(1) A distribution company shall read the meter recordings in a consistent cycle, by adopting

(a) a daily meter reading,

(b) monthly meter reading day taken on a specific day of the month,

(d) bi-annual meter reading day taken at the mid-year and the end of the year.

(2) Despite sub-rule (1), a distribution company may vary the meter reading day by a maximum of three days.

(3) A distribution company shall deliver a bill once in a month or as agreed between the customer and the distribution company at the address of the customer by hand, electronic mail or any other appropriate and convenient means except in the case of those on prepayment meters.

(4) The bill shall indicate the natural gas usage in the month or within a period as agreed between the distribution company and the customer.

(5) A distribution company which contravenes sub-rule (1) and (3) commits an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than five hundred penalty units.

(6) A distribution company shall issue a bill in respect of a metered customer after the distribution company has read and taken a record of the customer’s meter measurements.

(7) A customer is entitled to settle an accumulated bill by an installment payment plan agreed between the distribution company and the customer, if the distribution company fails to deliver a bill to the customer for a period of three months after the bill has become due.

(8) Where a distribution company fails to bill a customer for a period of twelve months, the distribution company cannot recover the cost of that service unless the delay in the billing occurred

(a) without the negligence on the part of the distribution company; or

(b) Due to the customer’s actions.

(9) Where a distribution company’s right to claim the cost of service to a customer is not vitiated by failure on the part of the distribution company to bill the customer for a period of twelve months, the distribution company shall recover the accrued cost of service by

(a) giving tire customer the option to pay the shortfall by an installment payment plan; and

(b) Not charging interest on the amount.

(10) Where the distribution company and the customer are unable to agree on a payment plan, the matter shall be referred to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission for resolution.

(11) Whereadistributioncompanyadoptsquarterlyorbi-annualmeterreadings under sub-rule (1)(c) or (d), the distribution company shall,

(a) issue a monthly estimated bill to the customer;

(b) reconcile the estimated consumption with the actual consumption

at the end of the bi-annual year; and

(12) In computing the final natural gas charges, any difference between the estimated consumption and the actual consumption shall be spread over the Six months following or a longer period that the distribution company considers appropriate.

(13) Where a distribution company’s reading of a customer’s meter is irregular and inconsistent with the usual reading cycle and as a result, the customer’s bill covers a period beyond the usual billing cycle, the distribution company shall adjust the natural gas consumption and the tariffs on a proportional basis.