NAC704.337. Billing based upon estimated usage.

     1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, if a utility is unable, because of circumstances beyond its control, to read the meter of a customer on the date scheduled, it may bill the customer based upon the customer’s estimated usage for the billing period.

     2. For the purposes of this section, circumstances beyond the control of a utility include:

     (a) Severe weather;

     (b) The presence of an animal on the premises of the customer which prevents an employee of the utility from reading the meter without risk of injury; or

     (c) Any other circumstance which makes it unreasonably difficult to read the meter.

     3. A utility shall consider the following factors in calculating a bill based upon estimated usage:

     (a) The usage of the customer during the same month of the preceding year;

     (b) Any change in temperature from the preceding month;

     (c) The usage during the preceding month; and

     (d) Seasonal load factors.

     4. A utility which issues three consecutive bills to a customer based upon estimated usage, or five such bills for a customer in the area surrounding Lake Tahoe, shall notify the customer of its right of access to the premises of the customer. Thereafter, any additional and consecutive bill based upon estimated usage may be issued only under extraordinary circumstances.

     5. A utility shall:

     (a) Adjust the estimated usage upon the first reading of a meter after an estimated reading;

     (b) Print the word “estimate” plainly on each bill which is based upon estimated usage; and

     (c) Notify customers of its right to issue bills based upon estimated usage.

     (Added to NAC by Pub. Service Comm’n, eff. 1-5-89; A by Pub. Utilities Comm’n by R198-01, 2-17-2005)