Nebraska Administrative Code › Topic - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Title 291 - NEBRASKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 9 - NATURAL GAS AND PIPELINE RULES AND REGULATIONS › Section 291-9-017 - BILLING

Current through June 17, 2024
017.01
Billing
				Basis
:
Bills for service may be based on meter readings or estimated
				  usage only as permitted by Rule 015.03. Utility may render bills monthly or on
				  some other regular schedule in accordance with tariffs on file with the
				  Commission.
017.02
Customer Category
:
If a customer is eligible to receive service under more than
				  one rate schedule, the utility, upon notice of this fact, must advise the
				  customer of applicable, prospective alternatives.
017.03
Meter
				Readings
:
A utility may schedule readings of all meters used for
				  determining charges for customers in accordance with its meter reading policies
				  and practices, and shall make all reasonable efforts to read the meters on
				  corresponding dates of each meter reading period established by the utility.
				  The utility may permit the customer to supply the meter reading in a form
				  prescribed by the utility. A utility representative must attempt to read a
				  meter at least once every two months, and any billing between actual readings
				  or when the company is unable to read a meter after a reasonable effort has
				  been made will be calculated in accordance with Rule 015.04. A utility
				  representative must also read the meter at the commencement or termination of
				  service unless such termination or commencement of service occurs at the same
				  address as another termination or commencement of service within seven (7)
				  days. Under such circumstances, the utility may estimate the meter reading
				  based upon dates of service for the departing and the new ratepayer, and
				  thereafter pro rate the monthly bill for service provided between the two
				  ratepayers. Access to meters by the utility must be granted by a
				  ratepayer.
017.04
Estimated Billing
:
When access to a meter cannot be gained, or when the
				  ratepayer fails to supply a meter reading form in time for the billing
				  operation, an estimated bill may be rendered. Estimated bills must be based
				  upon prior usage, adjusted for weather conditions, number of days in the
				  applicable billing cycle, and other known and reasonable factors.
017.05
Information on
				Bills
:
The bill sent to the ratepayer must include only information
				  related to the ratepayer's account and bill inserts. The bill may include
				  appropriate charges for non-regulated services, e.g. appliance repair. Bills
				  provided to ratepayer for natural gas service must include the following
				  information
017.05A The meter reading
				and the date the meter was read;
017.05B The number and kinds of units
				metered;
017.05C Identification of
				the applicable rates;
017.05D The
				amount of the bill;
017.05E The
				late fee;
017.05F If an estimated
				bill, clear and conspicuous language identifying the bill as an estimated
				bill;
017.05G Tax, tax adjustment,
				state regulatory assessment, or gas supply cost adjustment amounts separately
				itemized, if applicable;
017.05H A
				statement that ratepayer information is available upon request and where it can
				be obtained.
017.05I A conspicuous
				notice to ratepayers that should the utility fail to satisfactorily resolve a
				service or billing dispute that they may refer the matter to the Nebraska
				Public Service Commission, including current address and telephone
				number.