(1) The utility shall normally read meters for all urban consumers at monthly or bimonthly intervals and for all rural consumers at regular intervals up to six months. The day of the month for reading any meter as determined by the utility shall as closely as practicable be the same for each reading. The utility at its option, subject to the approval of the Commission, may read the meters at less frequent intervals if in the opinion of the utility such procedure tends to result in operating economies, but in no instance shall a meter be read less than once in six months.

(2) In months when meters are not read, the utility may provide the consumer with a postcard and request the consumer to read the meter and return the card to the utility. If such postcard is not received by the utility in time for billing, the utility may estimate the meter reading and render a bill accordingly.

(3) The consumer shall allow the utility reasonable access to the premises receiving water service for the reading of meters.