reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.02 - Metering › Section 20.56.02.02 - Meter Shop

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Except for the test required by Regulation .03B(2) of this chapter, the tests required by Regulation .03 of this chapter shall be performed by a meter shop approved by the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.02 - Metering › Section 20.56.02.03 - Required Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. General. Any meter test required by this regulation shall be made at both check flow and full rated flow.
B. Preinstallation Test.
(1) Meter Accuracy.
(a) Except as provided in §B(3) of this regulation, the owner shall test a meter for accuracy before the meter is placed in service.
(b) The date of the accuracy test shall be within 2 years of the date the meter is placed in service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.02 - Metering › Section 20.56.02.04 - Accuracy

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Preinstallation Accuracy. If a meter is tested under Regulation .03B and G of this chapter, an owner may not install or return to service a meter that is more than 0.5 percent fast or more than 1.5 percent slow.
B. In-Service Performance Test Accuracy. If a meter is tested under Regulation .03E of this chapter, an owner shall count the test as a failure if the meter and associated metering device, if installed, are found to be more than 2 percent fast or slow.
C. Balance. If a meter's accuracy at check flow is found to differ from accuracy at full rated flow by more than 1 percent, an owner shall adjust or repair, or both, and test the meter before returning it to service.
D. Billing Adjustment
(1) Fast Meters.
(a) Bill Recalculation. If an accuracy test shows an over-registration of more than 2 percent at check flow, the owner shall recalculate the bills for service of the last customer of record receiving service through the meter and shall make a refund if the amount of the adjustment exceeds $10. The refund shall be for the period that the customer received service through the meter, but for not more than the periods established in §D(1)(b) and (c) of this regulation.
(b) Known Date of Error. If the date on which the error first developed or occurred can be established, then the owner shall make a refund based on that known date.
(c) Unknown Date of Error. If the known date of error cannot be established, then it shall be assumed that the over-registration existed for a period of 3 years or a period equal to 1/2 of the time since the meter was last tested, whichever is less.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 56 - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SYSTEMS › Chapter 20.56.02 - Metering › Section 20.56.02.05 - Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Inventory. Each owner shall maintain records of each meter and associated metering device, which identify each item as to its design, capacity, and application. The identifying information shall include, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer;
(2) Number;
(3) Type;
(4) Capacity;
(5) Multiplier;
(6) Constants;
(7) Pressure rating; and
(8) Compensated index with associated pressure.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.57.01.01 - Purpose

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The regulations in this subtitle provide the enforcement authority and penalties which are available to the Maryland Public Service Commission for achieving and maintaining pipeline safety.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.01 - General Regulations › Section 20.57.01.02 - 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) "Chief engineer" means the head of the Engineering Division of the Commission.
(2) "Commission" means the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
(3) "Compliance order" means a document issued by the Engineering Division to a gas company or gas master meter operator directing compliance.
(4) "Consent order" means a document executed jointly by the Engineering Division and a gas company or gas master meter operator under COMAR 20.57.02.07B for the disposition of a case.
(5) "Division" means the Engineering Division of the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
(6) "Gas" means artificial, natural, or liquified petroleum gas.
(7) "Gas company" has the meaning stated in Public Utilities Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(8) "Gas master meter operator" has the meaning stated in Public Utilities Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(9) "Hazardous facility notice" means an order issued by the Division requiring corrective action by the gas company or gas master meter operator.
(10) "Incident" has the meaning stated in COMAR 20.55.01.04B(9).
(11) "NOPV" means a notice of probable violation issued under COMAR 20.57.02.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.01 - Inspections

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The Division may conduct periodic inspections of records and property in the possession, custody, or control of a gas company or gas master meter operator to determine compliance with the federal Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1671 et seq., as amended, which is incorporated by reference, or Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.02 - Inspection Follow-Up - Specific Information Request

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. After a complaint, report, or inspection, the Division may send a gas company or gas master meter operator a specific information request.
B. A gas company or gas master meter operator shall respond within 5 working days after receipt of a specific information request relating to a possible reportable incident under COMAR 20.55.01.04B(9).
C. Except as provided under §B of this regulation, a gas company or gas master meter operator shall respond within 30 days after receipt of a specific information request.
D. The Commission may waive the requirements of §B or C of this regulation upon written request from a gas company or gas master meter operator demonstrating sufficient cause.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.03 - Reportable Incident Investigation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. After a reportable incident, the Division may:
(1) Interview personnel;
(2) View equipment or pipe;
(3) Request issuance of a subpoena for production of equipment or pipe relating to the incident for independent preservation;
(4) Order independent laboratory tests of equipment or pipe;
(5) View related documents; or
(6) Take other investigative measures as needed to complete a comprehensive independent investigation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.04 - Reportable Incident Testing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Testing.
(1) After a reportable incident, a gas company or gas master meter operator shall conduct the following minimum tests:
(a) The perimeter of the area involved in the incident shall be leak surveyed using a subsurface gas detection survey as prescribed in the GPTC Guide For Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems 1990-91, Volume One, Guide Material Appendix G-11 or G-11A, which is incorporated by reference in COMAR 20.55.02.02B; and
(b) All piping directly associated with the incident, or which may have contributed to the incident, shall be pressure tested, unless evidence clearly indicates the cause and origin of the incident.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.05 - Notice of Probable Violation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. General.
(1) The Division may issue a NOPV upon finding good cause to believe a violation of the federal Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1671 et seq., as amended, which is incorporated by reference, or Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, has occurred.
(2) The NOPV may contain a proposed compliance order.
(3) A gas company or gas master meter operator shall respond in writing within 30 days after receipt of a NOPV.
(4) The Commission may waive the requirements of §A(3) of this regulation upon written request from a gas company or gas master meter operator demonstrating sufficient cause.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.06 - Review by Chief Engineer

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
If a gas company or gas master meter operator objects to the proposed compliance order or civil penalty and submits a written explanation, information, or other materials in response to a NOPV, the chief engineer shall review the submissions and determine whether to negotiate further, modify, or withdraw the NOPV, or file a complaint under Public Utilities Article, §3-102, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.07 - Consent Order

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Before the issuance of a compliance order, the Division may execute a consent order jointly with a gas company or gas master meter operator.
B. An executed consent order shall contain:
(1) An admission by a gas company or gas master meter operator of all jurisdictional facts; and
(2) A description of any action required by a gas company or gas master meter operator and the time by which the actions shall be accomplished.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.08 - Civil Penalties

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Procedure. Following an investigation and a determination by the Division that there exists good cause to believe that a gas company or gas master meter operator violated minimum pipeline safety requirements, the Division may assess or negotiate a civil penalty under Public Utilities Article, §13-203, Annotated Code of Maryland.
B. Penalty Considerations. In proposing a civil penalty, the Division shall consider the criteria stated in Public Utilities Article, §13-203, Annotated Code of Maryland.
C. Payment Procedures. A gas company or gas master meter operator shall pay a civil penalty that has been proposed or compromised by submitting to the Commission a certified check or money order in the correct amount, payable to the Maryland Public Service Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 57 - PIPELINE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT › Chapter 20.57.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.57.02.09 - Hazardous Facility Notice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. General. After an inspection, report, or complaint, the Division may find a particular facility to be hazardous to life or property if the Division determines that:
(1) The equipment, material, or technique used in the construction of the pipeline facility or its components poses a hazard to life or property; or
(2) The operation of the pipeline facility poses a hazard to life or property.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
This subtitle applies to any intrastate hazardous liquid pipeline located in Maryland and to an operator of these pipeline facilities.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.02 - 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) "Accident" has the meaning stated in 49 CFR §
											195.5.
(2) "Breakout tank" means a tank used to relieve surges in a hazardous liquid pipeline system or to receive and store hazardous liquid transported by a pipeline for reinjection and continued transportation by pipeline.
(3) "Chief engineer" means the head of the Engineering Division of the Commission.
(4) "Commission" means the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
(5) "Company" has the meaning stated in the Public Utilities Article, §1-101(f), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(6) "Compliance order" means a document issued by the Engineering Division to an operator directing compliance.
(7) "Division" means the Engineering Division of the Commission.
(8) "Hazardous liquid" has the meaning stated in the Public Utilities Article, §11-201, Annotated Code of Maryland and 49 CFR §
											195.2.
(9) "NOPV" means a notice of probable violation issued under COMAR 20.58.02.05B.
(10) "Operator" means a person that owns or operates a pipeline facility.
(11) Pipeline.
(a) "Pipeline" means any part of a pipeline facility through which a hazardous liquid moves in transportation.
(b) "Pipeline" includes line pipe, valves, other appurtenances connected to a line pipe, pumping units, associated fabricated assemblies, and breakout tanks.
(12) "Pipeline facility" means new and existing pipelines, rights-of-way, and any equipment, facility, or building used or intended for use in the transportation of a hazardous liquid.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.03 - Good Engineering Practice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
An operator shall construct, install, maintain, and operate a hazardous liquid pipeline in accordance with accepted good engineering practice in the hazardous liquid pipeline industry to ensure the safety of individuals and property.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.04 - General Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Required Information. Each operator shall file with the Commission the following information in writing:
(1) The location of each hazardous liquid pipeline facility;
(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the person responsible for each hazardous liquid pipeline facility;
(3) A complete set of "as built" plans and maps of the pipeline facility; and
(4) A copy of:
(a) The procedural manual for operation, maintenance, emergencies, and operator qualification required under 49 CFR 195 ; and
(b) Revisions to the manual at the time they are incorporated.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.05 - Incorporation by Reference

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
In this subtitle, the following documents are incorporated by reference:
A. 49 CFR Part 195, Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline, as amended; and
B. 49 CFR Part 199, Drug and Alcohol Testing, as amended.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.06 - Federal Delegation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The Commission is an authorized agent of the United States Department of Transportation for the administration and enforcement of federal regulations that apply to hazardous liquid pipeline facilities in Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.07 - Inspections and Examinations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Facility Access. Upon reasonable notice, a Commission representative shall have access to each pipeline facility to conduct examinations or inspections to ensure compliance with these regulations.
B. Timing of Inspections.
(1) The Commission shall conduct routine inspections of the pipeline facility during regular business hours.
(2) If an accident or safety-related condition occurs, the Commission may inspect a pipeline facility at any time.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.01 - General › Section 20.58.01.08 - Reports and Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Reports.
(1) An operator shall immediately make a telephonic notification to the Commission and the local emergency management agency of a hazardous liquid release reported as required by 49 CFR §
											195.52.
(2) An operator shall maintain and file with the Commission all reports that are required to be filed with the United States Department of Transportation by 49 CFR Part 195.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.01 - Inspections

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The Engineering Division may conduct periodic inspections of records and property in the possession, custody, or control of a hazardous liquid pipeline operator to determine compliance with the federal Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 or Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.02 - Inspection Follow-Up - Specific Information Request

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. After a complaint, report, or inspection, the Engineering Division may send an operator a specific information request.
B. An operator shall respond to the Engineering Division within 5 working days after receipt of a specific information request relating to an accident reportable under 49 CFR §
										195.50.
C. Except as provided under §B of this regulation, an operator shall respond within 30 days after receipt of a specific information request.
D. The Commission may waive the requirements of §B or C of this regulation upon written request from an operator demonstrating sufficient cause.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.03 - Reportable Accident Investigation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. After an accident reportable under 49 CFR 195, a representative of the Commission may:
(1) Interview personnel;
(2) Examine equipment or pipe;
(3) Request issuance of a subpoena for production of equipment or pipe relating to the incident for independent preservation;
(4) Examine related documents;
(5) Order independent laboratory tests of equipment or pipe; or
(6) Take other investigative measures as needed to complete a comprehensive independent investigation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.04 - Reportable Accident Testing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Testing.
(1) After a reportable accident, an operator shall test all piping directly associated with the accident or which may have contributed to the accident, unless evidence clearly indicates the cause and origin of the accident.
(2) As early as possible, an operator shall properly tag and secure for examination or testing all pipeline components which may have contributed to the accident.
(3) If appropriate, the Commission or the operator may select a sample of the failed pipeline facility or equipment for laboratory examination.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.05 - Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV)

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. General.
(1) The Division may issue to an operator an NOPV upon finding good cause to believe a violation of the federal pipeline safety laws under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 or Public Utilities Article, §§11-201 -11-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, has occurred.
(2) An NOPV may contain a proposed compliance order.
(3) An operator shall respond to the Division in writing within 30 days after receipt of an NOPV.
(4) The Commission may waive the requirements of §A(3) of this regulation after a written request from an operator demonstrating sufficient cause.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.06 - Review by the Chief Engineer

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
If an operator objects to the proposed compliance order or civil penalty and submits a written explanation, information, or other material in response to an NOPV, the chief engineer shall review the submission and determine whether to:
A. Negotiate further, modify, or withdraw the NOPV; or
B. File a complaint under Public Utilities Article, §3-102, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.07 - Consent Order

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Before the issuance of a compliance order, the Division may execute a consent order jointly with an operator.
B. An executed consent order shall contain:
(1) An admission by an operator of all jurisdictional facts; and
(2) A description of any actions required by an operator and the time by which the actions shall be accomplished.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.08 - Civil Penalties

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Procedure. After an investigation and a determination by the Division that there is good cause to believe an operator violated a minimum pipeline safety requirement, the Commission may assess or negotiate a civil penalty under Public Utilities Article, §11-206, Annotated Code of Maryland.
B. Penalty Considerations. In proposing a civil penalty, the Division shall consider the criteria in Public Utilities Article, §11-206, Annotated Code of Maryland.
C. Payment Procedures. An operator shall pay the proposed or negotiated civil penalty by submitting to the Commission a certified check or money order in the correct amount, payable to the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 58 - SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPLINES › Chapter 20.58.02 - Enforcement and Penalties › Section 20.58.02.09 - Hazardous Facility Notice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. General. After an inspection, report, or complaint, the Division may find a particular pipeline facility to be hazardous to life, property, or the environment if:
(1) The equipment, material, or technique used in the construction of the pipeline facility or its components poses a hazard to life, property, or the environment; or
(2) The operation of the pipeline facility poses a hazard to life, property, or the environment.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.01 - General › Section 20.59.01.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided in §B of this regulation, this subtitle is applicable to gas utilities and suppliers only in service territories where customers may elect retail gas supply or gas supply services.
B. This subtitle does not apply to a gas utility or a gas supplier providing gas to a customer account that is a daily-metered account or an interruptible account.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.01 - General › Section 20.59.01.02 - 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) Agent.
(a) "Agent" means a person who conducts marketing or sales activities, or both, on behalf of a licensed supplier or broker.
(b) 'Agent" includes:
(i) An employee;
(ii) A representative;
(iii) An independent contractor;
(iv) A vendor;
(v) Subcontractors;
(vi) Employees;
(vii) Vendors; and
(viii) Representatives not directly contracted by the supplier who conduct marketing or sales activities on behalf of the supplier.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.01 - General › Section 20.59.01.04 - Utility Compliance Plan

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Utilities shall file a plan and relevant tariffs for compliance with this subtitle within 45 days after this subtitle becomes effective.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.03 - Pre-Enrollment Information › Section 20.59.03.01 - Supplier Customer Consent - Pre-Enrollment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Pre-Enrollment Customer Information. Before requesting from a utility the precontracting customer information described in Regulation .02 of this chapter, a supplier shall:
(1) Notify the customer of its intention to request customer information from a utility; and
(2) Obtain the customer's consent for release of the customer's information from the utility.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.03 - Pre-Enrollment Information › Section 20.59.03.02 - Pre-Enrollment Information

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. On request of a supplier, a utility shall provide the following applicable customer information:
(1) Account name;
(2) Billing address;
(3) Energy assistance household status;
(4) Service address;
(5) Utility account number and any other number designated by the utility as necessary to process an enrollment;
(6) Bill cycle;
(7) Utility rate class or code; and
(8) Monthly historical consumption for the previous 12 months.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.04 - Transfers of Service › Section 20.59.04.02 - Enrollment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Effective Dates.
(1) Except as provided under §A(2) of this regulation, a utility shall process an electronic transaction for enrollment from a supplier to be effective on the first day of the next month.
(2) An electronic transaction for enrollment from a supplier received by a utility less than 7 days before the first day of the next month shall take effect on the first day of the next subsequent month.
(3) Enrollments shall be processed on a first-in basis during any given month.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.04 - Transfers of Service › Section 20.59.04.03 - Supplier Drops

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may drop a customer by sending an electronic drop transaction to the utility.
B. Drop Effective Date.
(1) Except as provided under §B(2) of this regulation, a supplier drop is effective on the first day of the next month.
(2) A drop received by a utility less than 7 days before the first day of the next month shall take effect on the first day of the next subsequent month.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.04 - Transfers of Service › Section 20.59.04.04 - Customer Initiated Drops

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A customer that wants to cancel a supplier contract shall first attempt to cancel the contract according to the terms of the contract.
B. If a customer attempts to cancel a contract by contacting the utility first, the utility shall direct the customer to contact the supplier through the means detailed in the supplier contract, terms and conditions or may direct the customer to contact the supplier through use of contact information on the Commission's website.
C. If a customer's cancellation request has not been received by the utility from the customer's supplier, and the customer confirms that more than 3 days have passed since the customer cancelled the contract with the supplier, the utility shall process a cancellation.
D. Customer initiated drops shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of COMAR 20.59.04.03.
E. A supplier may not include cancellation provisions in its contract for service that would limit or waive this provision.
F. A customer that initiates a drop with the utility must switch back to sales service as described in Regulation .03 of this chapter.
G. A customer's request to cancel service with the current retail supplier under this regulation does not limit cancellation provisions contained in the customer's service agreement with the supplier.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.01 - Utility Consolidated Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may elect to use utility consolidated billing.
B. A utility and a supplier shall transmit consumption, billing, and related data to each other using electronic transactions for the purposes of utility consolidated billing.
C. A utility shall remit supplier revenue and billing data to a supplier by electronic transaction.
D. Suppliers using utility consolidated billing shall have access to customer billing and payment information from the utility for the supplier's presently enrolled customers at no cost beyond the tariffed rate for consolidated billing.
E. A utility shall provide a supplier using utility consolidated billing with the same electronic access to customer bill information that it provides to the customer.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.02 - Utility Responsibilities in the Event of Supplier Default

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier that is unable to deliver gas because the Commission revokes or suspends the supplier's retail gas license is considered a defaulted supplier.
B. A defaulted supplier is prohibited from issuing bills to persons who were customers at the time of the default unless specifically authorized by the Commission. A request to authorize a supplier to bill directly may be made by the supplier or by the applicable utility.
C. In order that supplier charges may be included in utility consolidated billing services, a defaulted supplier and the utility shall abide by the Commission-accepted gas utility supplier coordination agreement or tariff, as applicable.
D. A defaulted supplier using utility consolidated billing services remains obligated to provide the utility with information necessary to allow the utility to continue consolidated billing through the conclusion of the billing cycle in which the default occurred.
E. Supplier Ineligible to Provide Supplier-Consolidated Billing.
(1) A supplier shall be ineligible to provide supplier-consolidated billing service if:
(a) The supplier is in default under §A of this regulation; or
(b) The supplier has not paid the utility for purchased receivables 30 days after the date that the payment was due to the utility.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.03 - Utility Purchased Receivables or Prorated Payments

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A utility providing utility consolidated billing shall either purchase the receivables of a supplier or prorate customer payments between the utility and a supplier.
B. The utility has the option of choosing whether its consolidated billing agreement includes the purchase of supplier receivables or the proration of customer payments.
C. If the utility chooses the option of purchasing supplier receivables, supplier receivables shall be purchased with full and timely cost recovery for the utility under terms and conditions approved by the Commission. An early termination fee is not considered a commodity and is not subject to purchase as a receivable by the utility.
D. If the utility chooses the option of prorating customer payments, a payment shall be allocated between the utility, supplier, and any other party in proportion to the percentage of the combined charges on the customer's total bill under terms and conditions approved by the Commission.
E. If supplier receivables are not purchased by a utility, the utility shall bill for supplier charges and arrearages for a minimum of 90 days from the date a supplier receives final usage data from the utility.
F. If supplier receivables are not purchased by the utility and the utility cancels a supplier's charges, the utility shall rebill the canceled supplier charges to the customer for at least 90 days after the bill adjustment.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.04 - Budget Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A utility that uses budget billing to determine a customer's bill shall perform a final budget reconciliation for the commodity portion of the bill on the switch of a customer from sales service to a supplier service.
B. A utility's portion of a budget bill amount for a customer who is served by a supplier shall be based solely on the utility's regulated charges.
C. For those customers who otherwise have a budget billing option, a utility shall make budget billing available for supplier charges.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.05 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may elect to use supplier-consolidated billing upon receiving licensing that authorizes the provision of supplier-consolidated billing.
B. When an authorized supplier elects to use supplier-consolidated billing, a utility and a supplier shall transmit consumption, billing, payment, and related data to each other using electronic transactions approved by the Commission.
C. A utility may not obligate a supplier to purchase a customer's arrears from the utility or from another supplier.
D. Utility Access to Supplier Bills for Supplier-Consolidated Billing.
(1) A supplier providing supplier-consolidated billing services shall make a customer's bill available to the utility in an electronic format.
(2) A utility provided access to a customer's supplier-consolidated billing information that includes supplier charges may not:
(a) Use the information to market sales service;
(b) Use the information to research or market other utility service; or
(c) Without Commission authorization, share any information the utility gains through access to the supplier bill with the utility's nonregulated affiliates or any other nongovernmental entity.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.06 - Supplier Changing a Customer's Billing Method

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may change a customer's billing method to or from supplier-consolidated billing in the following circumstances:
(1) The customer's contract permits the supplier to impose on the customer a change in billing method;
(2) The customer's contract does not specify whether the supplier may impose on the customer a change in billing method; or
(3) The customer's contract permits the supplier to impose on the customer a change in billing method during an assignment or transfer of contract as described under COMAR 20.59.07.12E.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.07 - Customer on Budget Billing with Utility at Time of Switch

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. If a customer is on budget billing at the time of transfer to supplier-consolidated billing service from utility-consolidated billing or sales service, the utility shall provide a customer an alternative payment plan upon request if the budget deficit is greater than $100.
B. The utility shall inform the customer that the customer may be unable to switch to another supplier providing supplier-consolidated billing until a payment plan as described in §A of this regulation is paid in full.
C. A customer may choose to pay the budget deficit in full at any time.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.08 - Budget Billing for Supplier-Consolidated Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier that provides supplier-consolidated billing services may offer budget billing for the customer's regulated gas utility charges and supplier charges.
B. A supplier that offers budget billing for the customer's regulated gas utility charges shall purchase the customer's regulated gas utility charges from the utility according to Regulation .09 of this chapter.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.09 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Purchase of Receivables

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier providing supplier-consolidated billing shall purchase the regulated receivables of the utility.
B. Partial Payment Priority.
(1) The supplier shall apply a customer's partial payment of a supplier-consolidated bill in the following order:
(a) Utility arrearages and supplier commodity arrearages in proportion to the relative proportion of their sum;
(b) Current utility charges and current supplier commodity charges in proportion to the relative proportion of their sum; and
(c) Noncommodity Charges.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.10 - Nonpayment by Customer Receiving a Supplier-Consolidated Bill

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. If a customer has not paid the supplier's consolidated bill or otherwise has breached the supply contract:
(1) The supplier may return the nonpaying customer to the utility pursuant to COMAR 20.59.06.06 or COMAR 20.59.07.10; and
(2) The supplier shall conduct reasonable collection efforts for unpaid amounts if the supplier intends to seek repurchase of the regulated gas utility charges from the utility.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.05 - Utility-Consolidated Billing and Supplier-Consolidated Billing › Section 20.59.05.11 - Reporting Requirements for Supplier-Consolidated Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall record customer complaints according to the following categories:
(1) Call center operations;
(2) Unauthorized charges;
(3) Enrollment;
(4) Accuracy of billing services;
(5) Contract renewal or cancellation;
(6) Deposits; and
(7) Change in customer's billing method.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.06 - Nonresidential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.06.02 - Enrollment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may not enroll a customer without the customer's consent.
B. A customer's choice of gas supplier is the gas supplier with the first enrollment of the customer received by the utility during any given month.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.06 - Nonresidential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.06.03 - Termination

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided under §§B and C of this regulation, a gas company may not terminate service for failure of a customer to pay supplier charges.
B. If a utility purchases the receivables of a supplier under COMAR 20.59.05.03B, the purchased supplier receivables become utility charges for the purpose of termination of service.
C. If a utility purchases arrearages attributable to a utility as described in COMAR 20.59.05.10D from a supplier providing supplier-consolidated billing services, the purchased arrearages become utility charges for the purpose of termination of service under COMAR 20.31.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.06 - Nonresidential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.06.04 - Contract Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Only a person licensed under COMAR 20.54 as a supplier may execute a gas supply contract with a customer.
B. A supplier contract shall contain all material terms and conditions.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.06 - Nonresidential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.06.05 - Notice of Enrollment

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Form and Presentation.
(1) A supplier and the utility shall provide written notice of enrollment to a customer entering into a service agreement with the supplier on the next business day following the supplier's receipt of the utility's enrollment response.
(2) If a customer's billing method changes, the notice of enrollment shall contain a statement that the customer's previous billing providers may still bill the customer for unpaid charges.
(3) A supplier's presentation of a signed copy of the customer's contract at any time before enrollment shall constitute sufficient written notice of enrollment to the customer.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.06 - Nonresidential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.06.06 - Cancellation of Supply Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided under §D of this regulation or in a tariff regarding supplier default, a utility may remove a customer from supplier services only if directed by a supplier, subject to applicable bankruptcy law.
B. A supplier shall process a customer's request to cancel supply services not later than the end of the second utility business day after the customer's cancellation request.
C. A supplier shall notify the customer's utility of a drop by electronic transaction within the time period specified in §B of this regulation.
D. Customer Cancellation.
(1) After the third utility business day following a customer request for a supplier to cancel supply service, the customer may contact the utility to verify that the cancellation request submitted by the supplier has been processed by the utility.
(2) If a customer's cancellation request has not been processed by the customer's utility, and the customer requests cancellation of supplier service, the utility shall process a cancellation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.06 - Nonresidential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.06.07 - Rescission Period

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A supplier is not required to offer a contract rescission period except where required by law.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.02 - Disclosure of Customer Information

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided in §B of this regulation, a supplier may not disclose a customer's billing, payment, energy assistance household status, or credit information without the customer's consent.
B. A supplier may disclose a customer's billing, payment, or credit information for the sole purpose of facilitating billing, bill collection, or credit reporting.
C. A supplier shall provide a customer with a copy of the supplier's customer information privacy policy.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.03 - Creditworthiness

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may refuse to provide service based on an individual's creditworthiness.
B. A supplier shall apply uniform income, security deposit, and credit standards for the purpose of making a decision as to whether to offer a service to customers.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.04 - Geographic Marketing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may market services on a geographic basis.
B. A supplier is not required to offer services throughout a particular utility's entire service territory.
C. A supplier may not refuse to provide service to a customer based on the economic character of a geographic area or the collective credit reputation of the area.