§ 36-333. Failure to read meters.

(a)

Where the utility is unable to read meter after two successive tries, the fact shall be plainly indicated upon the bill, the minimum charge assessed, and the difference adjusted with the consumer when the meter is read again; that is, the bill for the succeeding billing period will be computed with the gallons or cubic feet in each block of the rate schedule doubled and the credit will be given on that bill for the amount of the minimum bill paid the preceding billing period.

(b)

If the meter is damaged as set forth in section 36-335 or fails to operate for any reason, the utility will render a bill for the current period, based on an average of the last two billing periods, providing there is no particular reason why the use during that period has not been normal. In case the last two periods cannot be properly used, then the bill shall be estimated by some equitable method.

(c)

Wis. Stats. § 196.171 which provides that consumers who fail to allow utility agents to read or inspect meters at reasonable hours or who refuse or fail to permit authorized utility personnel to read the meter at least once every six months where the utility bills are monthly or bimonthly, or at least once every nine months where the utility bills are quarterly or less frequently than quarterly, shall be subject to a forfeiture of $25.00 for each offense, is hereby adopted by reference.

(Code 1984, § 5-4-7)