reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-9 - REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. By no later than
				25 days following the end of each quarter, each gas utility shall submit a
				quarterly report reflecting operations during the prior quarter in accordance
				with the format established by the Commission. Each report shall include all
				information necessary to calculate and document gas charges and costs, gas
				adjustment charges, and any other information in whatever form requested by the
				Commission to facilitate the evaluation and cost justification process. These
				reports shall show the volume of pipeline natural gas, liquefied natural gas,
				storage gas and propane air gas and other gas supplied to customers during the
				quarter, together with the cost of each. The quarterly report shall include all
				relevant data for the preceding calendar quarter, including revenue received
				under the cost of gas adjustment. It shall also report and describe any refunds
				received during the quarter. By no later than 40 days from the end of each
				quarter, the gas utility shall also explain in writing any differences between
				actual gas costs, gas sendout and gas sales, and the projections made in its
				filing.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 430 - COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FOR GAS UTILITIES › Section 407-430-10 - TRANSITION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Any cost of gas adjustment tariff in effect on the effective
				  date of this chapter shall remain in effect until such time as a cost of gas
				  adjustment made pursuant to this chapter becomes effective.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 440 - Gas Utility Meter Performance, Accuracy, Testing, and Related Standards › Section 407-440-1 - SCOPE AND PURPOSE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Scope
Unless otherwise specified, this Chapter applies to all gas
				  utilities in the State.
B.
Purpose
This Chapter establishes meter performance, accuracy,
				  testing, and related standards and for gas utilities.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 440 - Gas Utility Meter Performance, Accuracy, Testing, and Related Standards › Section 407-440-2 - DEFINITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The following words and terms, when used in this Chapter,
				  shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates
				  otherwise.
A.
"Applicable Codes,
				Standards and Requirements"
means the codes, standards, and/or
				requirements identified, established, adopted, or published by the American
				National Standards Institute (ANSI) or American Gas Association (AGA) that are
				applicable to gas utility meter performance, accuracy, testing, or related
				matters, or the codes and standards of other entities that are generally
				accepted and used by the gas utility industry for meter performance, accuracy,
				testing, or related matters. The applicable version of the codes and standards
				required by this Chapter shall be the most recent version of the applicable
				codes and standards. The version that applies to a device will be the version
				in effect at the time the device is initially put into service.
B.
"Billing Conversion
				Factor"
means a factor used to convert cubic feet of gas into Therms,
				based on the heat content and the delivery pressure of the gas delivered to
				customers over the applicable billing period.
C.
"British Thermal Unit"
or
				"BTU" means the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound
				of water one-degree Fahrenheit at the temperature that water has its greatest
				density.
D.
"Commission"
means the Maine Public Utilities
				Commission.
E.
"Customer"
means a person or entity that receives service from a
				gas utility.
F.
"Diaphragm
				Meter"
means a positive displacement instrument which is used to measure
				the volume of gas that passes through it.
G.
"Gas Utility"
means an entity
				that distributes natural gas for end use by customers in the State of
				Maine.
H.
"Heat
				Content"
means a thermodynamic quantity equal to the internal energy of
				a system plus the product of its volume and pressure.
I.
"Rotary Meter"
means a gas
				volume meter with a rigid measuring compartment is formed between the walls of
				a stationary chamber and rotating element of elements.
J.
"Therm"
means 100,000
				BTUs.
K.
"Turbine
				Meter"
means is a liquid/gas velocity measurement device with a
				free-spinning turbine rotor that turns at a speed that is proportional to the
				flow velocity.
L.
"Ultrasonic
				Meter"
means adevice that measures the velocity of gas within the meter
				ultrasonically allowing flow to be computed.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 440 - Gas Utility Meter Performance, Accuracy, Testing, and Related Standards › Section 407-440-3 - METERING PERFORMANCE AND ACCURACY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. General All
				gas distributed or delivered to customers by a gas utility shall be measured by
				meters owned and maintained by the gas utility, except where it is
				impracticable to do so. Each gas utility shall include in its Terms and
				Conditions the factors or conditions that would render it impracticable to
				maintain a meter for this purpose.
A gas utility shall keep a complete set of records of its
				  meters by customer account and/or premise ID, including the meter type, meter
				  age, meter manufacturer, unique meter identification code, and date of
				  installation. Each gas utility shall also keep records of all meter tests and
				  meter test results. The records shall also include all repairs, and upgrades
				  that affect accuracy. All records required by this Chapter shall be kept by the
				  gas utility for a period of ten years. All such records shall be available to
				  the Commission upon request.
B. Meter Performance and Accuracy
1.
Performance and Accuracy
				Standards
All meters shall comply with the applicable codes, standards,
				  and requirements related to performance and accuracy. The applicable codes,
				  standards, and requirements shall generally be the most recent version of such
				  standards. Each gas utility shall identify in its Terms and Conditions the
				  applicable codes, standards, and requirements for each meter type being used.,
				  and the process by which the gas utility will ensure and document compliance
				  with the codes, standards, and requirements.
2.
Failure to Meet Standards
A meter that does not meet the applicable performance and
				  accuracy standards may not be placed in service or, if such meter is in
				  service, the meter must be removed from service within a reasonable period,
				  which shall be specified in the gas utility's Terms and
				  Conditions.
3.
Billing
				Adjustments
If, upon testing, a customer meter that is in service is
				  found to be registering usage in an amount that is not within the required
				  performance and accuracy standards of the Chapter, in addition to the removal
				  requirement set forth in Section 3(B)(2), the gas utility shall adjust the
				  customer's bills on a retroactive basis in accordance with Chapter 815 of the
				  Commission's rules.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 440 - Gas Utility Meter Performance, Accuracy, Testing, and Related Standards › Section 407-440-4 - WAIVER OR EXEMPTION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any person subject to the provisions of
				  this Chapter or upon its own motion, the Commission may, for good cause, waive
				  any of the requirements of this Chapter that are not required by statute. The
				  waiver may not be inconsistent with the purpose of this Chapter or Title 35-A.
				  The Commission, the Director of Electric and Natural Gas Industries, the
				  Director of Consumer Assistance and Safety, or the Presiding Officer assigned
				  to a proceeding related to this Chapter may grant the waiver.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 510 - AUTHORIZATION AND OPERATION OF FERRIES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-510-1 - PURPOSE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This rule governs ferry service in Casco Bay. For purposes of
				  this rule, ferry service means any waterborne transportation service of
				  passengers and/or freight in Casco Bay stopping at one or more of the following
				  islands: Chebeague, Cliff, Great Diamond, Long and Peaks; that is not charter,
				  tour, water taxi or unscheduled freight service, as defined in Chapter 520 of
				  the Commission's rules.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 510 - AUTHORIZATION AND OPERATION OF FERRIES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-510-2 - Operating Schedules

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A ferry service provider shall maintain copies of its current
				  operating schedules in its principal terminal. The operating schedule shall be
				  open to public inspection during normal business hours and be made available to
				  the Commission upon request.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 510 - AUTHORIZATION AND OPERATION OF FERRIES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-510-3 - Rate Schedules and Terms and Conditions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
				Ferry service providers shall file with the Commission a rate schedule and its
				terms and conditions of service showing all fares, charges, and terms and
				conditions which it has established and which are in force at the time for any
				service rendered or furnished or to be rendered or furnished, including all
				rates and charges established for the transportation of property when such
				transportation has been authorized by the Commission. The rate schedule and
				terms and conditions of service shall set forth all rules and regulations that
				in any manner affect fares and charges and the rates and charges assessed or to
				be assessed for any service. The Commission may investigate and suspend the
				operation of any rate schedule and term or condition of service filed with the
				Commission in accordance with Title 35-A and other applicable law.
B. A copy of the passenger and freight rate
				schedules and terms and conditions of service shall be kept on file at the
				carrier's principal terminal and shall be readily available for public
				inspection.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 510 - AUTHORIZATION AND OPERATION OF FERRIES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-510-4 - Request for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Any person, except for Casco Bay Island Transit District,
				  created by Private and Special Law 1981, Chapter 22, seeking to provide
				  scheduled service transporting passengers or property by vessel for
				  compensation between the mainland of Cumberland County and Peaks Island, Great
				  Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island or Cliff
				  Island or between these islands, must file a request with the Commission for a
				  certificate of public convenience and necessity consistent with the
				  requirements in Title 35-A, Chapter 51. Persons seeking to provide unscheduled
				  tour, charter, water taxi and unscheduled freight service must comply with the
				  requirements in Chapter 520 of the Commission's Rules.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 510 - AUTHORIZATION AND OPERATION OF FERRIES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-510-5 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any persons subject to this Chapter or
				  upon its own motion, the Commission may, for good cause, waive any requirement
				  of this Chapter that is not required by statute. The waiver may not be
				  inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter or Title 35-A. The Commission,
				  the Director of Technical Analysis, or the presiding officer assigned to a
				  proceeding related to this Chapter may grant this waiver.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 520 - TOUR, CHARTER AND WATER TAXI SERVICES, AND UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-520-1 - Purpose and Scope

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This Chapter establishes requirements and limitations for
				  the provision of Tour, Charter, Water Taxi and Unscheduled Freight Services
				  between the mainland of Cumberland County and Peaks Island, Great Diamond
				  Island, Little Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island, or Cliff Island
				  or between the islands mentioned above, which comprise the franchise of the
				  Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD) and others as defined in
				  35-A
				  M.R.S. §5101.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 520 - TOUR, CHARTER AND WATER TAXI SERVICES, AND UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-520-2 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Charter Provider.
"Charter
				Provider" means a person or entity that provides a Charter Service.
B.
Charter Service.
"Charter
				Service" means Passenger Service that is provided to a single person, entity,
				or group in Casco Bay that:
i. is an
				unscheduled round trip that is provided pursuant to contract that originates on
				the mainland and stops at one or more point(s) on any of the Regulated Islands,
				or
ii. is an unscheduled round trip
				that is provided pursuant to contract that originates on one of the Regulated
				Islands and stops at one or more point(s) on the mainland or any of the other
				Regulated Island; or
iii. is a
				scheduled or unscheduled round trip that is provided and operated by an
				employer to its employees for the sole purpose of transporting those employees
				to and/or from work.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 520 - TOUR, CHARTER AND WATER TAXI SERVICES, AND UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-520-4 - LIMITATIONS ON AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROVISION OF CHARTER SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Tickets and Individual Fares.
A Charter Provider may not sell individual tickets or charge individual fares
				for any charter trip.
B.
Disembarkment.
If the passengers of a Charter Provider disembark on
				any of the Regulated Islands, the Charter Provider shall
1. remain with the passengers and provide
				return service;
2. return to pick
				up its Charter Service passengers who disembark on any of the Regulated
				Islands;
3. provide only one way
				service and contract with CBITD or another Charter Provider to have the CBITD
				or the other Charter Provider provide passenger return service; or
4. return to pick up its charter service
				passengers but, if the charter has a contract with CBITD that provides an
				allowance for a certain number of passengers to return with the CBITD ferry,
				the charter provider may provide its passengers with the option to return with
				the ferry.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 520 - TOUR, CHARTER AND WATER TAXI SERVICES, AND UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-520-5 - LIMITATIONS ON THE PROVISION OF WATER TAXI SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Flat Rate.
Water Taxi Service shall be provided at a flat rate
				based on the distance between the origination and termination points,
				regardless of whether the vessel carries fewer than the maximum allowable
				number of passengers as provided in section
				2(N) of this Chapter
				and regardless of whether the trip is inbound or outbound.
B.
Filing Requirement.
A Water
				Taxi Provider shall file at the Commission, for informational purposes only,
				any changes in its rates. These rate schedules are not subject to Commission
				approval.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 520 - TOUR, CHARTER AND WATER TAXI SERVICES, AND UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-520-6 - LIMITATIONS ON THE PROVISION OF UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Type of Vehicles Allowed.
All
				vehicles transported in Unscheduled Freight Service between mainland Cumberland
				County and the Regulated Islands or between the Regulated Islands must consist
				of either (i) Roll-On and Roll-Off Vehicles, or (ii) special purpose equipment
				such as construction equipment, emergency equipment, or trash compacting
				equipment. Any Roll-On and Roll-Off Vehicle must be loaded with allowed freight
				(if such vehicle is transported one a round-trip, it must be loaded with
				allowed freight on at least on leg of that round-trip).
B.
Type of Freight Allowed.
All
				freight transported in Unscheduled Freight Service between mainland Cumberland
				County and the Regulated Islands or between the Regulated Islands must consist
				of (i) freight transported in a Roll-On and Roll-Off Vehicle, (ii) material in
				bulk that requires the use of a deck barge and crane, or (iii) household goods
				transported in tractor trailers. Transported vehicles may not carry food,
				beverages, perishables, or wrapped or boxed freight.
C.
Loading and Unloading.
Loading and unloading of transported vehicles may not occur at any dock or
				wharf used by the CBITD for scheduled service.
D.
Limitation for Peaks Island.
The freight transported on any single trip between Peaks Island and mainland
				Cumberland County or between Peaks Island and the other Regulated Islands may
				not consist of property of multiple owners unless:
1. The property was originally sold by a
				single vendor who is the owner of one of the vehicles transported on the trip;
				or
2. The property is related to the
				performance of a single contract to be performed by the owner of one of the
				vehicles carried on the trip.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 520 - TOUR, CHARTER AND WATER TAXI SERVICES, AND UNSCHEDULED FREIGHT SERVICES IN CASCO BAY › Section 407-520-7 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any persons subject to this Chapter or
				  upon its own motion, the Commission may, for good cause, waive any requirement
				  of this Chapter that is not required by statute. The waiver may not be
				  inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter or Title 35-A. The Commission,
				  the Director of Telephone and Water Utility Industries, or the presiding
				  officer assigned to a proceeding related to this Chapter may grant this
				  waiver.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 560 - PUBLICATION AND POSTING REQUIREMENT FOR RATE CHANGES FILED BY THE CASCO BAY ISLAND TRANSIT DISTRICT › Section 407-560-1 - PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This rule sets forth the requirements for the Casco Bay
				  Island Transit District (the District) to notify the public of any changes to
				  its rates and tolls for ferry service between the mainland of Cumberland County
				  and Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island, Little Diamond Island, Long Island,
				  Chebeague Island, or Cliff Island, or between the islands mentioned above which
				  comprise the Casco Bay Island Transit District as defined in
				   35-A
				  M.R.S.A. §5101.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 560 - PUBLICATION AND POSTING REQUIREMENT FOR RATE CHANGES FILED BY THE CASCO BAY ISLAND TRANSIT DISTRICT › Section 407-560-2 - PUBLIC HEARING IN ADVANCE OF CHANGES TO RATES AND TOLLS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The District shall hold at least one public hearing prior to
				  filing for changes to its rates or tolls. The District shall provide notice of
				  this hearing at least 14 days prior to the date when the hearing is to be held
				  by posting such notice in a conspicuous location at the mainland ferry terminal
				  and on each of the vessels used by the District.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 560 - PUBLICATION AND POSTING REQUIREMENT FOR RATE CHANGES FILED BY THE CASCO BAY ISLAND TRANSIT DISTRICT › Section 407-560-3 - PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF RATE CHANGE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Casco Bay Island Transit District shall give notice to
				  the public of any change to its rates and tolls at least 30 days in advance of
				  the effective date of the changes.
A.
				Notice shall be published at least twice in the Portland Press Herald or a
				similar newspaper of general daily circulation that is distributed in
				Cumberland County.
B. Notice shall
				be posted in a conspicuous location at the mainland ferry terminal and on each
				of the vessels used by the District.
C. The notice shall describe any planned
				change in CBITD's rates or tolls, the proposed effective date, and how fifty or
				more ratepayers can request, in writing, that the Commission investigate the
				change in rates or tolls.
D. The
				District shall include in its filing with the Commission for a change in rates
				and tolls, a copy of the notices provided and an affidavit indicating where the
				notices appeared.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 560 - PUBLICATION AND POSTING REQUIREMENT FOR RATE CHANGES FILED BY THE CASCO BAY ISLAND TRANSIT DISTRICT › Section 407-560-4 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon request of any persons subject to this Chapter or upon
				  its own motion, the Commission may, for good cause, waive any requirement of
				  the Chapter that is not required by statute. The waiver may not be inconsistent
				  with the purposes of this Chapter of Title 35-A. The Commission, the Director
				  of Technical Analysis, or the presiding officer assigned to a proceeding
				  related to this Chapter may grant the waiver.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 615 - EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-615-1 - APPLICABILITY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This Chapter governs the form, content, and procedure for
				  reviewing petitions for exemption from regulatory requirements submitted to the
				  Commission by consumer-owned water utilities pursuant to 35-A M.R.S. §
									6114. Additionally, this Chapter
				  governs the form and procedure for review of petitions seeking rescission or
				  modification of exemptions previously granted by the Commission.
The Commission may not grant an exemption to the following
				  statutes: 35-A M.R.S. §§
									116,
				  301,
				  309,
				  501,
				  502,
				  702,
				  709,
				  712,
				  1101,
				  1302,
				  6105,
				  6109,
				  6109- B, 6111-C, or 6112 or any
				  other statute where exemption is prohibited.
Furthermore, nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed to
				  authorize an exemption from the statutory right of any 10 persons to bring
				  complaints regarding utility service to the Commission pursuant to 35-A M.R.S.
				  §
									1302.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 615 - EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-615-2 - DEFINITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. "Adjudicatory Proceeding" has the same
				meaning as in Chapter 110 of the Commission's Rules.
B. "Consumer Owned Water Utility" or
				"utility" has the same meaning as "consumer-owned water utility" in 35-A M.R.S.
				§
									6101
				(1-A).
C. "Lead Petitioner" means,
				with respect to petitions for review of exemptions under Section
				4(A)(1) of this
				Chapter, the petitioner designated as the agent for all other petitioners. In
				absence of such a designation by the petitioners, the person who submitted the
				petition or the first petitioner's name appearing on the petition will be
				considered the lead petitioner. The Administrative Director shall identify the
				lead petitioner upon receipt of the petition.
D. "Petitioner" means any customer who
				receives water service from a consumer-owned water utility and who seeks review
				of an exemption granted to that consumer-owned water utility by the Commission
				pursuant to Section
				4(A)(1) of this
				Chapter.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 615 - EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-615-4 - PROCEEDINGS SUBSEQUENT TO EXEMPTIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Review
				of Exemption
The Commission may modify or rescind any exemption granted
				  under this rule to any consumer owned water utility upon its own motion or upon
				  presentation of a petition seeking review of the exemption signed by 15% of the
				  customers of a consumer-owned water utility or 1000 customers, whichever is
				  less.
1.
Petitions for Review of
				Exemptions
a. A petition presented to
				the Commission pursuant to this subsection must indicate
i. the name and address of each petitioner;
				and
ii. a summary of the basis upon
				which the petitioners seek to have the water utility's exemption
				reviewed.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 615 - EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-615-5 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
To the extent permitted by law, where good cause appears, the
				  Commission the Commission's Administrative Director, the Director of Telephone
				  and Water Utility Industries, or a Presiding Officer assigned to a proceeding
				  related to this Chapter may permit deviation or waiver from this Chapter. Any
				  request for a procedural deviation or waiver must be made in writing. The
				  Commission, the Commission's Administrative Director, the Director of Telephone
				  and Water Utility Industries, or a Presiding Officer assigned to a proceeding
				  related to this Chapter may grant a request for a substantive deviation or
				  waiver upon a finding of good cause or that compliance would be unduly
				  burdensome and that the deviation or waiver is not inconsistent with the
				  purposes of this chapter or 35-A M.R.S §
									6114.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 616 - SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-616-1 - APPLICABILITY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This Chapter sets forth certain exemptions that are
				  applicable to consumer-owned water utilities. Nothing in this Chapter shall be
				  deemed to authorize an exemption from the statutory right of any 10 persons to
				  bring complaints regarding utility service to the Commission pursuant to 35-A
				  M.R.S. §
									1302.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 616 - SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-616-2 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. "Consumer owned water utility" or
				"utility" has the same meaning as "consumer-owned water utility in 35-A M.R.S.
				§
									6101
				(1-A).
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 616 - SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-616-3 - EXEMPTIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Customer Notifications Pursuant to
				35-A M.R.S. §§
										6104 &
				6104- A
A consumer-owned water utility is exempt from the newspaper
				  notification requirements for public hearings pursuant to 35-A M.R.S.
				  §§
										6104(3) and
				  6104- A(5) provided that a utility
				  provides notice of the public hearing by regular mail to all customers in
				  addition to utilizing at least two of the following notification methods at
				  least 14 days prior to the public hearing:
1.
Email
. Email notice must be
				made individually to each customer. Email notice may be included in electronic
				customer bills;
2.
Conspicuous posting
. The utility may post notice in a town office
				or other conspicuous place within the utility's service area;
3.
Website
. If the utility has a
				website, the utility may post notice on its website;
4.
Social media
. If the utility
				has social media accounts, it may post notice on those social media accounts;
				or
5.
Other
. Any other
				method reasonably calculated to provide broad notice to the utility's
				customers.
The utility must provide notice individually to each customer
				  and the mailing must be postmarked at least 14 days before the public hearing.
				  Utilities may include notice in mailed customer bills. Utilities must file
				  copies of the notice in the Commission's Case Management System at least 14
				  days before the date of the public hearing. All notices, whether by mail or
				  other method, must contain the same information.
In addition, utilities must file verification of the email,
				  conspicuous posting, website, social media, or other notifications in the
				  Commission's Case Management System at least 14 days before the date of the
				  public hearing. Verification may be screenshots, photographs, or other media
				  sufficient to show compliance with this section.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 616 - SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER-OWNED WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-616-4 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
To the extent permitted by law, where good cause appears,
				  the Commission, the Commission's Administrative Director, the Director of
				  Telephone and Water Utility Industries, or a Presiding Officer assigned to a
				  proceeding related to this Chapter may permit deviation or waiver from this
				  Chapter. The Commission, the Commission's Administrative Director, the Director
				  of Telephone and Water Utility Industries, or a Presiding Officer assigned to a
				  proceeding related to this Chapter may grant a request for a substantive
				  deviation or waiver upon a finding of good cause or that compliance would be
				  unduly burdensome, and that the deviation or waiver is not inconsistent with
				  the purposes of this Chapter Title 35-A of the Maine Revised Statutes.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 620 - SERVICE STANDARDS FOR WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-620-1 - PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Purpose
This Chapter establishes minimum customer service standards
				  for water utilities.
B.
Applicability
Unless otherwise specified, this Chapter applies to all
				  water utilities that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 620 - SERVICE STANDARDS FOR WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-620-2 - DEFINITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
ANSI/AWWA.
ANSI is the
				American National Standards Institute; AWWA is the American Water Works
				Association.
B.
Commission.
"Commission" means the Maine Public Utilities
				Commission.
C.
Customer.
"Customer" means any person or business that has applied
				for or been accepted to receive or is either receiving utility service or has
				agreed to be billed for utility service. This term also includes a person or
				business that was a customer of the same utility within the past 30 days and
				who requests service at the same or a different location.
D.
Electromagnetic or Ultrasonic Water
				Meter.
"Electromagnetic or ultrasonic water meter" means a cold water
				electronic electromagnetic or ultrasonic type meter.
E.
Establishment.
"Establishment" means a location at which water service is sought or is being
				rendered.
F.
Jobbing.
"Jobbing" means the provision of unregulated utility service by a water
				utility, including, but not limited to, construction services. Jobbing services
				are at the discretion of the water utility and are at the customer's request
				and expense.
G.
Limited
				Service Contract.
"Limited service contract" means a written agreement,
				approved by the Commission, under which a water utility agrees to provide and
				the customer agrees to accept a substandard level of service described in the
				contract.
H.
Main.
"Main" means a water line which is owned, operated, and maintained by a water
				utility, and used for the transmission or distribution of water, other than a
				private line as defined in Section
				2(L) of this Chapter
				or a service line as defined in Section
				2(M) of this
				Chapter.
I.
Mechanical Water
				Meter.
"Mechanical water meter" means a cold-water displacement meter
				conforming to standard ANSI/AWWA C715-18.
J.
Person.
"Person" means a
				corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company,
				limited liability partnership, association, trust, estate, any other legal
				entity or natural person.
K.
Private Line.
"Private line" means
(1) A water line constructed prior to May 7,
				1986 across private property to serve one or more customers and that is not
				considered by the water utility to be a main;
(2) except as provided under Section
				2(C) of Chapter 65
				of the Commission's Rules, a water line constructed after May 7, 1986 across
				private property to serve a single customer, a single multi-unit dwelling
				complex or a single commercial or industrial development upon which no other
				person has an easement or other right of access for water line
				purposes.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 620 - SERVICE STANDARDS FOR WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-620-3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Applications for Service.
An application for service may be made
				by either the owner or occupant of the establishment to be served. If a new
				service connection or other work on the owner's premise is required, the owner
				must authorize the water utility to enter the premises to perform the necessary
				work.
B.
Advance Payment for
				Jobbing.
Whenever a water utility agrees to do work outside the scope of
				regulated utility service for a customer at the customer's expense, the water
				utility may require an advance payment equal to the water utility's estimated
				cost of the work. At the completion of the work, any excess over the actual
				bill for services will be returned to the customer, and any amount due in
				excess of the advance payment will be payable by the customer.
C.
Service Lines
1. The water utility will determine or
				approve the size, location, and material of the service line. The water utility
				must install, own, and maintain the utility portion of the service line
				(historically known as the service drop), as described in, and subject to the
				payment and other requirements of, Chapter 65 of the Commission's Rules. The
				customer is responsible to pay for, install, own, and maintain the customer's
				portion of the service line.
2.
				When a customer requests that a water utility thaw a frozen service line and
				the water utility cannot determine whether the service line is frozen on the
				water utility's portion of the service line or on the customer's portion of the
				service line, one half of the cost of thawing the pipe must be borne by the
				water utility.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 620 - SERVICE STANDARDS FOR WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-620-4 - METERS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Application.
A customer may
				receive water through a meter, in accordance with the water utility's
				application process and its terms and conditions. The person applying for
				service must submit to the water utility all necessary information (as
				determined by the water utility) to enable the water utility to determine
				and/or approve the size of the meter.
B.
Meter Setting
1. All meters must be set as close as
				practicable to the point of entrance of the service line to the establishment.
				The water utility must require the customer to provide a warm, dry, and
				accessible location for the meter. The location of the meter, once set, may be
				changed at the request and expense of the customer, but the change may be made
				only by the water utility or an appropriately licensed plumber hired by the
				customer and approved by the water utility. For new installations of meters,
				the piping arrangement must be in accordance with the requirements of the water
				utility.
2. The cost of the meter,
				related meter reading equipment, and installation must be apportioned according
				to Chapter 65 of the Commission's Rules.
3. If a customer does not furnish a suitable
				location for a meter inside a building or if it is necessary to locate the
				meter outside the building, a water utility may require the customer to provide
				and maintain a suitable vault or enclosure. Installation may be performed by
				the water utility on a jobbing basis, by an appropriately licensed contractor
				approved by the water utility, or by the customer's appropriately licensed
				contractor under the supervision of the water utility.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 620 - SERVICE STANDARDS FOR WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-620-5 - CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
As a condition of service, a water utility must require or
				  adopt the following:
A. The right of
				reasonable access to all establishments which it serves, at reasonable hours,
				to permit the inspection of plumbing and fixtures, to set, remove, or read
				meters, and to ascertain the amount of water used.
B. That every establishment be equipped with
				operable valves located inside the building near the entrance of the service
				line, easily accessible, and protected from freezing. One valve must be located
				immediately upstream of the meter and one valve must be located immediately
				downstream of the meter. The water utility must also require that all piping be
				arranged to prevent back-siphonage and to permit draining whenever
				necessary.
C. Regulations to
				prohibit or limit the use of water consumption equipment which affects the
				water utility's pressure or operating conditions and interferes with water
				service to other customers. If a customer fails to comply with these
				regulations, the water utility may disconnect service pursuant to Chapter 660
				of the Commission's Rules.
D. That
				customers install vacuum, temperature, or pressure relief valves or cutouts to
				prevent damage to a direct pressure water device or system supplied by an
				automatic feed valve as required by the Maine Center for Disease
				Control.
E. Regulations limiting or
				prohibiting any cross connection between the public water supply system and any
				other supply unless it is properly protected by measures which comply with
				rules of the Maine Center for Disease Control. If the owner of such a
				connection fails or refuses to break or properly protect the connection within
				a time limit specified by the water utility or the Maine State Internal
				Plumbing Code (02-395 C.M.R. ch. 4), the water utility may seek to discontinue
				service pursuant to Chapter 660 of the Commission's Rules.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 620 - SERVICE STANDARDS FOR WATER UTILITIES › Section 407-620-6 - WAIVER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of any person subject to the provisions of
				  this Chapter, or upon its own motion, the Commission may, for good cause, waive
				  any of the requirements of this Chapter that are not required by statute. The
				  waiver may not be inconsistent with the purpose of this Chapter or Title 35-A.
				  The Commission, the Director of the Telephone and Water Utility Industries, or
				  the Presiding Officer assigned to a proceeding related to this Chapter may
				  grant the waiver.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 640 - PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES › Section 407-640-1 - DEFINITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Private fire protection - Water service to
				support the operation of a private fire protection system, including private
				hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, and other appurtenances
				installed by the customer to assist in extinguishing fires. Private fire
				protection includes all fire protection installations which are not provided by
				the utility as part of its public fire protection services.
B. Back-up capacity or back-up facilities -
				The capacity and facilities (such as transmission and distribution mains,
				storage facilities, pumps, etc.) that must be present in order for the private
				fire protection system to perform as designed. This capacity and/or facilities
				may be provided by the utility or by the customer.
C. Private fire service line - A water line
				installed at the customer's expense extending from a main to provide private
				fire protection to a single customer, a single multi-unit building or complex,
				or a single commercial or industrial development.
D. Service Drop - That portion of a water
				line that extends from the main to the edge of the utilities' easement or the
				public right-of-way.
E. Direct
				Costs - Those costs that are directly associated with the provision of public
				fire protection or private fire protection. For example, service line costs,
				hydrant maintenance, cost of utility participation in sprinkler system tests.
				These costs should be assigned directly to public or private fire protection
				service.
F. Indirect Costs - Those
				costs that are shared or joint costs of providing private and public fire
				protection service. These costs are allocated between public and private fire
				charges.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 640 - PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES › Section 407-640-3 - RATE COMPONENTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. A water
				utility's private fire protection charge shall include reasonable amounts to
				cover the cost of:
1. Depreciation and debt
				service or return on utility investment in the service drop portion of the
				private fire service lines;
2.
				Normalized cost for the maintenance and repair of the service drop portion of
				private fire service lines;
3. Any
				maintenance, repair, inspection, or testing services performed routinely by the
				utility for all private fire protection service customers; and
4. A reasonable allowance for the cost of
				water used for flushing and testing the private fire service lines and for fire
				fighting.
5. A reasonable allowance
				for the costs of back-up facilities necessary to provide private fire
				protection service.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 640 - PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES › Section 407-640-4 - METHODOLOGIES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. A water utility's private fire protection
				charge may be billed on the basis of the design flow demand required by the
				customer's private fire protection system or the maximum available flow
				measured at the customer's end of the service drop, whichever is less.
1. A water utility using a full allocation
				study to determine total fire service charges shall apportion such charges
				between public and private fire services based upon the relative flow demand
				required by each segment as set forth by the following formula (See Section
				4(A)(4) for
				definition of Terms):
A= B/(C+D)
P= (AxD)+ E
T= (CxA)+ M
2. A water utility using PUC Chapter 690 to
				determine total public fire protection charges shall use the following formula
				for determining the revenues required for private fire protection services (See
				Section (A)(4) for definition of Terms):
P=(T/C)*D[1]
3. Regardless of whether a water utility
				determines private fire protection charges by Subsection A(1) or A(2) above,
				for cost allocation purposes, public hydrants shall be assumed to have flow
				rates of 500 GPM in residential areas and 1000 GPM in all other areas. All
				private hydrants, except the first hydrant with each sprinkler system, shall be
				assumed to have flow rates of 500 GPM. The first hydrant connected to a
				sprinkler system is excluded from the calculation and there is no additional
				charge for that hydrant. In the absence of more specific information, flow
				rates for sprinkler systems may be determined using the National Fire
				Protection Association (NFPA) Table 13 provided in Appendix B. Utilities may
				use different flow rates if they can be justified and supported by adequate
				documentation.
4. TERMS
________________
The terms contained in Sections
				  4(A) 1 and 2 are
				  defined as follows:
[1]See Appendix A for an example of this method, including
				  allocation of revenues
A = Indirect gallon per minute cost
B = Total indirect fire protection costs
P = Revenue requirement for private fire protection
T = Revenue requirement for municipal fire protection
C = Total flow demand required for municipal fire
				  protection
D = Total flow demand required for private fire
				  protection
E = Private fire protection direct costs
M = Municipal fire protection direct costs
5. This method of determining private fire
				protection charges may be implemented at the discretion of the water utility,
				or a water utility may be ordered to do so by the Commission after a finding of
				good cause. In either case, reallocation of charges, if excessive, may be
				phased-in on a case-by-case basis.