

i)          Mechanical meters with pulse-operated electronic demand registers: 4 years;

 

ii)         with surge proof magnets or solid state: 8 years.

 

3)         Transformer-rated poly-phase meters:  8 years.

 

c)         Direct current watt-hour meters shall be tested at least once every 12 months.

 

Section 410.180  Sample Testing Procedures

 

a)         An entity that chooses to use sample testing shall use the procedures prescribed in any of the following documents (alone or in combination) to sample test non-demand, self-contained single-phase or three-wire network meters.

 

1)         ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-1993 "Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes", approved 1993, American Society for Quality Control, 611 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53202. No later amendment or editions are incorporated.

 

2)         ANSI/ASQC Z1.9-1993 "Sampling Procedures and Tables for  Inspection by Variables for Percent Nonconforming", approved 1993, American Society for Quality Control, 611 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee WI  53202. No later amendment or editions are incorporated.

 

3)         Military Standard 414 "Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Variables",  approved May 8, 1968, Defense Automation and Production Service, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia PA  19111-5094. No later amendment or editions are incorporated.

 

4)         Military Standard 105 "Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes",  approved May 10, 1989, Defense Automation and Production Service, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia PA  19111-5094. No later amendment or editions are incorporated.

 

5)         If, on December 15, 2000, an entity does not already use sample testing in accordance with subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2), the entity must begin to sample test in accordance with subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2), starting with the earlier of either the entity upgrading to a new sample testing tracking program or January 2010.

 

6)         If, on December 15, 2000, an entity does use sample testing in accordance with subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2), that entity shall continue to use a sample testing program in accordance with subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2).

 

b)         The entity shall divide the meter population into homogeneous groups consisting of meters of the same basic type and purpose.  All meters within each homogeneous group shall be eligible for sampling each time a sample is taken.  A sample shall be taken each calendar year from each homogeneous group, and testing shall be completed during the same calendar year. The size of each sample shall be determined through use of an allowed sampling procedure listed in subsection (a).

 

c)         The performance of a homogeneous group shall be considered acceptable when, after applying the performance criteria described in subsection (f) to each meter included in the sample, the sample indicates an acceptable quality level (AQL) at least as stringent as 2.5%. AQL shall indicate the maximum percentage of nonconforming meters to be permitted within a homogeneous group. 

 

d)         Each entity shall perform 100% testing on all used or remanufactured meters purchased.

 

e)         Each entity using sample testing shall file a yearly report no later than March 31 of the following year with the Chief Clerk of the Commission and provide a copy to the Manager of the Energy Division or its successor detailing the sample plan used in the previous year, along with the results of the testing program.

 

f)         The performance of a meter that is tested as part of a sample shall be considered acceptable when its average percent registration, prior to any adjustment, is not less than 98% or more than 102%. The average percent registration for each meter shall be calculated as described in Section 410.150(d).

 

g)         All tests described in Section 410.150(a) shall be performed on all meters included in the sample, and all meters included in the sample shall be left adjusted so that the error shall not exceed the limits listed in Section 410.150(b).

 

h)         When an entity finds the performance of any homogeneous group to be unacceptable through sample testing, the entity shall perform corrective action on the group. Corrective actions outlined in this subsection shall be completed by the end of the second calendar year after the year in which the homogeneous group performance is initially found to be unacceptable. The corrective action shall consist of one of the following:

 

1)         Removal of a subgroup of problem meters from service so that the performance of the remaining meters in the group is found to be acceptable through subsequent sample testing; or

 

2)         Removal from service of all meters associated with the group.

 

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 10617, effective August 1, 2004)

 

Section 410.190  Meter Tests Requested by Customer

 

a)         Upon customer request, the entity providing metering service to that customer shall test the customer's meter within 30 days after receiving the request, unless the customer agrees to a later time. The meter test shall be performed between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, unless some other time is agreed upon by the entity and the customer.  The test shall be performed at the meter installation location and in the customer's presence, unless the customer gives consent for the meter to be removed and/or tested outside the customer's presence.

 

b)         If the customer's meter has been tested at the request of another entity or customer while in service at the same location within the past 6 months, the entity may provide the results of that test in reply to the customer's request in lieu of the test specified in subsection (a).

 

c)         An entity shall not require any payment from the customer for a meter test, unless a test has been performed on that meter at that customer's request within the previous 12 months, or information has been provided as in subsection (b) within the past 6 months. In such cases, the customer shall be required to pay $40 to the entity.  The entity shall refund the $40 deposit to the customer if the entity finds that the meter over-registers by more than 2%.

 

d)         Commission referee tests

 

1)         Upon written application to the Commission by any customer, the entity providing metering service shall test the customer's meter within 30 days after receiving notice of the written request from a Commission representative, unless the customer agrees to a later time. The application for a Commission referee test shall be accompanied by a fee of $20. The entity shall conduct this test under the supervision of a representative of the Commission.

 

2)         On receipt of the request from a customer, a Commission representative shall notify the entity. After the entity has received notice that application has been made for a referee test, the entity shall not disturb the meter in any way, unless the customer or the Commission gives written permission for the meter to be removed.

 

3)         The entity shall furnish to the Commission's representative such assistance as may be required to make the test. The Commission shall make a written report of the results of the test to the customer within 30 days after the test.

 

4)         If upon test the meter is found to over-register by more than 2%, the entity shall reimburse the customer the amount paid to the Commission for the test. The entity shall also make any necessary metering data adjustment.

 

e)         No entity shall be required to perform more than 2 tests of the same meter installed at the same location at customer request within a 12 month period, unless a Commission referee test is requested. After a Commission referee test, the entity shall not be required to test the same meter for a period of at least 12 months.

 

Section 410.195  Meter Tests Requested by Entity

 

a)         Upon another interested entity's request, the entity providing metering service shall test the meter within 30 days after receiving the request, unless the requesting entity agrees to a later time. The meter test shall be performed between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, unless some other time is agreed upon by the entities.  The test shall be performed at the meter installation location and in the presence of a representative of the requesting entity, unless the requesting entity gives consent for the meter to be removed and/or tested without the representative's presence.

 

b)         If the meter has been tested at the request of another party while in service at the same location within the past 6 months, the entity may provide the results of that test in reply to the entity's request in lieu of the test specified in subsection (a).

 

c)         Meter tests requested by other entities may be performed at any time agreeable to both entities if the customer's electrical service will not be interrupted by the test. If the customer's electrical service will be interrupted by the test, the testing entity or requesting entity shall obtain permission from the affected customer to interrupt the service before the test is performed.

 

d)         The entity requesting the meter test shall be required to pay the actual cost (not to exceed $250) of performing the test to the entity performing the test. The entity performing the test shall refund the payment to the other entity if the meter over-registers by more than 2%.  No entity shall induce a customer to request a meter test on behalf of that entity to avoid paying the actual cost of the meter test.

 

e)         The entity providing metering service shall not be required to provide more than 1 test on the same meter at the same location more than once every 3 years at the request of another entity, unless the other entity requests a Commission referee test.

 

f)         If an entity requests a Commission referee test, the requesting entity shall pay $20 to the Commission and the actual cost (not to exceed $250) of the test to the entity providing metering service. If the meter over-registers by more than 2%, the entity providing metering service shall refund both fees to the requesting entity and make any necessary meter data adjustment. The entity providing metering service shall not be required to provide a Commission referee test on the same meter at the same location more than once every 12 months.

 

Section 410.200  Corrections and Adjustments for Meter Error

 

a)         Whenever any test made by any entity or by the Commission shows a meter to have an average error of more than 2%, a correction of the metering data shall be determined by the entity providing metering service and that correction shall be conveyed within 3 business days to the customer and to other entities involved in billing the customer.

 

b)         When a meter is found to have an average error of more than 2%, the entity providing metering service shall determine the metering data correction using the actual percentage of error as determined by the test, not the difference between the allowable error and the error found as a result of a test.

 

c)         If the meter is found to run faster than allowable, the entity providing metering service shall determine the correction to the metering data for that meter. In determining the correction it shall be presumed, unless demonstrated otherwise, that the inaccuracy has existed for a period of 2 years. This period of presumed inaccuracy shall not exceed the time for which records of the current customer's usage exist.

 

d)         If the meter is found to be slower than allowable, the entity providing metering service shall determine the correction to the metering data for that meter. In determining the correction, it shall be presumed, unless demonstrated otherwise, that the inaccuracy has existed for a period of 1 year prior to the test for small commercial and residential customers and 2 years prior to the test for all other customers.

 

e)         In the case of a non-registering meter that has been read during the period of non-registration, the entity providing metering service shall not determine a correction to metering data for estimated consumption extending over more than twice the regular interval between readings.

 

f)         No corrections to metering data for meter error shall extend beyond the in-service date of the meter discovered to be in error, nor shall any correction be required to extend beyond the date upon which the current customer first occupied the premises at which the error is discovered.

 

g)         Whenever an entity or the Commission's representative finds that a service watt-hour meter, while in service, exhibits creep, the entity shall make an estimate of the registration caused by the creep during the period as specified under subsection (c) and shall make a corresponding correction in the metering data.

 

h)         Billing adjustments

 

1)         For electric utilities. Any correction to metering data for over-registration shall be accompanied by an adjustment to customer billing by any electric utility that rendered service that is affected during the period of adjustment. Corrections made to metering data for under-registration may be accompanied by an adjustment to a customer's billing. However, if an electric utility is providing metering service, in no case shall an adjustment to a customer's billing be made for under-registration if all testing and accuracy requirements of this Part have not been met.

 

2)         For entities other than electric utilities. Any correction to metering data made by any entity other than an electric utility and all records relating to the adjustment of the customer's billing or charges shall be retained for at least 2 years.

 

i)          Provisions of this Section do not apply to situations in which the customer's wires, meters or other service equipment have been tampered with and the customer enjoyed the benefit of the tampering.

 

Section 410.210  Information to Customers

 

a)         Bills rendered to retail customers for service shall clearly show at least the following:

 

1)         The date of the meter reading, the number of days in the billing period, the energy used, the meter constant if applicable, the type of service rendered, a complete description of the service or rate classification under which the customer receives service, and the type of reading that was used in the bill calculation (such as actual, estimated or customer reading), and, for meters for which beginning and ending meter readings are used as billing determinants, the reading of the meter at the beginning and the reading of the meter at the end of the period for which the bill is rendered.

 

2)         In the event that a bill rendered to retail customers is not based on usage derived from meter readings, the bill must indicate the period of time for which the bill is rendered, the type of service rendered, and a complete description of the service or rate classification under which the customer receives service.

 

3)         The total amount of the bill and, when applicable, the following portions that make it up, listed vertically for easy readability:

 

A)        the monthly customer charge or portion thereof;

 

B)        the demand charges;

 

C)        the cost of energy detailed by the energy used and the price per unit for each change in the unit price;

 

D)        the cost of fuel adjustment;

 

E)        any other applicable adjustments (other charges not under categories of charges but relating to services, energy, or other programs provided to customers by the entity);

 

F)         State tax;

 

G)        municipal tax;

 

H)        infrastructure maintenance fee;

 

I)         transition charge; and

 

J)         optional services listed separately;

 

4)         The due date of the bill.

 

5)         Definitions or explanations of any abbreviations and technical words used on the bill.

 

6)         The name and the toll-free telephone number of each service provider whose services to the customer appear on the bill.

 

7)         The average use per day for the period over which the bill is rendered and for the comparable period one year earlier, and an indication of the difference in temperatures between the two periods.  If this information is not available for a customer, the bill shall so state.

 

b)         Each entity, upon request by a customer, shall transmit at a minimum a statement of the actual consumption of energy by the customer at the customer's present billing address for each billing period during the immediately preceding 12-month period for which that customer was receiving service.

 

c)         All electric utilities shall have on file with the Commission a proposed tariff under Section 9-201 of the Act [220 ILCS 5/9-201] that contains a bill form complying with the requirements of subsection (a). By June 15, 2001, all billings shall comply with the requirements of subsection (a).

 

d)         As mandated by Section 8-302 of the Act [220 ILCS 5/8-302], whenever a customer for whom an electric utility provides metering service provides the utility with a written request asking the meter reader to leave a card showing these meter readings and dates, the electric utility shall have its meter reader leave a card showing these meter readings and dates.

 

e)         Each electric utility shall disclose to each of its customers information about the customer's service in a clear and concise manner. The disclosure shall contain the following minimum requirements:

 

1)         A description of the rates or charges for the rate classification under which the customer receives service;

 

2)         An identification and explanation of optional or experimental rates or classifications available to customers; and

 

3)         An identification and explanation of all charges that are not related to costs incurred in service and the supply of energy to that customer.

 

f)         In addition, for customers served under the residential and commercial classifications, this disclosure statement shall contain the following:

 

1)         An explanation of the terms appearing on the customer's bill form; and

 

2)         An example of how to calculate a bill using the customer's existing rate.

 

g)         Disclosure statements shall be provided:

 

1)         To each new customer, not later than 60 days after the date of commencement of service, through a billing insert, separate mailing or direct customer contact by a representative of the entity providing billing.

 

2)         To all affected customers in the event of a change in overall rate levels. The disclosure statement shall be transmitted, at a minimum, within the second complete billing cycle after the rates become effective following the issuance of a final order in any rate proceeding. If the disclosure is sent during a period in which proration occurs, a statement such as the following shall be incorporated in the text:

 

            "This summary is being sent during a period in which proration occurs. Proration occurs when part of your bill is charged on old rates and part of your bill is charged on new rates. If an attempt is made to calculate your bill using this rate summary, your calculation will not yield the proper billing amount for this billing period, but will do so in subsequent months. We recommend that you retain this summary for future reference in computing proper billing amounts."

 

h)         Each ARES shall provide to all residential and small commercial customers, at least annually, a disclosure statement with the following information:

 

1)         the average monthly prices; and

 

2)         the terms and conditions of the products and services sold to the customer.

 

i)          At least annually, each electric utility shall provide to small commercial and residential customers an identification and explanation of optional or experimental rates or classifications available to the customer.

 

Section 410.300  Voltage Regulation

 

a)         Standard voltage. Each entity supplying electrical energy for general use shall adopt a standard service voltage of 120 volts (when measured phase to neutral) and shall maintain the service voltage within the allowable variations from that value at all times.

 

b)         Allowable voltage variations. For service rendered at the standard service voltage, voltage variations as measured at any customer's point of delivery shall not exceed a maximum of 127 volts nor fall below a minimum of 113 volts for periods longer than two minutes in each instance.  For service rendered at voltages other than the standard voltage value, voltage variations as measured at any customer's point of delivery shall not exceed 10% above or below the service voltage for a longer period than two minutes in each instance.

 

c)         Variations of voltage in excess of those specified above shall not be considered a violation of this Section if caused:

 

1)         by operations of a retail customer in violation of an agreement with or the rules of the entity;

 

2)         by the operation of apparatus on a retail customer's premises that results in large inrush currents;

 

3)         by infrequent and unavoidable fluctuations of short duration due to system operation; or

 

4)         by acts of nature or other situations beyond the entity's control.

 

Section 410.310  Voltage Surveys  

 

a)         Each entity shall make voltage surveys of its system to keep itself informed regarding the character of the service being furnished from the system. Such surveys may be made by recording instruments, analytical methods, or a combination of these methods.

 

b)         All charts or readings taken or analyses made in voltage surveys shall be retained for at least 5 years and kept  in a systematic manner. The entity shall record the date, hour and place of the test, distance from the transformers, size of transformers, the instruments used, and the name of the persons making the test.

 

c)         For use in making voltage surveys, each entity shall provide portable recording voltmeters. These instruments shall be of a type and range suited to the voltage supplied.

 

d)         Each entity shall install and maintain recording voltmeters on its system to indicate the adequacy of voltage control methods and equipment.

 

Section 410.320  Standard Frequency

 

Each entity that supplies alternating current for use by retail customers in this State shall operate its equipment in a manner that the frequency of the alternating current maintained by the operation of the interconnected transmission systems is not degraded as a result of any action or lack of action on the part of the entity.

 

Section 410.330  Service Connections

 

An entity providing distribution services shall furnish and install without charge a service connection of reasonable length from the distribution system to the point of delivery on the customer's property, unless otherwise provided for in the utilities' tariffs.

 

Section 410.400  Application of Subpart E

 

This Subpart shall not apply to applicants for auxiliary, standby or temporary service.  Each entity providing distribution services shall file line extension provisions with the Commission that set forth conditions and terms for provision of auxiliary, standby, or temporary service.

 

Section 410.410  Extension Provisions

 

a)         If an extension of a entity's distribution system is necessary in order to serve an applicant or group of applicants, the entity providing distribution services, upon written request for service by the applicants, shall make the necessary line extension. The line extension shall be made along a street, highway or other right-of-way to the nearest point adjacent to the point of delivery for the applicants. The applicant or group of applicants must agree to the provisions of this Section before the line extension is made.

 

1)         The entity providing distribution services may file a line extension provision in conjunction with its rate schedule. If the entity providing distribution services files a line extension provision, that provision shall be worded so that the applicant will have a choice of obtaining the extension under the provision or obtaining the extension under subsections (b) and (c). If the line extension provision is permitted to become effective by the Commission, then the applicant may proceed under the line extension provision or under subsections (b) and (c).

 

2)         Alternatively, the filed line extension provision may be in lieu of subsections (b) and (c) instead of an option; however, if the entity providing distribution services files a line extension provision in lieu of subsections (b) and (c), the line extension provision shall not become effective unless the entity providing distribution services demonstrates that the line extension provision is generally more favorable to applicants than the provisions of subsections (b) and (c). After specific action by the Commission by order, the line extension provision shall become effective.

 

b)         Free extensions

 

1)         If an extension of the entity's distribution system is necessary in order to serve an applicant or a group of applicants, the entity shall extend its line without charge for each applicant along the street, highway or other available right of way to the nearest point adjacent to the premises of the applicants, upon written request for service. If the entity believes the cost of providing the extension is excessive, the entity may file a request with the Commission for a modification of this requirement for a specific extension. The line extension furnished without charge shall be the cost equivalent of up to 250 feet of single-phase overhead line per customer and shall include any necessary delivery voltage transformer and its associated protective devices for each customer. No free extension shall be made from existing lines on which refunds are due from previous deposits. If a refund is due from a previous deposit, any further extension shall be made only upon the applicant making a deposit equal to the full estimated cost of the required additional extension.

 

2)         If all or part of a line extension is made on existing poles and costs less than the cost of constructing the free extension described in subsection (b)(1), the entity shall not charge for the extension.

 

c)         Extension in excess of the free limit

 

1)         If the cost of the line extension is greater than that allowed in subsection (b), the entity shall make the line extension and shall own, maintain, and replace the line extension upon agreement by the applicant or group of applicants to deposit with the entity an amount under the original or any subsequent extension, equal to the estimated cost of the extension above the free limits.

 

2)         The cost of extensions in excess of the free limit, and any resulting deposits, shall be allocated among customers based on their respective share of the length of the line extension. Deposits will be refundable based on changed circumstances or shared use for a period of ten years from the date the line extension is placed in service.

 

3)         In no case shall a refund exceed the original deposit.

 

4)         If the premises of a customer are so located that they could be served by extending a parallel separate line at less cost than the amount of deposit that would be required from them for connection to the existing extension, the customer shall not be required to deposit in excess of the estimated cost of the separate line.  The customer shall not share in any refunds so long as the deposit remains less than that of other depositors on the line extension.

 

5)         Combining of rural service. For the purposes of determination of the deposits and refunds, a farm applicant whose premises include a number of buildings such as barns, employees' houses, etc., for which electric service is desired may qualify as a single applicant, provided the farm applicant constructs the necessary facilities required to supply the various buildings from a mutually agreed upon point conveniently located near the entity's lines. This shall not be construed as including electric service to buildings occupied by a tenant who leases land or conducts a business separate from that of the land owner.

 

6)         In the event an option is available for a line extension to a group of applicants, the decision of the majority of the applicants will determine which option is implemented.

 

7)         Determination of deposit. The distance of the electrical equipment installation from the available primary or secondary circuit that is nearest to the route that normally would be used in making the extension that is on available right-of-way shall be considered in determining whether an applicant is entitled to a free extension, and the cost of extending this circuit shall be used as the basis in determining the amount of deposit necessary in case the extension is above the free limit.

 

d)         Commission review. If the extension is of such length and the prospective business that may be developed by it is so meager as to make it doubtful whether the business from the extension would ever pay a fair compensation for its investment, operation, maintenance and replacement, or for other substantial reasons is unwarranted, the fact shall be reported to the Commission for investigation and determination as to the reasonableness of the extension.