For the purpose of this article, the following words and terms shall the meanings respectively ascribed:

     Billing period. The utility usage period of thirty (30) days, except for initial or final bills.

     Customer. A purchaser of utility service.

     Cycle billing. A system employed which results in the rendition of bills for utility service to various customers on different days of any calendar month.

     Delinquent account. A bill remaining unpaid by a customer at least twenty (20) days from rendition of the bill by the department.

     Department. A department of finance for the city.

     Director. The director of the department of finance for the city.

     Discontinuance of service. A cessation of utility service to a customer not directly requesting termination.

     Estimated bill. A bill for utility services calculated using one or more estimated meter readings for the billing period.

     Fuel adjustment clause. The automatic adjustment procedure which recognizes variations in the cost of fuel for electric generation or purchased power.

     In dispute. Any matter regarding a customer's utility service which is the subject of a pending disagreement, or complaint by the customer.

     Rendition of bill by the city. The actual date on which the bill was mailed by the city.

     Residential service or use. The use of electricity and/or water for household purposes and/or the provision of sewer and/or refuse services.

     Settlement agreement. An agreement between a customer and the city purporting to resolve any matter in dispute between the parties, or which provides for the payment of monies not in dispute over a reasonable period of time.

     Termination of service. A cessation of utility service request by the customer.

     Utility services. Water, electric, sewage or refuse collection service, or any combination thereof.

(Code 1964, § 15.800)

     Cross reference(s)--Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.