Power distributors required to use color-coded stickers

The Energy Regulatory Commission recently issued a resolution requiring all the electricity distribution utilities to use the color-coded stickers to show that their electric meters are calibrated by the commission.

The commission explained that the attachment of color-coded meter sticker would make it apparent, even from a distance, that the meter has already been tested and sealed by the ERC within a specific year.

Monitoring of the compliance is once within the two-year period, which is specified under Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 349.

Resolution No. 03 also said that Section 2.11.3, Article II of the Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR) explicitly provides that no meter shall be placed in service unless it has been tested, certified and sealed by the ERC.

The resolution requires the use of color-coded meter stickers, to be attached on the glass covers of the electric meters, as part of the ERC’s approval of meters for measurements used by all distribution utilities.

As stipulated under the Magna Carta for Electricity Consumers, a consumer has a right to an accurate electric watt-hour meter and no meter shall be installed or placed in service unless it has been tested, certified and sealed by the ERC.

The ERC seal is a warranty that the meter is an accepted type that it operates within the allowable limits of tolerance.

“The electricity consumer has the right to demand the production of meter test report containing the findings of authorized person who tested the meter,” the law said.

Under the law, the customer has also the right to require the distribution utility or the ERC to test the accuracy of the meter installed in his premises. Test done by the distribution utility is free of charge while the test done by ERC is subject to payment of minimal fee.

If the meter is found inaccurate, the customer may also demand replacement of the meter and ask the distribution utility or the ERC to calibrate it to restore its accuracy. — Wenna A. Berondo/LPM