Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-9 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' TERMS OF SERVICE › Rule 515-7-9-.04 - Disclosure Statement

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
A marketer shall prepare a disclosure statement in an
				  understandable format that enables consumers to compare prices and services on
				  a uniform basis. Such information shall be in writing and shall be sent to
				  consumers by mail or using the consumer preferred method of communication upon
				  enrollment and upon request. The disclosure statement shall also be made
				  available to consumers electronically. Said disclosure statement shall include,
				  but not be limited to, the following information:
(a) For fixed rate charges for natural gas
				service, a clear disclosure of the components of the fixed rate, the actual
				prices charged by the marketer, presented in a single standard pricing unit
				that includes any charges imposed by the marketer or its agent, so that the
				consumer can compare rates among marketers. This disclosure shall not include
				state and local sales taxes. The standard pricing disclosure unit must include
				all recurring monthly charges.
(b)
				For variable rate charges for natural gas service, a clear and understandable
				explanation of the factors that will cause the price to vary and how often the
				price can change, the current price, and the ceiling price, if any, so that the
				consumer can compare rates among marketers. The current price and ceiling
				price, if applicable, shall be presented in a single standard pricing unit that
				includes any charges imposed by the marketer or its agent. This disclosure
				shall not include state and local sales taxes. The standard pricing disclosure
				unit must include all recurring monthly charges.
(c) A statement that the standard unit price
				does not include state and local taxes or charges imposed by the EDC.
(d) The length of the agreement, including
				the starting date and expiration date, if applicable, and any minimum usage
				requirements pursuant to the agreement.
(e) The billing interval, the method by which
				monthly charges imposed by the EDC will be billed to the consumer in the event
				the consumer commences or terminates service with the marketer during the
				billing interval, and any late payment, cancellation, or reconnection
				fees.
(f) The marketer's budget
				billing, payment (including receipt of monies from LIHEAP or any other energy
				assistance program), credit, deposit, cancellation, collection, and
				reconnection policies and procedures.
(g) How to contact the marketer for
				information or complaints.
(h) A
				statement of the natural gas consumer's right to contact the Commission if he
				or she is not satisfied with the response of the marketer, including the local
				and toll-free telephone numbers of these agencies.
(i) The division name and telephone number
				for information regarding heating assistance administered by the Department of
				Human Resources.
(j) The following
				statement: "A consumer shall have a three-day right of rescission following the
				receipt of this disclosure at the time of initiating service or when informed
				of a change in terms or conditions. You, the consumer, may cancel in writing or
				electronically by contacting the marketer."
(k) The following statement: "If you have a
				fixed term agreement with us and it is approaching the expiration date, or
				whenever we propose to change our terms of service in any type of agreement,
				you will receive written notification from us prior to the date of expiration
				of or change to the agreement. We will explain your options to you in this
				advance notification."
(l) A
				statement that deposits shall not exceed $150.00 for any consumer who primarily
				uses gas for personal family or household purposes.
(m) A statement that deposits shall not
				exceed twenty (20) percent of the consumer's annual estimated bill for any
				non-residential firm retail customer who meets the definition under Commission
				Rule 515-7-9-.01(l).
(n) A statement that the marketer will not
				charge a cancellation fee if the customer is a low-income residential consumer
				seeking service for the first time from the regulated provider.
(o) A statement that the marketer will not
				send estimated bills, except when the actual meter readings are not made
				available, and in that event, such estimated bills will be limited to no more
				than two consecutive months.
(p) A
				statement that gas service will be disconnected for failure to pay for service
				to the marketer, only if the marketer is the current marketer, and it has been
				at least fifteen (15) days since the consumer was notified that service would
				be disconnected.
(q) A statement
				that before a request is made to disconnect gas service for failure to pay, the
				marketer must offer at least one reasonable payment arrangement in
				writing.
(r) A statement that gas
				service will not be disconnected for nonpayment of a bill that was not sent to
				the consumer in a timely manner.
(s) A statement that the marketer will not
				prevent a consumer from obtaining distribution and commodity sales service from
				another marketer or provider.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150 et seq. (See especially,
				  O.C.G.A. §§
											46-4-156,
				  46-4-158.2,
				  46-4-160).