Susanville Municipal Code Art. III Meters—Rates

All premises using the city natural gas supply must be equipped with an adequate natural gas meter furnished by the city but paid for by the consumer; provided, that such natural gas service may be supplied by the city at a flat rate of charge until such meter may be installed.

Before any premises are occupied a natural gas meter shall be installed therein as herein required or application made for such natural gas service at the flat rate of charge until the meter can be installed or no natural gas shall be furnished such premises.

(Prior code § 27.20)

Meters shall be installed in a location that will be easy of access.

(Prior code § 27.21)

The director of public works shall read or cause to be read every natural gas meter used in the city at such times as are necessary that the bills may be sent out at the proper time.

(Prior code § 27.22)

Any municipal natural gas meter shall be taken out and tested upon complaint of the consumer, upon payment of a fee to be set by city ordinance. If upon test the meter is not within three percent of being accurate, it shall be repaired or replaced and the fee returned to the consumer.

(Prior code § 27.23)

All property upon which any building has been or may hereafter be erected having a connection with any mains or pipes which may be hereafter constructed and used in connection with the city natural gas system shall pay those fees, costs, charges and rates as established by city council resolution. The city council may also establish by resolution such depreciation, reserve, contingency and replacement funds as may be necessary and appropriate for the efficient and reasonable operation of the natural gas utility enterprise. The fees, cots, charges and rates may be amended from time to time by resolution of the city council without a public hearing.

(Prior code § 27.24; Ord. 01-875 § 1, 2001)

Bills for natural gas used shall be dated and sent out at times as may be directed by the mayor and council, but no less than monthly.

(Prior code § 27.25)

The natural gas supply may be shut off from any premises for which the natural gas bill remains unpaid as set forth in applicable state law. When shut off, natural gas shall not be turned on unless applicable state law requirements regarding payment of the past due amounts and a reconnect fee are met.

(Prior code § 27.26)

Whenever any connection to the natural gas system is abandoned, because the building to which the natural gas connection is made has been abandoned, destroyed or removed, the director of public works may remove the meter and any pipe or connections in the public right-of-way or easement, and cap, plug or otherwise seal the pipe or main. Before taking any such steps the director of public works shall notify the owner of the real estate if the owner's name and address is known, and shall notify the persons shown on the real estate tax records as having paid taxes on the property the last time taxes were paid. Such notice shall be made by mail, at least 30 days before any action is taken under this section. If natural gas is leaking, the director of public works shall take immediate action, and send the notices within three working days of the time action was taken.

(Prior code § 27.27)

No person, firm or corporation shall make any connection to the natural gas system of the city without the permission of the city.

(Prior code § 27.28)

Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted as prohibiting institution of criminal charges against any person stealing natural gas from the city by bypassing a meter, tampering with a meter or for any other action which violates any provision of this chapter.

(Prior code § 27.29; Ord. 01-875 § 1, 2001)