(1)(a) Upon written request of any customer whose meter has not been tested within one-half the maximum interval provided in Fl. Admin. Code R. 25-30.265, the utility shall make a field test for accuracy of that customer’s meter.
    (b) The utility may not charge for any field test performed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection.
    (2)(a) The utility may require a deposit to defray cost of any bench test requested by any customer. However, the deposit may not exceed the following schedule:
Meter Size

(inches)
Fee
5/8 and 3/4
$20.00
1 and 1 1/2
$25.00
2 and over
Actual Cost of Test
    (b) The utility may retain the deposit if the customer’s meter is found to register accurately or below accuracy.
    (c) The utility shall refund the deposit if the customer’s meter is found to register in excess of prescribed accuracy limits.
    (3) The Commission may provide a representative to observe or supervise any bench test upon written request from the customer or utility. The utility shall advise the customer of the customer’s right to witness the bench test.
    (4) The utility shall provide the customer with a written report of the results of any test performed pursuant to this rule.
    (5) A meter shall in no way be disturbed after the utility has received notice that application has been made for a test by the customer unless a representative of the Commission is present or unless authority to do so is first given in writing by the Commission or by the customer.
    (6) At the request of the customer, the utility shall make arrangements for a meter test to be conducted by an independent meter testing facility of the customer’s choosing. The customer shall be responsible for negotiating and paying to the independent meter testing facility any fee charged for such a test. Such independent meter testing facilities shall, at minimum, conform to the requirements of the American Waterwork’s Association Water Meters Selection Installation Testing and Maintenance (AWWA-M6-1972). Where appropriate, the meter may be field tested. The customer shall be responsible for all the costs to the utility associated with a meter test by an independent meter testing facility. The utility shall provide a detailed estimate of such costs and may require payment of such costs prior to the actual meter test. If the meter is found to be running fast in excess of the limits established by these rules, such costs shall be refunded, but if within the allowable limit, the utility may retain the costs.
Rulemaking Authority 350.127(2), 367.121 FS. Law Implemented 367.121(1)(a), 367.122 FS. History-New 9-12-74, Amended 1-4-79, 10-11-83, Formerly 25-10.94, 25-10.094, Amended 11-10-86.