§ 78-85. Meters measuring, companies furnishing utilities.

(a)

Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Gas, water or electric corporation or gas, water or electric company includes every corporation, company, association, joint stock association, partnership and person, their lessees, trustees or receivers appointed by any court whatsoever, owning, operating, managing or controlling any plant or property for manufacturing, supplying, producing, distributing and selling illuminating or natural gas, water or electricity for light, heat or power, within the corporate limits of this city.

(b)

Meters; certificates of readings. It shall be the duty of any gas, water or electric company or person supplying gas, water or electricity to the citizens of the city to give to the consumer supplied, when requested by such consumer to do so, a written certificate of the reading of any such meter so installed when the meter shall be first put into service; and it shall furnish such consumer, when requested by such consumer to do so, with a certificate containing a copy of the reading of such meter whenever it is read by the corporation or its agents. Also, whether so requested or not, the company shall furnish the consumer a certificate of the reading of such meter whenever it shall be removed from the premises for any purpose. Such certificate shall be in writing or upon printed forms, the figures to be put down in ink or indelible pencil, and shall be signed by the person who reads the meter. This certificate may be left with the consumer or with any employee of the consumer over the age of 16 years, or any member of his family over the age of 16 years if no other person should be found upon the premises. This certificate shall contain the name of the consumer, the location of the meter, as well as the reading and date of reading of such meter. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of this subsection, or to furnish a false certificate or reading, or to change or alter any such certificate or reading, upon any certificate or card so furnished by the inspector or company's agent.

(c)

Injury to or interference with meter. It shall be unlawful for any person, whether engaged in the business of selling or supplying artificial or natural gas, water or electric current or power, or whether a consumer, or any other person, willfully to injure, deface, break, stop up, open, unseal or otherwise tamper with any meter which has been placed in commission, or in anywise to adjust or interfere with such meter so as to prevent the proper and accurate measurements of the gas, electric current or water passing through such meter.

(Code 1975, § 18-45)

State law reference

Procuring utility service by device with intent to defraud, W. Va. Code § 61-3-44; injury to utility property, W. Va. Code § 61-3-29.