Measurement of Gas.
—When gas of any kind is purchased from a manufacturing company, the amount used is measured by a gas meter, located at the point where the gas main enters the building. The readings of the meter are taken by the company at stated intervals and the amount registered is charged to the account of the consumer. Gas is sold in cubic feet and is so registered by the meter. The price is quoted by the manufacturers at a definite rate per thousand cubic feet. The difference between the last two readings of the meter furnishes the amount from which the gas bill is reckoned.
The occupants of a building are responsible for all gas registered by the meter and, therefore, should be acquainted with the conditions under which the gas is sold. Gas bills are often the subject of dispute because of failure to understand the period of time covered by the amount claimed; again, the varying length of days due to the season of the year has a pronounced effect on the amount of gas consumed. Lack of care in the economical use of gas is probably the most prolific cause of disputed bills.
The amount due for gas may at any time be checked by the consumer who keeps a record of the meter readings. At any time the correctness of a meter is doubted, arrangement may be made with the gas company to have it tested for accuracy. This is done in the office of the company, by attaching the meter to a measuring device—called a meter prover—in which a definite measured amount of gas is passed through the meter and comparison made with meter registration. If it is found that the meter does not register correctly, the gas company is in duty bound to make good the difference. If, however, the meter is found to be correct, it is customary to charge for the services of proving the meter.