As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:

1.    “Bypassing” means the act of attaching, connecting, or in any manner affixing any wire, cord, socket, motor or other instrument, device, or contrivance to the utility supply system or any part thereof in a manner as to transmit, supply, or use any utility service without passing through an authorized meter for measuring or registering the amount of utility service.

2.    “Customer” means the person responsible for payment for utility services for the premises and includes employees and agents of the customer.

3.    “Tampering” means damaging, altering, adjusting, or in any manner interfering with or obstructing the action or operation of any meter provided for measuring or registering the amount of utility service passing through the meter.

4. “Unauthorized metering” means removing, moving, installing, connecting, reconnecting, or disconnecting any meter or metering device for utility service by a person other than an authorized employee or agent of a utility.

5.    “Utility” means any public utility, municipally owned utility, or cooperative utility which provides electricity, gas, or water, or any combination thereof, for sale to consumers.

6.    “Utility service” means the provision of electricity, gas, water, or any other service or commodity furnished by the utility for compensation.

7.    “Utility supply system” includes all wires, conduits, pipes, cords, sockets, motors, meters, instruments, and all other devices used by the utility for the purpose of providing utility service.