A member may make a request to opt out of using the Cooperative's advanced meter service at the member’s service location. The Cooperative may grant the request subject to the qualifications and conditions in the Cooperative’s tariff.
Disclosure Form
Each member making a request to participate in the Advanced Meter Opt Out Program is required to sign the Cooperative’s disclosure form acknowledging that:
The member will be required to pay the costs associated with initiating non-standard metering service, the ongoing costs associated with the manual reading of the meter, and other reasonable fees and charges the Cooperative may assess that are associated with the non-standard metering service.
The fees and charges for participating in the Advanced Meter Opt Out Program are currently set at the fees below, which may be changed by the Cooperative:
One-Time Initiation and Meter Change Fees
General Service Single Phase: $125
Small Power: $125
Large Power: $125
Monthly Charge: $60
Additional Mileage Fee: $0
Meter Readings
Each member participating in the Advanced Meter Opt Out Program will be charged a fee of $60 each month for non-standard manual meter readings and for processing the readings for each service location. For service locations that are more than 20 miles from the nearest Cooperative office, an additional $0 per mile charge will be charged.
If a meter is unable to be read by the Cooperative in any month, the monthly fees will apply and the usage for that month will be estimated based on the member’s previous usage. Any under-billing or overbilling resulting from an estimate will be adjusted after the meter is read.
Terminating Non-standard Metering Service
A member receiving non-standard metering service may terminate that service by notifying the Cooperative. The Member shall remain responsible for all costs related to non-standard metering service until the service is finally terminated.
The cooperative shall charge $35 to transfer service from an existing service location to another existing service location or to transfer billing from 1 member to another member at an existing service location.
If the Cooperative, its employees or agents discover evidence of meter tampering or attempts of meter tampering, the member of record will be charged a $250 meter tampering fee, in addition to any other charges which may be calculated for unbilled usage.
If a member cancels any agreement for the provision of electric service after acceptance by the Cooperative but before service is initiated, the member may be charged the actual costs incurred by the Cooperative.
When the member requests relocation, upgrade or replacement of Cooperative facilities or temporary placement of new or existing facilities, the member shall pay to the Cooperative that actual cost of construction and removal. An estimate of actual costs shall be paid in advance. All amounts paid shall be non-refundable.
Where service to a member is being switched between the Cooperative and another electric utility, the following charges shall apply when the Cooperative is the disconnecting utility:
A minimum charge of $94.38 (This charge covers average labor and transportation costs incurred in making the disconnect.)
Any unpaid construction, line extension or other contract charges.
A charge for any removal of property, plant or facilities of the Cooperative used to provide service to the member, if the member requests removal or removal is required for legal or safety reasons, or by requirement of any authority.
A charge for distribution facilities rendered idle as a result of the disconnection and not usable on another part of the Cooperative’s system, based on the original cost of such facilities less depreciation, salvage value and contributions in aid of construction; but including the cost of removing the idled plant deemed by the Cooperative to be economically salvageable.
Prior to disconnection, the member shall pay the Cooperative for all service up through the date of disconnection; as well as, the charges set forth in this tariff. Upon receipt of payment, the Cooperative shall give the member/consumer a paid receipt.
In accordance with the Substantive Rules of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Cooperative member is hereby advised that the connecting utility may not provide service to said member until such connecting utility has evidence from the Cooperative that the member has paid for electric service through the date of disconnection and any charges for disconnection under this tariff.
If the member’s meter has been tested at the member’s request within a period of 4 years, and the member requests a new test, the Cooperative shall make the test; but if the meter is found to be within the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institutes, Inc., the Cooperative may charge the member a fee which reflects the cost to test the meter, however, this charge shall not be more than $15 for a residential member.
