Alabama Administrative Code
Title 770 - ALABAMA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Chapter 770-X-3 - SPECIAL ELECTRIC RULES
Section 770-X-3-.02 - Location Of Meters And Master Metering

Universal Citation: AL Admin Code R 770-X-3-.02

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 5, February 29, 2024

(1) All Meters

(a) The center of meters hereafter installed shall not be more than five (5) or less than four (4) feet above final grade of floor level.

(b) When metering for seven (7) or more apartments grouped on one wall, the center of meters hereafter installed may be as high as six (6) feet above final grade of floor level.

(2) Outdoor Meters

(a) Where meters are installed outdoors, they shall be placed on the exterior of buildings in locations readily accessible to authorized company representatives for meter reading, testing, and maintenance, and shall not be subject to severe vibration.

(b) Meters shall not be installed in locations where the meter readers or servicemen may inadvertently damage flower beds or shrubbery, or where it will be necessary for them to climb fences or other obstructions to read or service the meters. They shall not be placed in locations where they may be accidentally damaged, such as buildings where they will extend unguarded into alleys or driveways, or where they will cause inconvenience either to the customer or to the company's representative.

(3) Indoor Meters

(a) New meters will be installed indoors only at the discretion of the utility. Where meters are installed indoors, they shall be located on the first floor or in the basement where they will be readily accessible to authorized company representatives for meter reading, testing, or maintenance and shall not be subject to severe vibration or excessive dampness. Meters shall not be installed near belts or moving machinery endangering the safety of those doing work on such meters.

(4) Master Metering

(a) Master Metering is prohibited in buildings on which construction began on or after January 1, 1981, and which have more than one unit, and separate metering of the electric energy controlled by each unit in such building is required.

(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of 770-X-3-.02(D)(1), Master Metering is permitted, and separate metering is not required, in the following cases:
1. In residential buildings where units are usually rented or leased for a term of less than 30 days;

2. In residential buildings where a single family residence is divided to create a separate unit or units;

3. In residential buildings that do not have individual electric appliances in the units for one or more of the following purposes:
(i) Space heating

(ii) Space cooling

(iii) Water heating

4. In student housing buildings of schools, colleges, and universities;

5. In commercial buildings where one company or firm occupies 70% or more of the available floor space;

6. In commercial buildings which are not permanently divided into units, but space is allocated for each new tenant;

7. In residential buildings where tenants are required to be at least 60 years of age.

(c) Master Metering is prohibited in mobile home parks opened after June 1, 1981, and separate metering of the electric energy controlled by each mobile home is required. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in mobile home parks where space is usually rented or leased for a term of less than 30 days, separate metering is not required.

(d) Additional exceptions may be permitted by order of the Commission in specific situations where it appears that a prohibition of a Master Meter would not be appropriate. The Secretary of the Commission will serve a copy of the petitions or requests for exceptions on parties so requesting, and written comments on a petition or request may be filed within 15 days of the filing of the petition or request.

(5) Meter Relocations

(a) The Utility may, at its option and at its expense, relocate a meter when deemed reasonably necessary.

(b) The company, upon request, will relocate a customer's service facilities and the customer will pay such costs as are in accordance with the company's applicable service extension policy.

Author: Alabama Public Service Commission

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 37-1-32, 37-1-38, 37-1-53.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Alabama may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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