Billing

Billing Period

Meters are read and billed approximately every 30 days. Normally, bills shall be rendered each billing month. However, other billing periods may be designated by TCEC.

Notices to the Member

TCEC shall provide the following notices to the Member:

Bill or Invoice

Bills are due on the date of billing. The bill provides the Member with the amount due for service(s) and the date at which the account becomes past due. The bill serves as the final mailed notice.

Additional Reminder

If the Member signs up for the service, TCEC will provide a reminder at least 1 business day prior to termination of service for non-payment. The Member may select the method or methods of notification from those methods available from TCEC.

Member will not receive a reminder call if they selected to be on the Do Not Call list.

Non-Receipt of Bill or Notices

The obligation of the Member to pay for service shall not be released or diminished by non-receipt of bill, invoice, notice, additional reminder, etc.

Exceptions to Notice

Notwithstanding any other section regarding termination of service, TCEC may, at any time, suspend service without notice or delay:

  • If TCEC reasonably believes that such action is necessary to correct a condition that poses a health or safety hazard to the Member, the general public, equipment or personnel of TCEC.
  • For purposes of essential repair, maintenance or testing of the equipment of TCEC.

TCEC shall make such efforts as are reasonable under the circumstances to minimize the adverse effects of the suspension of service and to inform affected Members prior to suspension of service.

Resolving Disputed Bill

In the event the Member disputes the amount of a bill for services rendered, TCEC shall promptly make a complete investigation of the matter. If the bill is correct, TCEC shall use its best efforts to explain the questioned matter to the Member. No dispute with reference to the amount of a bill excuses payment by the Member when such bill is due.

Adjustment of Bills for Meter Error

Whenever a meter is found to have an average error that is more than 2% fast (over-charging) or more than 2% slow (under-charging):

Fast Meter – Over-Charging

TCEC shall refund to the Member the over-charge based upon the corrected meter readings. The adjustment shall be from the date of the cause of the error if such can be established. If the date of the error cannot be established, the adjustment shall be one-half the time elapsed since the last meter test or 6 months whichever is least. TCEC shall not pay the Member interest on the amount of the overcharge.

Slow Meter – Under-Charging

TCEC shall charge the Member the under-charge based upon the corrected meter readings. The adjustment shall be from the date of the cause of the error, if such can be established. If the date of the error cannot be established, the adjustment shall be one-half the time elapsed since the last meter test or 6 months whichever is least. TCEC shall not charge the Member interest on the amount of undercharge.

Non-registering Meter

If a meter is found to not register or to register intermittently for any period, TCEC shall charge based on an estimate. The estimate shall be calculated by averaging the usage registered over corresponding periods. In the absence of such usage information, the estimate shall be based on calculated use of the connected load over similar periods either preceding or subsequent thereto. TCEC shall not pay or charge the Member interest on the amount of over-charge/under-charge.

Incorrect Register or Multiplier

If the Member was charged based on a reading from a meter with an incorrect register or multiplier:

  • TCEC shall refund excess amount paid by the Member (see Fast Meter above); or
  • TCEC shall bill the Member for the under-charge (see Slow Meter above).