PSC 113.0404 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00. PSC 113.0405PSC 113.0405 Meter readings and billing periods. Readings of all meters used for determining charges to customers shall be scheduled no less frequently than once every two months. Utilities may offer quarterly or semiannual meter-reading plans to customers who elect such an option. An effort shall be made to read meters on corresponding days of each meter-reading period cycle. The meter-reading date may be advanced or postponed not more than 5 days without adjustment of the billing for the period. Bills for service shall be rendered within 40 days from the reading of the meter except as may be otherwise specifically authorized by the commission. The utility may permit the customer to supply the meter readings on a form supplied by the utility, or by telephone or electronic mail, provided a utility representative reads the meter at least once each 6 months and when there is a change of customer. The utility shall make reasonable efforts to read the meters of customers whose meters require access to a residence and who cannot be available during normal business hours. PSC 113.0405 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00. PSC 113.0406(1)(a)(a) Each bill, including the customer’s receipt, provided by Madison Gas and Electric Company, Northern States Power Company, Superior Water, Light and Power Company, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, or their successors, shall show for each meter the following information: PSC 113.0406(1)(a)1.1. The customer name, billing address and service address, if different from the billing address. PSC 113.0406(1)(a)2.2. For residential customers in multi-unit buildings, current meter identification information or number and account number. PSC 113.0406(1)(a)9.9. The rate schedule under which the bill is calculated including the itemized calculations of the rate schedule component including, but not limited to, such items as customer charge, energy blocks, demand charges, minimum bills and all other billing factors necessary for the customer to check the calculation of the bill. PSC 113.0406(1)(a)12.12. Clear itemization of the amount of the bill for the present billing period, any unpaid balance from previous billing periods and any late payment charges. PSC 113.0406(1)(a)15.15. A statement that the utility will, upon customer request, provide the information and assistance necessary for the customer to evaluate fuel consumption and conservation. PSC 113.0406(1)(b)(b) Upon receiving such request in par. (a) 15., the utility shall provide consumption and degree day information by billing periods for at least the last year and information and instructions needed by the customer to make consumption comparisons and evaluate his or her conservation efforts. PSC 113.0406(1)(c)(c) Bills rendered without an actual meter reading shall be specifically marked as estimated. PSC 113.0406(1)(d)(d) Each bill, including the customer’s receipt rendered by electric utilities not included in par. (a), shall show the present and last preceding meter readings, the date of the present reading, the number of units consumed, the class of service if other than residential and the rate schedule under which the bill is calculated. In lieu of including the rate schedule on the bill the utility may, whenever a rate change becomes effective or at least once a year, supply each customer with the schedule of rates at which the bills are calculated and any other rates that might be applicable. Such a schedule shall be written in clear and direct language in no smaller type than 10-point type. Bills rendered at rates requiring the measurement of a number of different factors shall show all data necessary for the customer to check the calculation of a bill. All monthly adjustment clause factors necessary for a customer to check the calculation of the bill shall be included on the monthly bill. Minimum and estimated bills shall be distinctly marked as such. Estimated bills are bills rendered without actual meter readings. PSC 113.0406(1)(e)(e) The utility may include on the utility service bill charges to the customer resulting from other services, materials, or work provided by the utility as a result of commission-approved conservation and alternative energy programs and, with the consent of both the customer and the utility, merchandise and service repair work charges. The charges shall be listed individually on the bill and the customer shall be permitted to include such payment in his or her payment for electric utility service. Any partial payments shall be applied first to the amount due for utility service and the remainder to the other charges. PSC 113.0406(1)(f)(f) Costs or fees incurred by and awarded to the utility by a court of law, for pursuing bill collection through other agencies, such as small claims courts, or extraordinary collection charges as allowed and specified in the utility’s tariffs filed with the public service commission, may be included on the utility’s service bill. Such tariffs shall be established on the basis of rate case proceedings or generic proceedings to establish the reasonableness of such charges. PSC 113.0406(1)(g)(g) The commission may authorize the utility to make late payment charges to a customer’s utility service bill that is not paid in full within 20 days following issuance of the bill and for utility service that has been obtained by diversion around or tampering with the metering of the account. The late payment charge may be either a one-time charge as provided in par. (h) or a monthly charge as provided in par. (i). The utility shall receive approval from the commission of the method it desires to use and shall not change methods without commission approval. PSC 113.0406(1)(h)(h) If the utility is authorized to make a one-time late payment charge, such charge shall comply with the following requirements: PSC 113.0406(1)(h)1.1. The bill shall clearly indicate the amount of the late payment charge and the date after which the late payment charge shall be applied.