Testing of gas meters.

Gas meters in use shall be tested on the request of the consumer, in his presence if desired by him, with a tested and sealed meter-prover, by an officer or servant of the gas company. If the meter is found to be correct, and it is deemed correct if the variation is not greater than three per cent, the party requesting the inspection shall pay a fee of twenty-five cents, and the expense of removing it for the purpose of being tested. The reinspection shall be stamped on the meter. If the meter is proved incorrect, no fees or expense shall be paid by the consumer, and the company shall furnish a new meter without charge to the consumer. No gas company shall charge rent for meters.This section applies to all gas companies supplying the public with either natural or artificial gas. Any person, firm, or corporation providing either natural or artificial gas to the public which fails to comply with this section shall forfeit to the state not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars, to be recovered upon the complaint of any consumer of such gas in the name of the state before any court of competent jurisdiction.