(1) The consumer shall be billed on the basis of actual average consumption recorded during the corresponding period in the preceding year, excluding the provisional billing:
Provided that if actual consumption recorded during the corresponding period in the preceding year is either not available or partially available, the actual average consumption of past 6 (six) billing cycles immediately preceding the date of meter being detected or reported defective, excluding the provisional billing, shall be used for billing purpose:
Provided further that if the actual average consumption of past 6 (six) months is either not available or partially available, the average consumption for the next 3 (three) billing cycles excluding provisional billing after the installation of new meter shall be used for billing purpose.
(2) Charges based on the average consumption as per sub-regulation (1), shall be levied for the period of installation of meter or 50% of the period from the date of last testing till the date when the meter was replaced, whichever is less:
Provided that the maximum period for the charges shall not exceed 6 (six) months.
Provided further that the amount already paid by the consumer, for the period meter remained defective or damaged, shall be adjusted in this bill.
(3) The above sub-regulations shall not be applicable in the case of a tampered meter for which appropriate action under the provisions of the Act shall be initiated by the Licensee.