reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.02 - Terminations › Section 20.31.02.06 - Text of the Notice of Termination

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Notices of termination required by these regulations shall include, as a minimum, the following:
A. The name and account number of the customer whose service is to be terminated;
B. The address of the premises where service is to be terminated;
C. A statement of the reasons for the proposed termination;
D. The date on or after which the proposed termination will occur;
E. The charges for reconnection of service, if any;
F. A statement of the total amount due, if applicable;
G. A statement of the customer's rights and remedies, which shall include a summary of the dispute procedures, the office address of the utility, and the telephone numbers at which the utility representatives who handle customer complaints may be reached;
H. A statement that it is the responsibility of the customer to notify the utility if he is unable to pay for service in accordance with the requirements of the utility's billing practices; and
I. A statement that it is the responsibility of the customer to notify the utility that he, or an occupant of the premises, is elderly, handicapped, has a serious illness, or relies upon life-support equipment; a brief explanation of the special provisions regarding elderly, handicapped, or persons seriously ill or relying on life-support equipment; and an explanation of notification procedures.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.02 - Terminations › Section 20.31.02.07 - User Without Account

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. For purposes of this regulation, a "user without account" is a person or persons in possession of a residential property that is using regulated utility service without an active account and is not subject to termination under Regulation .03 of this chapter.
B. A utility may not terminate service to a user without account without adhering to this regulation.
C. Upon discovering a user without account, a utility shall provide written notice to the occupants at the residential property:
(1) Not less than 3 days prior to service termination; or
(2) By mail not less than 7 days prior to service termination.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.03 - Restrictions on Terminations › Section 20.31.03.01 - Restrictions for Serious Illness and Life-Support Equipment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Electric or gas service, or both, may not be terminated for an initial period of up to 30 days beyond the scheduled date of service termination when the termination will aggravate an existing serious illness or prevent the use of life-support equipment of any occupant of the premises, subject to the provisions of this regulation.
B. Certification Requirement.
(1) A serious illness or the need for life-support equipment shall be certified to the utility by:
(a) A licensed physician;
(b) A certified nurse practitioner; or
(c) A physician assistant.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.03 - Restrictions on Terminations › Section 20.31.03.02 - Restrictions for Elderly or Handicapped Individuals

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Upon receiving notice from the customer that he or an occupant of the premises to which the service is going to be terminated is an elderly or handicapped individual, a utility may terminate service to that premises only in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.
B. Between the date the notice of termination is mailed to the customer and the date on or after which service is to be terminated, the utility shall, at a minimum, attempt to make personal contact with the customer on two separate occasions, each of which shall occur on a separate day.
C. The utility's attempt to make personal contact with the customer shall be by either:
(1) Telephoning the customer during business hours, or, if no one is home, during the evening after 6 p.m.; or
(2) Visiting the premises and leaving a copy of the notice of termination with the customer or a responsible person 18 years old or older at the premises, or if no one is at home, leaving a copy of the notice at the premises.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.03 - Restrictions on Terminations › Section 20.31.03.03 - Winter Restrictions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. An electric, gas, or electric and gas utility may not terminate gas or electric service to occupants of residential buildings for nonpayment of bills during the period November 1 through and including March 31 of the immediately succeeding calendar year unless the utility first certifies to the Commission by an affidavit filed at least 24 hours before the termination, that the termination does not constitute a threat to the life or health of the residential occupants.
B. The affidavit shall state in addition to the requirements of §A of this regulation.
(1) The name of the customer whose service is to be terminated and the address of the premises involved;
(2) That the customer has been notified both in writing and by personal contact, if made, of his rights and remedies as stated in COMAR 20.31.02.06GG and has been informed of possible sources of financial assistance and the availability of alternate payment plans and the Utility Service Protection Program offered by the utility;
(3) The dates on which personal contact with the customer or an adult member of the household was made or attempted;
(4) The reason for the termination;
(5) Whether the customer is a participant in the Utility Service Protection Program or the Electric Universal Service Program;
(6) Whether the customer claims an occupant of the dwelling unit is elderly, handicapped, seriously ill, or dependent upon the use of life-support equipment and, if so, that the utility has complied with the provisions of COMAR 20.31.03.01G and .02;
(7) That the amount of the arrearage for which termination is sought is greater than $200 for a single service utility or $300 for a dual service utility and the total amount due is greater than the amount of the customer's deposit with the utility; and
(8) That a copy of the affidavit has been forwarded to the Department of Human Resources, Office of Home Energy Programs and the local administering agency, if the customer has been certified to the utility as eligible for MEAP or EUSP Assistance.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.03 - Restrictions on Terminations › Section 20.31.03.04 - Temporary Residential Summer Restriction

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A utility may not terminate, either gas service that is used for cooling if the customer has notified the gas utility of that usage, or electric service, because of nonpayment, for any customer occupying a residential building, for which the temperature forecast made for the utility's weather station area for that customer at 6 a.m. is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above in that weather station area during an extreme weather period.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.03 - Restrictions on Terminations › Section 20.31.03.05 - Designations and Approval of Weather Station Areas

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A utility shall designate and file with the Commission for approval a list of one or more weather station areas within its service territory which specifies the portion of the utility's service territory covered by each weather station area for the purpose of complying with Regulations .03 and .04 of this chapter.
B. After the initial filing, a utility is only required to file subsequent designations for approval when changes are made to previously approved weather stations areas.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.03 - Restrictions on Terminations › Section 20.31.03.06 - Occupants of a Master-Metered Building

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This regulation applies to terminations of service in master-metered buildings.
B. A utility shall notify occupants in a master-metered building of an impending termination of service by all of the following. A utility shall:
(1) Individually notify all occupants by:
(a) First -class mail, postmarked not less than 14 days prior to the proposed date of disconnection and addressed to the "occupant" of each dwelling unit subject to the loss of service if the postal address is readily available to the utility; or
(b) Flyers or "door sniffers", of a proposed termination at least 14 days before the scheduled termination date; and
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.01 - Scope and Applicability

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This chapter applies to all electric utilities, gas utilities, and combination electric and gas utilities, as defined in this subtitle, under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.
B. This chapter governs terminations and reconnections of electric service, gas service, or both, for residential customers qualifying for the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP).
C. Upon good cause shown, the Commission may authorize a municipally owned electric utility, a municipally owned electric and gas utility, or an electric or gas utility with fewer than 5,000 customers to establish instead of the Utility Service Protection Program another program designed to safeguard MEAP customers from termination of service during the heating season. In order to obtain this authorization, the utility shall show to the satisfaction of the Commission that implementation of the USPP will be unduly burdensome for the utility and that the alternative program provides adequate and appropriate safeguards to MEAP customers.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.02 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) "Arrearage" or "outstanding arrearage" means amounts owed by a customer for gas or electric service other than the most current billing cycle usage.
(2) "Heating season" means billing months of November through March of successive calendar years.
(3) "MEAP" means the Maryland Energy Assistance Program administered by the Maryland Department of Human Resources.
(4) "MEAP eligible" means a utility customer who has met the criteria established by the Maryland Energy Assistance Program for receipt of an energy assistance grant.
(5) "Poverty levels" or "percentages of poverty" means the income guidelines used by the Department of Human Resources to establish income eligibility for MEAP grants.
(6) "Program participant" means a customer who has met all eligibility requirements, completed all application procedures, and is enrolled in the Utility Service Protection Program.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.03 - Utility Service Protection Program

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Each utility under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission shall provide and administer a Utility Service Protection Program consistent with these regulations.
B. Each utility shall establish and offer its Utility Service Protection Program before November 1 of each year.
C. Before November 1 of each year, each utility shall advise customers of the availability of the Utility Service Protection Program through all of the following:
(1) Bill inserts in September and October which provide a description of the Utility Service Protection Program.
(2) Either a Customer Rights Pamphlet which includes a general summary of the Utility Service Protection Program or a separate pamphlet explaining the Utility Service Protection Program.
(3) Normal collection procedures.
(4) A letter to all electric and gas heating customers whose service was terminated since the last heating season and not reconnected. The letter should include:
(a) The provisions of the Utility Service Protection Program;
(b) The amount of the customer's arrearage;
(c) The conditions for service reconnection under Regulation .08; and
(d) Information regarding the availability and sources of assistance for which the customer may qualify.
(5) Other reasonable promotional efforts.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.04 - Eligibility for Utility Service Protection Program

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Utility customers eligible for energy assistance from the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) are eligible for participation in the Utility Service Protection Program, provided that the customer:
A. Complies with the application procedures set forth in Regulation .05; and
B. Secures reconnection of any terminated gas or electric service by making the designated payment for outstanding arrearages described in Regulation .08.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.05 - Application Procedures

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. For participation in the Utility Service Protection Program, a customer shall apply for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program for those utilities which provide gas and electric service to the customer.
B. Completed applications forwarded by MEAP to the utility shall include:
(1) A written certification from MEAP that the applicant has applied and is eligible for MEAP; and
(2) A written designation from MEAP of the applicant's poverty level and grant amount payable to the utility.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.06 - Equal Monthly Payment Plan

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. An equal monthly payment plan based on the estimated cost of average annual utility usage minus annual MEAP benefits payable to the utility shall be used as the basis to determine appropriate payments for participation in the Utility Service Protection Program.
B. Monthly payments shall be calculated as follows:
(1) The utility shall calculate average annual cost based on a 12-month history of the customer's dwelling or a comparable dwelling;
(2) The average annual cost shall be reduced by the amount of the participant's MEAP benefit; and
(3) The estimated annual cost shall be divided by 12 to give the monthly payment obligation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.07 - Terminations of Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. If a customer fails to make a payment in compliance with his equal monthly payment plan, a utility shall provide at least one warning notice that the payment is past due and that nonpayment of two consecutive bills shall render the customer subject to removal from the Utility Service Protection Program and service termination.
B. Except as otherwise provided in §D, a customer may be removed from the Utility Service Protection Program and subject to service termination if the customer fails to pay, on two consecutive monthly due dates, the amount due.
C. Notwithstanding a customer making payments in compliance with his equal monthly payment plan, the customer may be subject to service termination when applicable grounds exist under COMAR 20.31.02.03G or COMAR 20.31.02.04G.
D. In initiating service termination, the utility shall comply with COMAR 20.31 before any termination of service may occur.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.08 - Reconnection of Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A customer eligible for participation in the Utility Service Protection Program who is not receiving utility service shall have his utility service reconnected for the purpose of participation in the Utility Service Protection Program, provided that the customer:
(1) Is certified eligible for MEAP assistance;
(2) Complies with the application procedures in Regulation .05; and
(3) Makes the designated payment for outstanding arrearages as described in §B.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.09 - Utility Data Collection

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
In order to evaluate the impact of the Utility Service Protection Program, each participating utility shall compile and maintain certain data, as specified by the Public Service Commission, to be filed with the Commission for the year ending March 31. The data shall be filed with the Commission not later than September 1.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 31 - TERMINATIONS OF SERVICE › Chapter 20.31.05 - Utility Service Protection Program › Section 20.31.05.10 - Notifications to Department of Housing and Community Development

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. For purposes of scheduling low-cost weatherization, utilities shall provide the Department of Housing and Community Development Weatherization Program with the names and addresses of customers with incomes at 50 percent of poverty or below whose service is reconnected pursuant to Regulation .08.
B. Each utility shall furnish the Department of Housing and Community Development with the name, address, and winter energy consumption, November through March, of those Utility Service Protection Program participants whose usage is 135 percent or more of the system average for residential consumption of that fuel. The utility shall also notify the customer of his high energy consumption.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 32 - DISPUTE PROCEDURES › Chapter 20.32.01 - Dispute Regulation › Section 20.32.01.01 - Applicability

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This subtitle applies to all electric companies, gas companies, combination gas and electric companies, telephone companies, licensed suppliers, licensed brokers, registered CSEGS subscriber organizations, and water companies under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.
B. Except for complaints initially filed under Public Utilities Article, §3-102, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 20.07.03, this subtitle governs customer disputes with utilities, which are reviewed, investigated, or resolved by the Office of External Relations within the Commission pursuant to this subtitle.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 32 - DISPUTE PROCEDURES › Chapter 20.32.01 - Dispute Regulation › Section 20.32.01.02 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) "Commission" means the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
(2) "Community Solar energy generating system" or "CSEGS" has the meaning stated in Public Utilities Article, §7-306.2, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(3) "Customer" means any person, association, partnership, corporation, or governmental agency who has applied for utility service, in whose name a utility service account is maintained, or has been solicited by a supplier to purchase energy supply.
(4) "Dispute" means a disagreement between a utility and a customer regarding provision of utility service, disputed bills, billing practices, or terminations of service.
(5) "Disputed bill" means a bill which is the subject of a controversy between a customer and a utility regarding any billing error, including, but not limited to:
(a) Errors in computation;
(b) Failure of the bill to reflect a payment or credit; or
(c) Billing for service for which the customer alleges he was not responsible.
(6) "Inquiry" means the written or oral communication used by a customer to request review of a dispute.
(7) "Mediation" means a third-party effort to resolve, negotiate, or conciliate a dispute.
(8) "OER" means the Office of External Relations within the Commission pursuant to this subtitle.
(9) "Subscriber organization" has the meaning stated in COMAR 20.62.01.023(19).
(10) "Supplier" has the meaning defined in COMAR 20.54.01.02B(9)  and 20.51.01.02B(10).
(11) "Termination" means the discontinuance of electric, gas, or telephone service to a customer or premises.
(12) "Utility" means an electric company, gas company, combination gas and electric company, telephone company, or water company as defined by Public Utilities Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 32 - DISPUTE PROCEDURES › Chapter 20.32.01 - Dispute Regulation › Section 20.32.01.03 - Inquiry to Utility

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A customer shall initially submit any inquiry or dispute directly to a utility, supplier, or a subscriber organization for resolution.
B. A utility, supplier, or subscriber organization shall investigate a customer dispute or inquiry, and propose a resolution of the dispute to the customer or report its findings to the customer. In responding to a customer inquiry about price and service, a utility may provide information about its SOS and Sales service rates and may refer the customer to the website of the Commission or the Office of People's Counsel for additional information.
C. If a utility determines that its actions with regard to the dispute or inquiry are consistent with Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR Title 20, orders of the Commission, and its own tariffs, the utility shall notify the customer and may:
(1) Require full payment of the bill; or
(2) Begin termination proceedings under COMAR 20.31.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 32 - DISPUTE PROCEDURES › Chapter 20.32.01 - Dispute Regulation › Section 20.32.01.04 - Inquiry to Public Service Commission

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. If a customer disputes a utility's, a supplier's, or a Subscriber organization's determination under Regulation .03 of this chapter, the customer may submit an inquiry to the Commission within 7 days of receipt of the determination.
B. If a customer contacts the Commission or its staff before contacting the utility, the supplier, or the subscriber organization, the customer shall be advised of Regulation .03 of this chapter and referred to the utility, supplier, or the subscriber organization.
C. The Office of External Relations may review and investigate an inquiry referred by the Commission, its staff, or a customer.
(1) If the OER initiates an investigation, it shall:
(a) Inform the utility or supplier in writing that an investigation shall be opened; and
(b) Request information from the utility or supplier to review the inquiry.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.01 - General › Section 20.40.01.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided in §B of this regulation, this subtitle applies to all electric, gas, and combination electric and gas utilities.
B. This subtitle does not apply:
(1) To a municipal electric or gas utility;
(2) To a combination municipal electric and gas utility;
(3) To an electric or gas utility that supplies electric or gas service to less than 1,000 meters in the State;
(4) To a gas utility that distributes only propane gas; or
(5) During an emergency.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.01 - General › Section 20.40.01.02 - Purpose

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The purpose of this subtitle is to establish regulations that promote competitive markets and ensure that an electric or gas utility does not subsidize its affiliates.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.01 - General › Section 20.40.01.04 - Waiver of Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided §B of this regulation, a regulation in this subtitle may be waived by the Commission for good cause shown.
B. COMAR 20.40.02.07B may not be waived.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.01 - Prohibited Utility Conduct with Affiliate

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This regulation does not apply to the practice of a utility holding company advertising companies within the utility holding company corporate family.
B. Services Generally. A utility may not:
(1) Represent to a customer or potential customer that any advantage or superior service will accrue because of the relationship between the utility and a core service affiliate or non-core service affiliate;
(2) Give any preference to a core service affiliate, or non-core service affiliate, or a customer of either in providing regulated utility service;
(3) Condition or tie the provision of regulated utility service to any other product or service;
(4) Except as provided in Regulation .02 of this chapter, engage in promotions, marketing, or advertising with a core or non-core service affiliate;
(5) Except with the informed consent of the customer and in compliance with the Commission's consumer protection regulations, disclose any customer-specific information obtained in connection with the provision of regulated utility service;
(6) Offer discounts, rebates, fee waivers, penalty waivers, or other special provisions for a tariff service to an affiliate or a customer of an affiliate, unless it makes the offer available to all similarly situated persons, and makes the offer in a manner designed to allow all an equal ability to utilize the offering;
(7) Except as provided in Regulation .02 of this chapter, market or promote its standard offer service;
(8) Provide sales leads to its core or non-core service affiliate; or
(9) Circumvent the provisions of this subtitle through the use of an affiliate as a conduit between the utility and its core service affiliate.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.02 - Authorized Utility - Affiliate Activity

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Use of Corporate Name, Trade Names, Trademarks, and Logos.
(1) A utility may authorize its affiliate to use advertising, which uses the utility's corporate name, trade names, trademarks, and logos.
(2) Disclaimer.
(a) Except as provided in §A(3) of this regulation, when a utility authorizes an affiliate to use its corporate name, trade name, trademark, or logo in an advertisement for a core or non-core service, the utility shall require the affiliate to include a disclaimer in the advertisement.
(b) The disclaimer required under §A(2)(a) of this regulation is: "(affiliate name) is not the same company as (utility name), a regulated utility".
(3) When a utility authorizes an affiliate to use its corporate name, trade name, trademark, or logo in an image advertisement, regulatory filing, or materials intended to provide information about corporate securities, the utility is not required to mandate that its affiliate include the disclaimer prescribed in §A(2) of this regulation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.03 - Required Utility Conduct

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Information.
(1) If a customer requests information about a competitive core service and the utility responds by identifying licensed electricity or gas suppliers, the utility shall provide the names of all licensed electricity or gas suppliers of core services operating within its Maryland service territory in a nonpreferential manner.
(2) A utility may not promote its core service affiliate when responding to a customer request for information.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.04 - Utility and Utility-Affiliate Shared Personnel

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Exceptions. This regulation does not apply to:
(1) Employee-sharing between a utility and another utility, or any operating division of the same utility, regulated by the Commission or another state's utility regulatory body; or
(2) Personnel sharing permitted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.05 - Asset Transactions Involving an Affiliate

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This regulation does not apply to transactions between a utility and another utility, or any operating division of the same utility, which is regulated by the Commission or another state's utility regulatory body.
B. Subject to §C of this regulation, a utility may enter into an asset transfer or receipt transaction with its affiliate.
C. If a utility enters into a transaction with an affiliate involving the transfer or receipt of an asset that has a book value of more than $75,000 per item, or a total book value of $1,000,000, other than a transaction resulting from an open bidding process, including an auction or a request for proposal with an independent evaluator, the utility shall record the transaction in its financial records based on asymmetric pricing to the extent permitted by federal law or regulation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.06 - Utility Loans or Debt Guarantees to an Affiliate

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This regulation does not apply to a utility's participation in a cash management or money pool subject to federal regulation.
B. Except as provided under §C of this regulation, a utility may make a loan or provide a debt guarantee to its affiliate.
C. Restrictions on Loans or Debt Guarantees.
(1) If a loan or guarantee by a utility to its affiliate creates a reasonable likelihood that the utility's cost of capital, creditworthiness, or ability to provide regulated service will be adversely affected in a material manner, a utility may not:
(a) Lend money to its affiliate; or
(b) Guarantee the debt of its affiliate.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.07 - Cost Allocation Manual (CAM)

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This regulation does not apply to a utility that does not have a core or non-core service affiliate.
B. Any time a utility files a general rate case, a utility shall file its CAM with the Commission.
(2) A utility shall file with the Commission any change to a CAM policy that allocates or assigns cost, within 30 days of the effective date of the change.
(3) A utility filing required under §B(2) of this regulation shall include a detailed narrative that describes and justifies each change including a showing of the estimated impact of the change.
(4) A CAM shall contain the:
(a) Corporate organization chart;
(b) Officers of the parent or holding company, the utility, and the service company, as applicable;
(c) Complete description of the types of all costs shared with an affiliate; and
(d) Methodology and procedure used to allocate costs.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 40 - ELECTRIC AND GAS COMPANIES-AFFILIATE REGULATIONS › Chapter 20.40.02 - Utility Code of Conduct › Section 20.40.02.08 - Record and Reporting Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Each Cost Allocation Manual filed as directed in Regulation .07 of this chapter shall contain the following items:
(1) The amount the utility allocated or assigned the previous calendar year for each type of cost identified in its CAM;
(2) An affidavit stating that its cost allocation and the transfer pricing of an asset complies with this subtitle; and
(3) A certification that a training program is in place to train personnel as necessary to comply with this subtitle.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.01 - General › Section 20.45.01.01 - Authorization of Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Public Utilities Article, §2-121, Annotated Code of Maryland, provides that the Commission shall have the power to make such reasonable regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this law and any other law relating to the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.01 - General › Section 20.45.01.02 - Application of Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Application. These regulations apply to every telephone company operating within the State under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.
B. Purpose. These regulations are intended to establish reasonable service standards to the end that safe, adequate, and satisfactory service will be rendered to the public in the transmission of both local and intrastate long distance messages.
C. Exemption. If unreasonable hardship to a utility or to a customer results from the application of any regulation of this subtitle, application may be made to the Commission for the modification of the regulation or for temporary or permanent exemption from its requirements.
D. Modification. The adoption of these regulations does not preclude the Commission from altering or amending them, or from making these modifications with respect to their application as may be found necessary to meet exceptional conditions.
E. Duties Under Other Statutes. These regulations do not relieve a utility from any of its duties under the laws of this State.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.02 - Records and Reports › Section 20.45.02.01 - Retention of Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
All records required by these regulations shall be preserved for the longer of the period of time specified in 47 CFR 42, as amended, which is incorporated by reference, or 1 year, unless otherwise specified by the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.02 - Records and Reports › Section 20.45.02.02 - Data to be Filed with the Commission

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Tariffs.
(1) A utility shall have its tariff on file with the Commission in accordance with the regulations governing the filing of tariffs.
(2) A utility shall post its tariff and pending tariff changes on its website.
(3) After Commission acceptance of a tariff change, a utility shall update the tariff posted on its website not later than 3 business days after the date of acceptance.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.02 - Records and Reports › Section 20.45.02.03 - General Reporting Procedures

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Reporting Schedules. The reports listed in the schedule below are to be filed in accordance with the indicated regulation and at the indicated time:
Month Due
Feb.
May
Aug.
Nov.
For period
4th Qtr.
1st Qtr.
2nd Qtr.
3rd Qtr.
Report
Customer relations, per COMAR 20.45.04
X
X
X
X
Installation service, per COMAR 20.45.05.02B
X
X
X
X
Operator services, per COMAR 20.45.05.03B
X
X
X
X
Dial services, per COMAR 20.45.05.04B
X
X
X
X
Transmission measurements, per COMAR 20.45.05.07B
None
None
None
None
Maintenance service, per COMAR 20.45.05.10B
X
X
X
X
Coin service measurements, per COMAR 20.45.06
X
X
X
X
Planning data,* per COMAR 20.45.07.02B
X
X
None
X
______ *Planning data, which is submitted on a yearly basis in April, August, and December, will be provided with the quarterly reports due in May, November, and February, respectively.
B. Reporting Format.
(1) Reports shall be on a corporate basis only and a product of normal company measurement techniques. Each item to be reported will be listed on a separate line under the appropriate heading as shown above. Further categorization under these headings may be desirable for simplification reasons. Basically all data shall be shown as follows:
(a) Planning Data. All data will be on a corporate area basis only.
Column 1 _ Averages for the 3 years preceding the program years
Column 2 _ Estimates or actuals for the first program year
Column 3 _ Estimates for the second program year
Column 2 _ Estimates for the third program year
(b) Basic and Support Service Results Data.
Column 1 _ Objective Ranges
Column 2 _ Utility Performance
Column 3 _ Failure to meet minimum standards, showing name and performance
Column 4 _ Reference paragraph number to narrative statement (when applicable)
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.03 - Metering › Section 20.45.03.01 - Meter Reading Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
When meters are used in connection with telephone service, the meter reading records from which the customers' bills are prepared shall show:
A. Identifying number or means to determine readily the customer's name and service classification;
B. Meter readings;
C. Date of meter reading.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.03 - Metering › Section 20.45.03.03 - Billing Recording Equipment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
When mechanical or electronic means, or both, are used for recording information that will affect a customer's bill for local or toll service, or both, the equipment shall be inspected after installation and periodically tested in order to insure its proper functioning and accuracy. The utility shall keep records of malfunctions. The retention period for these records shall be 1 year.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.45.04.01 - Customer Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Billing Information. Bills to customers shall be rendered at least monthly and shall contain a clear listing of all charges and credits. For purposes of clarity the customer's bill shall include the total amount due supported by the following data:
(1) The charges, including applicable federal and local taxes for:
(a) Local monthly services from the current to the next bill date;
(b) Additional message units, if appropriate, for the month before the billing date;
(c) Toll calls and telegrams, if appropriate, placed before the billing date;
(d) Other charges and credits with appropriate explanation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.45.04.02 - Business Office

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The business offices shall be so located and staffed that customers and the public shall have convenient access to qualified personnel, including supervisory personnel where warranted, to answer questions relating to services and rates, accept and process applications for service, explain charges on customers' bills, adjust charges made in error, and, in general, represent the utility to the customer.
B. When one business office serves several communities, toll-free calling to the business office from the communities shall be provided. By means of directory information or assistance, signs on company buildings and property, newspaper advertising, or other methods necessary, the utility shall keep its customers and the public advised as to means of contacting the business office.
C. Business office services shall be available to the customers and the public during the normal hours of the normal work week, excluding holidays and at such other times as may be warranted by by circumstances.
D. It shall be the responsibility of the utility to insure that qualified personnel, instructed to be courteous, considerate, and efficient, are available to promptly serve those who contact the business office.
E. The utility shall inform the customer of any service connection charge to be applied to his bill and the monthly charge for the service ordered, with the exception of business customers not requiring this information, before undertaking any action to furnish the service ordered. To customers inquiring about new service, the utility shall provide any information and assistance necessary to obtain service conforming to the customer's needs.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.45.04.03 - Public Information

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall maintain and keep available for inspection by customers and applicants for service copies of all tariffs applicable to the area served by the business office, as provided by Regulation .02, of this chapter.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.45.04.04 - Customer Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A deposit may not be required as a condition for establishment of service other than as provided in the Commission's regulations governing customer deposits (Subtitle 30) or in the regulations and tariffs on file with the Commission with regard to business and undergrounding services.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.45.04.05 - Denial of Service Without Notice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility may discontinue service without notice for any of the following reasons:
A. Hazardous Condition. For a condition on the customer's premises determined by the utility to be hazardous.
B. Adverse Effect on Service. Customer's use of equipment in such a manner as to adversely affect the utility's equipment or the utility's service to others.
C. Tampering With Utility Property. Customer's tampering with equipment furnished and owned by the utility.
D. Unauthorized Use of Service. Customer's unauthorized use of service by any method which causes hazardous signals over the utility's network.
E. Illegal Use of Service. Customer's use of service or equipment in a manner to violate the law.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 45 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY TELEPHONE COMPANIES › Chapter 20.45.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.45.04.06 - Denial of Service Requiring Notice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility may deny service for any of the following reasons provided it has notified the customer of its intent, in writing, to deny service and has allowed the customer a reasonable time of not less than 10 days, or as otherwise specified in these regulations, in which to remove the cause for denial:
A. Non-compliance with Regulations. For violation of or non-compliance with regulations of this subtitle, or for violation of or non-compliance with the utility's tariffs on file with the Commission.
B. Failure on Contractual Obligations. For failure of the customer to fulfill his contractual obligations for service or facilities subject to regulation by the Commission.
C. Refusal of Access. For failure of the customer to permit the utility to have reasonable access to its equipment.
D. Non-payment of Bill.
(1) For non-payment of a bill for service, provided that the utility has made a reasonable attempt to effect collection and has given the customer written notice of its intent to deny service if settlement of his account is not made and provided the customer has at least 5 days, excluding Sundays and holidays in which to make settlement before his service is denied.
(2) In cases of bankruptcy, receivership, abandonment of service, or abnormal toll usage not covered adequately by a security deposit, less than 5 days notice may be given if necessary to protect the utility's revenues.
(3) Except in cases where a prior promise to pay has not been kept or bankruptcy, receivership, abandoned service, or abnormal toll usage is involved, the utility may not deny service on the day preceding any day on which it is not prepared to accept payment of the amount due and to reconnect service.