Your Gas Meter
The gas meter is an instrument that measures the volume of natural gas you use. We test and replace gas meters periodically according to standards governed by the PUCO.
Since the meter is the property of Columbia Gas, any unauthorized tampering or removal of the meter is illegal. You are responsible for keeping the meter dials free from obstruction by trimming plants, and avoiding fencing or storage around the meter. You are also responsible for providing clear access to the meter by restraining pets from the path to the meter.
Meter Readings
We attempt to read your meter every other month. If the meter is located inside the building or in a locked area outside, you must make arrangements for us to obtain a reading on the scheduled meter reading date that appears on your bill.
If the meter reader cannot gain access to your meter, we may estimate your usage or we will accept a reading that you provide. However, you must provide us access to read your meter at least once every 12 months or be subject to a large billing adjustment or possible termination of service. If we have estimated your usage for more than two consecutive months, or if you question the accuracy of a meter reading, we will re-read your meter two times a year at no charge upon request.
After we have read your meter, we may adjust your bill to reflect actual usage. However, if we have been unable to read your meter and have underestimated your usage, we may bill you only for the difference between the estimated and actual usage at the rates in effect for the period. If we have overestimated your usage, we will credit your account at the cost of gas that was in effect during the period.
Usage History
You can find a 13-month history of your gas usage in the Service Summary section of your bill. The information is provided in both graphic and table formats, and also indicates the number of days in the billing cycle for each period. You may also obtain a 12-month history of your usage upon request.
Meter Testing
Although natural gas meters are accurate devices that measure the volume of gas being used at a service address, you may request that we perform a test to verify your meter’s operation. We will conduct the test within 30 days of receipt of your request, and you or your representative may be present when we perform the test. Prior to the test, we’ll notify you of any applicable charges, and we’ll notify you of the test results in writing within 10 business days of completing the test.
If we find that the meter’s accuracy is outside accepted tolerances, we will waive any charges for performing the test and will install a properly functioning meter at no cost.
If the inaccuracy has resulted in overcharges on your bill, we will determine how long the meter has been malfunctioning and will reasonably compute the amount of credit or refund on the basis of your history of usage, using the rates that were in effect during that period. If we’re unable to establish the period of the meter’s inaccurate measurement, the overcharge period will be considered to be the most recent 12 months or the period since the date of the most recent meter test, whichever is less. This procedure will not apply if there has been tampering or unauthorized reconnection of the meter, metering equipment, or any other of our equipment that has caused metering inaccuracies or no measurement of service.