Chapter PSC 113

PSC 113.0919(1)(a)10. 10. A statement as to whether or not the unit of metering equipment “creeps” and in case of creeping, all of the following:

PSC 113.0919(1)(a)10.a. a. The rate.

PSC 113.0919(1)(a)10.b. b. A statement of “as found” and “as left” accuracies sufficiently complete to permit checking of the calculations employed.

PSC 113.0919(1)(a)10.c. c. Indications showing that all required checks have been made.

PSC 113.0919(1)(a)10.d. d. A statement of repairs made by the utility, if any, or a notation that the unit was returned to the manufacturer for repairs.

PSC 113.0919(1)(a)10.e. e. Identification of the testing standard.

PSC 113.0919(1)(b) (b) Meter test records and meter history records may be kept as separate records or one record.

PSC 113.0919 Note Note: Meter test records need not be separately retained from meter history records provided that the meter test records are incorporated into the meter history records.

PSC 113.0919(2) (2) Meter history records.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a) (a) Each utility shall keep a history record for each unit of metering equipment showing all of the following:

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)1. 1. The date the unit was purchased.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)2. 2. The unit’s cost.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)3. 3. Information identifying the unit.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)4. 4. Equipment associated with the unit.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)5. 5. The unit’s essential name-plate data.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)6. 6. Dates of the last 2 tests.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)7. 7. Results of the last “as found” and “as left” tests, unless separate records are kept of each test for each unit.

PSC 113.0919(2)(a)8. 8. Locations where the unit has been installed, with dates of installation and removal.

PSC 113.0919(2)(b) (b) Meter test records and meter history records may be kept as separate records or one record.

PSC 113.0919(3) (3) Statistical sampling summaries. Each utility authorized to test meters under the statistical sample testing plan of s. PSC 113.0921 shall submit to the commission, by April 15 of the following year, a summary of the statistical sample testing results for the prior calendar year. The summary shall include group and lot numbers; a description of meters in each lot; the number or meters in each lot; the number of meters sample tested in each lot; full load sample mean accuracy (x), estimated standard deviation (s) and total estimated percent defective (P); light load sample mean accuracy x , estimated standard deviation (s) and total estimated percent defective (P); projected annual rates of change for x , s and P at both full and light load analysis points; lots requiring testing and actual x, s and P data from meters where entire lot tests were required under the program; group and lot numbers; a description of meters in each lot and the number of meters in each lot for the succeeding test year.

PSC 113.0919(4) (4) Computerized meter record system. Utilities with more than 5,000 metered customers shall acquire or develop a computerized meter records system and use it for maintaining all required meter equipment records, scheduling and implementing all required meter testing and analyzing meter accuracy performance. The reporting system and software must be acceptable to the commission.

PSC 113.0919 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00; CR 13-033: r. and recr. (1), (2), cr. (3) (title), (4) (title) Register July 2015 No. 715, eff. 8-1-15.

PSC 113.0920 PSC 113.0920 Statistical sample testing plan for new self-contained single phase and 3-wire network meters. The new meter sample testing plan described in subs. (1) to (5) may be used for testing new self-contained, single phase and 3-wire network meters without mechanical demand registers or mechanical pulsing devices instead of the new meter test requirements of s. PSC 113.0911 (1) (a), if the commission authorizes the adoption of the plan by a utility.

PSC 113.0920(1) (1) Meters, as received from the manufacturer, shall be divided into homogeneous lots by manufacturers and type. The maximum number of meters in any lot may not exceed 1,000 or be less than 96. From each such lot assembled, there shall be drawn a coded sample size specified in Military Standard 414, (MIL-STD-414) dated 11 June 1957, as shown for the various group sizes using Inspection Level IV of Table A-2 on page 4 and a corresponding actual sample size as shown in Table B-3 on page 45. The sample shall be drawn by a random method that ensures that each meter in the lot has an equal chance of being selected.

PSC 113.0920(2) (2) The test criterion for acceptance or rejection of each lot shall be based on a separate analysis conducted at both the full load and light load test points at unity power factor, as specified in s. PSC 113.0811 (1) (c), by means of the Standard Deviation Method, Double Specification Limit and with an Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of 0.25 for the full load accuracy analysis and an AQL of 0.40 for the light load accuracy analysis as shown in Table B-3, MIL-STD-414, page 45. The statistical analysis calculations shall be made following the example outlined on page 43 of MIL-STD-414 with the upper and lower specification limits U and L designated at 101% and 99% respectively.

PSC 113.0920(3) (3) One non-registering meter may be removed from the sample lot for analysis purposes and replaced with another randomly selected meter. If more than one meter in a sample lot is found not to be registering, the entire lot shall be rejected.

PSC 113.0920(4) (4) A lot shall be deemed acceptable for installation if the total estimated percent defective (P) is less than the appropriate maximum allowable percent defective (M) as determined from Table B-3 under the procedures of sub. (2). All meters in an acceptable lot shall be deemed to have met the accuracy requirements of s. PSC 113.0811 for placement in service without further testing.

PSC 113.0920(5) (5) A lot shall be considered rejected (not acceptable for installation) if the total estimated percent defective (P) is greater than or equal to the appropriate maximum allowable percent defective (M) as determined from Table B-3 under the procedures of sub. (2). All meters in a rejected lot shall be tested and adjusted in accordance with the procedures of s. PSC 113.0811 or replaced with meters meeting these requirements.

PSC 113.0920 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.0921 PSC 113.0921 Statistical sample testing plan for in-service, electronic (solid state) meters and electromechanical, self-contained, single phase and 3-wire network meters.

PSC 113.0921(1) (1) The statistical sample testing plan described in pars. (a) to (e) may be used for testing electronic (solid state) meters and self-contained, single phase and 3-wire network meters without mechanical demand registers or mechanical pulsing devices in place of the periodic testing requirements of s. PSC 113.0911 if the commission authorizes the adoption of the plan by a utility.

PSC 113.0921(1)(a) (a) All extended range, surge proof designed meters shall be divided into homogeneous groups based on meter design features and age. The groups shall be further divided into lot sizes categorized by manufacturer, type, serial number, group size or load duty cycle with lot sizes containing a minimum of 26 meters and a maximum of 110,000 meters. The number of lots or lot composition and size may be changed at the end of the sample testing year to allow for increasing or decreasing analysis of accuracy testing requirements on any segment of meters in any lot.

PSC 113.0921(1)(b) (b) Annually, from each of the assembled lots, a coded sample size specified in Table A-2, Inspection Level IV, page 4 of Military Standard 414, (MIL-STD-414) dated 11 June 1957 and a corresponding actual sample size as shown on Table B-3 page 45, (MIL-STD-414), shall be randomly selected for testing and analysis purposes. Each meter in the lot sample shall be provided with a full load and light load test for accuracy at unity power factor, as specified under s. PSC 113.0811 (1) (c). A separate statistical analysis shall be performed on each lot sample at each of these 2 load ranges. All meters not registering at either full or light load test points shall be removed from the lot sample and replaced with a different randomly selected meter and not more than two lot sample meters operating outside of the accuracy bandwidth of 95% to 105% at either test load point shall be removed and replaced from the lot sample.

PSC 113.0921(1)(c) (c) The statistical analysis calculations for both the full and light load accuracy results from the sample lot tests shall be made following the example outlined on page 43 of MIL-STD-414 with the upper and lower specification limits, U and L designated at 102% and 98% respectively. The test criterion for acceptance or rejection of each lot shall be by the Standard Deviation Method, Double Specification Limit with an Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of 1.00 for the full load analysis and 4.00 for the light load analysis (both normal inspection) as shown on Table B-3, page 45 of MIL-STD-414.

PSC 113.0921(1)(d) (d) A lot shall be deemed acceptable for continued use if the total estimated percent defective (P) is less than the appropriate maximum allowable percent defective (M) as determined from Table B-3, page 45 of MIL-STD-414, following the procedure of par. (c) for both the full load and light load analysis test points at the respective designated Acceptable Quality Levels. All of the meters in the accepted lot may be retained in use without further accuracy adjustments and will be concluded to have the accuracy characteristics specified in s. PSC 113.0811 (1) (c). Meters in the sample lot may be adjusted for acceptable accuracy as required or maintained as necessary and returned to the lot.

PSC 113.0921(1)(e) (e) A lot shall be deemed unacceptable and rejected for continued use if the total estimated percent defective (P) is greater than or equal to the appropriate maximum allowable percent defective (M) as determined from Table B-3, page 45 MIL-STD-414, following the procedure of par. (c) for both the full load and light load analysis test points at the respective designated Acceptable Quality Levels on any 2 annual sample testing analysis years within a five-year period for the lot or any meters in the lot. All meters in a rejected lot shall be provided with an appropriate test within a period of 48 months from the date of completion of the sample analysis and all the meters tested in the rejected lot shall be adjusted to the accuracies specified in s. PSC 113.0811 (1) (c). All meters in a rejected lot that will not be returned to service shall be removed within 48 months from the date of completion of the sample analysis. These meters may be retired without a test. Annual statistical sample testing shall be terminated during the period when all of the meters in a rejected lot are being provided with a test and accuracy adjustment.

PSC 113.0921(1)(f) (f) All meters in any lot may be tested and adjusted for proper accuracy over a 48-month period at the discretion of the utility without a sample analysis determination specifying the lot test is necessary.

PSC 113.0921(1)(g) (g) Any meter that is included in this plan, which is removed from service for retirement, may be retired without a test.

PSC 113.0921 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.0922 PSC 113.0922 Customer request and commission referee tests.

PSC 113.0922(1) (1) Customer request test. Each utility shall promptly make a test of any metering installation upon request of the customer if 24 months or more have elapsed since the last requested test of the meter in the same location. The test shall consist of an inspection of the meter connections and a test for accuracy either at the utility testing shop or on the customer’s premises. The commission staff may order a meter test if it deems necessary. At the customer’s request and expense the installation shall be checked for accidental grounds. The customer shall be furnished a report of the result of the test. (See s. PSC 113.0924 for adjustment of bills for inaccurate meters.)

PSC 113.0922(2) (2) Commission referee test. Upon written application to the commission by any electric utility customer, the commission will referee a test covering the accuracy and integrity of the customer’s power meter installation, including an inspection and verification of the connections and any other check or test which appears desirable. The test will be performed in accordance with ss. PSC 113.0905 through 113.0915 as applicable and shall be made in accordance with s. PSC 113.0811 (1) (c). The commission may limit the availability, number or frequency of such referee tests for the same customer at the same location where, in its judgment, the requests are too frequent, burdensome, abusive, or otherwise unwarranted by the available information or evidence.

PSC 113.0922(3) (3) Meter retention.

PSC 113.0922(3)(a) (a) After a customer requested test. When a utility performs a customer requested test on a customer’s meter under sub. (1) or when the commission requests that a meter be tested, the utility shall keep the tested meter, in “as tested” condition, at a designated location on the utility’s premises for at least one full billing period plus 4 weeks after the test result report is issued so that the meter is available should another meter test be requested. If the meter tests as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer’s premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility’s premises.

PSC 113.0922(3)(b) (b) After a referee test. When a utility performs a referee test on a customer’s meter under sub. (2), the utility shall keep the tested meter, in “as tested” condition, at a designated location on the utility’s premises for at least 10 business days after the test result report is issued so that the meter is available should further testing or review be needed. If the meter tests as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer’s premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility’s premises.

PSC 113.0922(3)(c) (c) When a complaint or dispute occurs. When a utility receives a complaint under s. PSC 113.0610 or is notified about a dispute under s. PSC 113.0407 involving a meter-related issue, the utility shall keep the meter, in “as tested” condition, at a designated location on the utility’s premises for at least one full billing period plus four weeks after the complaint or dispute and any appeal of that dispute is resolved so that the meter is available should testing be requested. If the meter was tested during the complaint or dispute process, and it tested as accurate, the utility may choose to keep the tested meter installed at the customer’s premises for the designated time period rather than storing it at the utility’s premises.

PSC 113.0922(4) (4) Records retention requirements. A utility shall keep the complete, original record from any test under this section on file for the time period specified in s. PSC 113.0614.

PSC 113.0922 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00; CR 13-033: am. (title), renum. 113.0922 to (1), cr. (1) (title), renum. 113.093 to (2), cr. (3), (6) Register July 2015 No. 715, eff. 8-1-15; (4) renum. from (6) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register July 2015 No. 715.

PSC 113.0924 PSC 113.0924 Adjustment of bills for metering inaccuracies. In this section, “meter” or “meters” may refer to metering system(s).

PSC 113.0924(1) (1) Whenever a meter creeps or whenever a varhour meter or watthour meter installation, with or without pulsing devices and recording equipment, is found upon test to have an average error of more than 2% from 100%, or a demand metering installation more than 1.5% plus the errors allowed in s. PSC 113.0812 from 100%, a recalculation of bills for service shall be made for the period of inaccuracy. The recalculation shall be made on the basis that the service meter should be 100% accurate with respect to the working test standard.

PSC 113.0924 Note Note: See s. PSC 113.0818 Determination of average meter error.

PSC 113.0924(2) (2) 

PSC 113.0924(2)(a) (a) If the period of inaccuracy cannot be determined, it shall be assumed that the metering equipment has become inaccurate at a uniform rate since it was installed or last tested except as otherwise provided in pars. (b) and (c).

PSC 113.0924(2)(b) (b) Recalculation of bills shall be on the basis of actual bills except that if the monthly consumption has been reasonably uniform, averaged less than 500 kW hrs. per month and involves no billings other than for kW hrs., the recalculation of bills may be based on the average monthly consumption and the inaccuracy may be assumed to have existed for a period equal to one-half the time elapsed since the meter was installed or since the last previous test, whichever is later, up to a limit of 10 years.

PSC 113.0924(2)(c) (c) The error in registration due to “creep” shall be calculated by timing the rate of “creeping” and assuming that this creeping affected the registration of the meter for 25% of the time since the last test or since the meter was installed.

PSC 113.0924(2)(d) (d) When the average error cannot be determined by test because of failure of part or all of the metering equipment, it shall be permissible to use the registration of check-metering installations, if any, or to estimate the quantity of energy consumed based on available data.

PSC 113.0924(3) (3) If the recalculated bills indicate that more than $1 is due an existing customer or $2 is due a person no longer a customer of the utility, the full amount of the calculated difference between the amount paid and the recalculated amount shall be refunded to the customer. The refund to an existing customer may be in cash or as credit on a bill. If a refund is due a person no longer a customer of the utility, a notice shall be mailed to the last known address and the utility shall upon demand made within 3 months thereafter refund the amount due.

PSC 113.0924(4) (4) If the recalculated bills indicate that more than $10 is due the utility, the utility may bill the customer for the amount due. For all customers, the period of backbilling may not exceed 24 months unless there is evidence of fraud or deception.

PSC 113.0924 Note Note: Section 196.635, Stats., reads as follows:

PSC 113.0924 Note 196.635 Unbilled utility service. All service supplied by a public utility must be billed within 2 years of such service. No customer shall be liable for unbilled service 2 years after the date of the service unless:

PSC 113.0924 Note (1) The utility made a reasonable effort to measure the service, but the customer did not allow the utility access to any device, including but not limited to a meter, necessary to measure service.

PSC 113.0924 Note (2) The customer obtained the service by fraud or deception, including but not limited to theft or tampering with any device, including but not limited to a meter, necessary to measure service.

PSC 113.0924(5) (5) A classified record shall be kept of the number and amount of refunds and charges made because of inaccurate meters, stopped or broken meters, faulty or incorrect metering installations, failure to apply appropriate multipliers or application of incorrect multipliers, misapplication of rates, fraud or theft of service and other erroneous billing. A report from this record for the calendar year shall be submitted to the commission by April 1 of the following year. The report shall show the number and amount of refunds or charges under each of the categories listed above. A record shall also be kept of the complaint or customer requested tests made and the total number for the year included in this report.

PSC 113.0924 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.0925 PSC 113.0925 Billings for grounds. Subject to the utility’s rules setting forth the method of determining a reduced rate herein authorized, if an accidental ground is found on a customer’s wiring or equipment, the utility may estimate the kilowatt-hours lost and bill for them at a reduced rate not less than the generated or purchase cost of the energy, but no such adjustment shall be made for energy supplied after the customer has been notified and has had an opportunity to correct the condition. Any demand (kilowatt) caused by an accidental ground may be billed at a rate lower than that filed for the class of service involved. The utility shall notify the customer of the ground whenever it is found or suspected.

PSC 113.0925 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.0926 PSC 113.0926 Metering with one meter for net energy billing.

PSC 113.0926(1) (1) A single watthour meter may be used for net energy billing where reverse meter registration is intended to occur during reverse power flow through the meter and where the service is rendered under an authorized net-energy billing tariff.

PSC 113.0926(2) (2) When the meter is operating in the reverse registration mode it shall be accurate within plus or minus 2.0% at 2 unity power factor loads, one equal to 10% and the other 100% of the test ampere rating of the meter. A test to determine compliance with this accuracy requirement shall be made by the utility either before or at the time the customer-owned generator is placed in operation in accordance with utility rules. Subsequent tests for accuracy in the reverse registration mode are required only when requested by the customer and shall be at customer cost.

PSC 113.0926(3) (3) Each utility shall maintain a record of the reverse-registration tests required in sub. (2) but for such tests the utility is not required to comply with ss. PSC 113.0901, 113.0911 and 113.0919 with respect to meter testing or meter records.

PSC 113.0926 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

subch. X of ch. PSC 113 Subchapter X — Electric Service Extension

PSC 113.1001 PSC 113.1001 Purpose. The purpose of subch. X is to establish standards for electric utility service extension rules. These standards shall not apply to the inter-connection of customer-owned generation facilities. The primary objective of these standards shall be to provide for an equitable cost relationship between new customers and existing customers. The determination of an equitable relationship shall consider the effect of the extension rule on the environment, the utility’s revenue requirement and the efficient use of electricity.

PSC 113.1001 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.1002 PSC 113.1002 Principles of facilities development. The utility shall provide safe, reliable service with extensions that conform, to the extent possible, to each of the following standards:

PSC 113.1002(1) (1) Route. The utility shall make the extension over the most direct route which is the least expensive and least environmentally degrading. The customer shall provide or shall be responsible for the cost of all right-of-way easements and permits necessary for the utility to install, maintain, or replace distribution facilities. The customer shall either clear and grade such property or pay the utility to clear and grade such property. The customer is responsible for the cost of restoration of the property after the utility has completed installation and backfilling where applicable.

PSC 113.1002(2) (2) Design. The utility shall design and install facilities to deliver service to the customer and the area at the lowest reasonable cost. The facilities shall comply with accepted engineering and planning practices. The design shall consider reasonable needs for probable growth in the area and local land use planning. Unwarranted excess capacity which would result in unnecessary cost increases to the utility and its customers shall be avoided. The utility shall be responsible for the incremental cost of distribution facilities which are in excess of standard design for the customer and normal area growth.

PSC 113.1002(3) (3) Efficient use. The utility’s extension rules shall discouraged the inefficient use of electricity by appropriately relating costs to the charges made for extensions.

PSC 113.1002(4) (4) Cost estimates. The utility shall engineer and estimate the cost of each extension based on reasonable current costs. Current costs may be estimated using job specific costs, average costs per foot or unit, or other costing method as appropriate.

PSC 113.1002 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.1003 PSC 113.1003 Definitions. In. ss. PSC 113.1004 to 113.1010:

PSC 113.1003(1) (1) “Contributed extension” means an extension toward which a customer has made a contribution in aid of construction.

PSC 113.1003(2) (2) “Distribution facilities: includes all primary and secondary voltage wire or cable and its supports, trenches, connection equipment and enclosures and control equipment which are used to extend the distribution system from existing facilities to a point of connection with the service facilities. The cost of right-of-way preparation and restoration to the original condition where appropriate shall be included in the cost of distribution facilities.

PSC 113.1003(3) (3) “Embedded cost” means the original cost of the installed utility plant less both the accumulated depreciation of the plant and associated contributions in aid of construction as recorded in the utility’s books.

PSC 113.1003(4) (4) “Embedded cost allowance” means a construction credit given a customer requesting an extension which reflects the average embedded cost of existing facilities.

PSC 113.1003(5) (5) “Excess facilities” means an extension costing more than five times the average embedded cost allowance for a given customer classification.

PSC 113.1003(6) (6) “Extension” means the addition of transmission, distribution, or service facilities to the existing electric service facilities.

PSC 113.1003(7) (7) “Full cost” of an extension includes the cost of removal of existing facilities if present.

PSC 113.1003(8) (8) “Noncontributed extension” means an extension which costs less than the embedded cost allowance: the customer requesting the extension makes no contribution in aid of construction.