reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.16 - Data Privacy › Section 20.63.16.03 - Cybersecurity Plans

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
As part of its Aggregation Plan, as described in COMAR 20.63.11.02, the CCA shall submit to the Commission a proposed cybersecurity plan, including:
A. Cybersecurity-related governance, risk management, procurement practices, personnel hiring, training policies, situational awareness, response, recovery, and transparent reporting of cybersecurity incidents to State and federal entities;
B. How the CCA will inform the Commission of a cybersecurity breach; and
C. An explanation of the application of the county's cybersecurity plan, policies, procedures, and support to the CCA, if applicable.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.16 - Data Privacy › Section 20.63.16.04 - Disclosure of Customer Information

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A CCA or its Aggregation Supplier may not disclose customer information provided to the CCA or its Aggregation Suppliers by the electric company or collected from the customer as part of the CCA, including a customer's billing, payment, enrollment, and credit information, to an entity other than the electric company without the customer's written or electronic consent, except that a CCA may disclose a customer's billing, payment, enrollment, and credit information but only if necessary to facilitate billing, bill collection, enrollment, or credit reporting.
B. A CCA shall provide, upon request of the customer, a copy of the CCA's customer information privacy policy via the CCA website or by mail.
C. The Aggregation Supplier shall protect all customer information when it ceases to be the CCA's Aggregation Supplier or the CCA is terminated, and the Aggregation Supplier may not use for marketing purposes any information obtained as the Aggregation Supplier once it ceases to be the Aggregation Supplier.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.17 - Transition to CCA from SOS › Section 20.63.17.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
This regulation addresses the initial transition of customers in Montgomery County from SOS to CCA default service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.17 - Transition to CCA from SOS › Section 20.63.17.02 - Transition Schedule

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A CCA shall follow the CCA Transition Schedule approved by the Commission.
B. A CCA may not transmit enrollment transactions for CCA Basic Service to an electric company prior to the start date of the CCA Transition Schedule approved by the Commission.
C. A CCA shall complete the initial transmission of enrollment transactions of customer accounts to the electric company in the amount of time allowed by the CCA Transition Schedule approved by the Commission.
D. For customers that were not enrolled by the CCA during the initial Commission-approved transition period, the CCA may enroll these customers according to the transfers of service permitted by COMAR 20.63.04.02.
E. 10 days prior to the start of the CCA transition period, a CCA shall advise each electric company of the number of residential and small commercial accounts which the CCA expects to transfer from SOS according to the approved transition schedule.
F. An electric company shall establish a means to communicate regarding the daily transfer of accounts from SOS to CCA service to assure a smooth transition from SOS to CCA service during the transition schedule.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.17 - Transition to CCA from SOS › Section 20.63.17.03 - Transition Reporting

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A CCA shall prepare, for each impacted electric company, a report filed with the Public Service Commission as soon as possible, but no later than 30 calendar days after the end of the approved CCA Transition Schedule.
B. Each impacted electric company shall assist the CCA to the extent requested by the CCA.
C. The report described in §A shall include:
(1) A tabulation of the number and type of customer accounts that have been enrolled in CCA service;
(2) A description of differences in the transition from SOS to CCA service from the approved Aggregation Plan transition period;
(3) A summary of enrollment errors, if any, and the status of correction and mitigation of errors;
(4) A description of any outstanding issues from the transition requiring immediate Commission attention; and
(5) Recommended actions, if any.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.18 - Recovery of Uncollectible SOS Expense from CCA Customers › Section 20.63.18.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
This chapter addresses possible Commission allocation of SOS uncollectible costs to CCA customers, per Public Utilities Article, §7-510.3(p), Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.18 - Recovery of Uncollectible SOS Expense from CCA Customers › Section 20.63.18.02 - Identification of Delinquent Accounts Receivable Attributable to CCA Customers at the CCA Start of Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
No later than 90 days prior to the date established by the Commission to begin enrollment of customers in a CCA, an electric company shall calculate and file with the Commission the following relating to a transfer of the electric company's customers from SOS to the CCA:
A. An estimate of the amount of SOS uncollectible expense which would be attributable to all residential and small commercial SOS customers in the county at the start of CCA service.
B. An estimate of the change in the SOS administrative charge or other charges used to recover SOS uncollectible expense based on a range of expected numbers of accounts that would transfer to the CCA from SOS service.
C. A proposed allocation or assignment to the CCA of the estimated SOS uncollectible expense identified in §A of this regulation, which would, if the change in SOS administrative charges materially adversely impacts the cost of providing SOS, mitigate the change in SOS administrative charges identified in §B of this regulation.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.18 - Recovery of Uncollectible SOS Expense from CCA Customers › Section 20.63.18.03 - Recovery of CCA Uncollectible Expense

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. An electric utility shall propose to the Commission a tariff provision that establishes a means to recover the estimated SOS uncollectible expense proposed in Regulation .01 of this chapter.
B. An electric utility shall propose the recovery of CCA uncollectible expense as part of a discount rate tariff that is used for purchased receivables for a CCA using utility consolidated billing to be recovered over a 12-month period following enrollment of customers in the CCA or as otherwise accepted by the Commission.
C. An electric utility may propose an alternate tariff method of recovery of CCA uncollectible expense for a CCA using other billing methods.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.19 - SOS Risk Mitigation and Pilot Annual Reporting › Section 20.63.19.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
This regulation addresses the responsibilities of a county serving as a CCA to monitor and mitigate the risks to SOS from the potential for customers to migrate from CCA service to SOS.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.19 - SOS Risk Mitigation and Pilot Annual Reporting › Section 20.63.19.02 - CCA Monthly Reporting

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A CCA shall, on a monthly basis, monitor and file with the Commission, and file copies in all Commission dockets pertaining to the SOS Procurement Improvement Process and Community Choice Aggregation, the following data on a calendar monthly basis beginning with the data for the second month after the start of the transition of accounts to CCA service, and the filing shall include:
A. The number of accounts enrolled in CCA service, broken down by electric company rate class and electric company service territory;
B. The number of accounts which leave CCA service each month broken down by electric company rate class and electric company service territory;
C. Rates, charges, and fees for each service option provided by the CCA for each electric company service area;
D. The renewable energy content for each service option provided by the CCA for each electric company service area;
E. Monthly total enrollment for each service option provided by the CCA for each electric company service area;
F. Summary of customer complaints received by the CCA;
G. Explanation of anticipated changes in service offerings;
H. Summary of CCA procurement by electric company service area; and
I. Explanation of anticipated changes in CCA procurement.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.19 - SOS Risk Mitigation and Pilot Annual Reporting › Section 20.63.19.03 - Risk Mitigation Monitoring

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
As soon as practicable, but in no circumstance more than 30 days after the CCA becomes aware of the information requiring notification under this regulation, if the CCA determines that sufficient migration may occur that would trigger detrimental SOS procurement changes prior to or during the next SOS procurement cycle or subsequent SOS procurement cycles, the CCA shall:
A. Notify the Commission, the Procurement Improvement Process Workgroup, the electric companies serving accounts in Montgomery County, and other interested parties;
B. Consult with the Commission staff, the electric companies serving accounts in Montgomery County, the Office of People's Counsel, and Prince George's County; and
C. Recommend to the Commission a course of action to mitigate detrimental impact to SOS service or SOS customers.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.19 - SOS Risk Mitigation and Pilot Annual Reporting › Section 20.63.19.04 - Risk Mitigation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The CCA shall employ measures to mitigate price volatility for CCA customers, as referenced in the CCA's Aggregation Plan.
B. The CCA shall employ measures to mitigate the risk of Aggregation Suppliers' or other suppliers' failure to provide contracted services, as referenced in the CCA's Aggregation Plan.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.19 - SOS Risk Mitigation and Pilot Annual Reporting › Section 20.63.19.05 - Pilot Annual Reporting

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The purpose of this regulation is to provide necessary data for annual reporting of the Community Choice Energy Workgroup.
B. The CCA shall provide the following information to the Commission on or before August 1 of each year that the CCA provides supply service in the county, and the filing shall include:
(1) Rates, charges, and fees for each service option provided by the CCA for 12 months prior to June 1 of that year for each electric company service area;
(2) The renewable energy content for each service option provided by the CCA for 12 months prior to June 1 of that year for each electric company service area;
(3) Monthly total enrollment for each service option provided by the CCA for 12 months prior to June 1 of that year for each electric company service area;
(4) Summary of customer complaints received by the CCA for 12 months prior to June 1 of that year;
(5) Explanation of anticipated changes in service offerings over the next 12 months;
(6) Summary of CCA procurement by electric company service area over the past 12 months; and
(7) Explanation of anticipated changes in CCA procurement over the next 12 months.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.20 - CCA Coordination Tariff › Section 20.63.20.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
This chapter applies to the use by electric companies of a tariff to govern the requirements for a county serving as a CCA, Aggregation Suppliers, or agents thereof.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.20 - CCA Coordination Tariff › Section 20.63.20.02 - Tariffs

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Introduction of a CCA Coordination Tariff.
(1) An electric company serving customers within Montgomery County shall, within 60 days after the Commission adopts the regulations for final publication, file with the Commission proposed tariff language to address the electric company's interactions with a CCA for the duration of the Pilot.
(2) An electric company may incorporate the tariff provisions required by this chapter in the company's existing Electricity Supplier Coordination Tariff.
(3) Each electric company serving accounts in Montgomery County shall coordinate with the other electric companies serving accounts in Montgomery County to propose consistent tariff provisions.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 63 - COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION › Chapter 20.63.20 - CCA Coordination Tariff › Section 20.63.20.03 - Pilot Cost Recovery

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Updates to CCA Uncollected Cost Recovery Methods.
(1) An electric company shall continuously track a CCA's uncollectible expense, as described in COMAR 20.63.18 for the duration of the Pilot.
(2) An electric company shall file revised tariffs for CCA uncollectible expense recovery at least annually.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.01 - General › Section 20.70.01.01 - Authorization of Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, provides that the Commission shall have the power to make such reasonable regulations as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this law and any other law relating to the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.01 - General › Section 20.70.01.02 - Application of Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Application. These regulations apply to any water utility operating within the State, under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
B. Purpose. These regulations are intended to promote safe and adequate service to the public, to provide standards for uniform and reasonable practices by utilities, and to outline the responsibility of the public in requesting and receiving service from the utilities.
C. Exemption. If unreasonable hardship to a utility or to a customer results from the application of any of these regulations, application may be made to the Commission for the modification of the regulation or for temporary or permanent exemption from its requirements.
D. Modification. The adoption of these regulations does not preclude the Commission from altering or amending them, or from making such modifications with respect to their application as may be found necessary to meet exceptional conditions.
E. Duties Under Other Statutes. These regulations do not relieve any utility from any of its duties under the laws of this State.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.01 - General › Section 20.70.01.03 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) "Commission" means the Public Service Commission of Maryland.
(2) "Customer" means a person, partnership, association, corporation, or governmental agency being provided with water service by a utility.
(3) "Main" means a water pipe, owned, operated, or maintained by a water company, which is used for the transmission or distribution of water, but does not include "service pipe."
(4) "Meter", without other qualification, means a device or instrument which is used by a utility in measuring a quantity of water for billing purposes.
(5) "Premises" means a tract of land or real estate, including buildings and other appurtenances on it.
(6) "Service pipe" means the pipe which runs from the main to the customer's premises.
(7) "Utility" means a "water company" as defined in Public Utilities Article, §1-101, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(8) "Water plant" means plant and property owned by a water utility, used in its business operations of providing water service to its customers.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.01 - Authorization for Construction

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
An individual, corporation, firm, partnership, association, company, cooperative, joint stock company or association, or any other form of business enterprise, may not commence any construction of a water system for public use without the prior authorization of the Commission, which shall be granted only upon a finding by the Commission that to do so is in the public interest.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.02 - Good Engineering Practice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The water plant of the utility shall be constructed, installed, maintained, and operated in accordance with accepted good engineering practice in the water industry to assure, as far as reasonably possible, continuity of service, uniformity in the quality of service furnished, and the safety of persons and property.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.04 - Inspection of Water Plant

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall adopt a program of inspection of its water plant in order to determine the necessity for replacement and repair. The frequency of the various inspections shall be based on the utility's experience and accepted good practice. Each utility shall keep sufficient records to give evidence of compliance with its inspection program.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.05 - Mains

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Depth of Mains. Water mains should be installed below the frost line or be otherwise protected to minimize the possibility of freezing and shall have not less than 30 inches of cover except where this depth is not feasible due to underground obstructions or rocky or hardpan conditions.
B. Dead Ends. The utility should design its distribution system so as to avoid dead ends in its mains. When dead ends cannot be avoided, the mains shall be flushed as often as necessary to maintain the proper quality of the water.
C. Segmentation of System. Valves shall be provided at reasonable intervals in distribution mains so that, in case of breaks or repairs, a minimum number of customers will be affected. When feasible, valves shall be provided in the mains at intervals not to exceed one continuous block or 500 feet, whichever is greater, except where a dead end run is not intended to serve any intervening customers.
D. Grid Systems. The distribution system should be laid out in a properly segmented grid so that, in case of breaks or repairs, a minimum number of customers will be affected.
E. Minimum Pipe Sizes. The distribution system shall be of adequate size and designed to maintain the pressures within the range required by COMAR 20.70.07.02E. he pipe used in the system should be at least 6 inches in size. In special cases pipes of the sizes listed below may be installed. However, the maximum length from any connecting main at least 6 inches in size should not exceed the following:
(1) 1-inch ------------------ 150 feet;
(2) 1-1/2-inch -------------- 300 feet;
(3) 2-inch ------------------ 500 feet.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.06 - Service Pipe

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Utility's Service Pipe. The utility shall furnish, install, and maintain the following:
(1) Corporation stop;
(2) Service pipe from main to curb stop or outlet of outdoor meter setting;
(3) Curb stop; and
(4) Curb box.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.07 - Meters

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Meter Installation. The utility shall furnish, install, and maintain all meters. Utilities should make available to customer's plumbers sketches of standard meter installations which show the way in which the customer's portion of the installation should be made.
B. Meter Location. The meter shall be set at a location designated by the utility on the delivery side of the curb stop, and may be inside the building or it may be outside, near the property line, in an appropriate box or vault. If the customer desires any change in the location or position of the meter, meter box, or vault, after they have been installed, the change in location shall be made by the utility at the expense of the customer.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.08 - Fire Protection

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Specifications, location, installation, maintenance, and ownership of fire hydrants, mains, and other fire protection facilities are subject to negotiation between the utility and the applicant. Fire hydrants for public fire protection should not be connected to mains smaller than 6 inches.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.02 - Engineering › Section 20.70.02.09 - Temporary Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
When the utility renders temporary service to a customer, it may require that the customer bear all the cost of installing and removing the service in excess of any salvage realized.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.03 - Records and Reports › Section 20.70.03.01 - Availability of Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
All records required by these regulations or necessary for the administration of them shall be made available for examination by the Commission or its authorized representatives.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.03 - Records and Reports › Section 20.70.03.02 - Retention of Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Unless otherwise specified by the Commission, all records required by these regulations shall be preserved for the period of time specified in the current edition of the National Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners' publication, "Regulations to Govern the Preservation of Records of Electric, Gas and Water Utilities".
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.03 - Records and Reports › Section 20.70.03.03 - Tariff

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall file with the Commission a copy of its tariff which shall include:
A. Rates. Each schedule of rates for service.
B. Rules. The utility's rules, or terms and conditions, describing the utility's policies and practices in rendering service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.03 - Records and Reports › Section 20.70.03.04 - Information to be Filed With the Commission

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Special Contracts. Each utility shall file with the Commission a copy of each contract for service not covered by the utility's filed tariff.
B. Installation Rules. Each utility shall file with the Commission a copy of the utility's rules, if any, designed by the utility for the use of engineers, architects, contractors, etc., covering service installations.
C. Bill Forms. Each utility shall file with the Commission a sample of each type of customer bill form, which shall include the information normally shown on a customer's bill for service.
D. Map of System. Each utility shall file with the Commission a map showing the utility's water system. This map shall be revised annually unless no revision is necessary, to reflect a material change in the items listed below. The map on file should reflect the current status of the following items:
(1) Location of pumping stations, treatment plants, and sources of supply;
(2) Storage facilities;
(3) Mains by size;
(4) Location of valves and fire hydrants;
(5) Service area;
(6) Names of all communities (post offices) served.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.01 - Applications For Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Applications. All applications for water service should be made in writing.
B. Application Constitutes Contract. The accepted application shall constitute a contract between the company and the applicant, obligating the applicant to pay for water service in accordance with the utility's tariff currently on file with the Commission, and to comply with this subtitle.
C. Termination of Service. When a customer desires to have his service terminated, he shall notify the utility and the notification should be in writing.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.02 - Information For Customers

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. System Maps or Records. Each utility shall maintain up-to-date maps, plans, or records of its entire transmission and distribution systems, with such other information as may be necessary to enable the utility to advise prospective customers and others entitled to the information, as to the facilities available for serving customers within its service area.
B. Selecting Rate Schedule. Each utility shall assist the customer or prospective customer in selecting the most economical rate schedule.
C. Notifying Customers. Each utility shall notify customers affected by a change in rates or schedule classification.
D. Tariff Notice. Each utility shall post a notice in a conspicuous place in each office of the utility where applications for service are received, informing the public that a copy of its tariff, as filed with the Commission, is available for inspection.
E. Meter Reading Instruction. Upon request, each utility shall inform its customers as to the method of reading meters.
F. Other Information. Each utility shall furnish such additional information as the customer may reasonably request.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.03 - Customer Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility may require from a customer a deposit to be applied against any unpaid balance due the utility for service at the time service is terminated, in accordance with the provisions of COMAR 20.30.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.04 - Bill Forms

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The bill forms shall show:
A. Meter Reading. The reading of the meter at the end of the period for which the bill is rendered.
B. Meter Reading Date. The date on which the meter was read.
C. Units Used. The number and kind of units metered.
D. Rate Schedule. The applicable rate schedule, or identification of the applicable rate schedule. If the actual rates are not shown, the bill shall carry a statement to the effect that, on request, the applicable rate schedule will be made available for examination.
E. Amount. The gross or net amount, or both, of the bill.
F. Payment Date. The date by which the customer must pay the bill in order to benefit from a discount or to avoid any penalty.
G. Estimated Bill. A distinct marking to identify an estimated bill.
H. Additional Billing Information. Any conversions from meter reading units to billing units or any calculations to determine billing units from recording or other devices, or any other factors used in determining the bill. In lieu of this information on the bill, a statement shall be on the bill advising that the information can be obtained by contacting the utility's principal office.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.05 - Billing Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility shall retain customer billing records for the length of time necessary to permit the utility to comply with Regulation .06 of this chapter, but not less than 3 years.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.06 - Adjustment of Bills

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Fast Meters. If a meter is tested and found to have over-registered more than 2 percent, the utility 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 $1. The refund shall be for the period that the customer received service through the meter, but for not more than the periods established below:
(1) Known Date of Error. If the date on which the error first developed or occurred can be established, the bills for service shall be recalculated from that time.
(2) Unknown Date of Error. If the time at which the error first developed or occurred cannot be established, it shall be assumed that the over-registration existed for a period of 3 years or a period equal to one-half of the time since the meter was last tested, whichever is less.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.07 - Denial of Service Without Notice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The utility may discontinue service without notice for any of the following reasons, and service may not be restored until the cause for the disconnection has been corrected:
(1) Hazardous Condition. For a condition on the customer's premises determined by the utility to be hazardous.
(2) Adverse Effect on Service. Customer's use of equipment in such a manner as to adversely affect the utility's equipment or the utility's service to others.
(3) Tampering with Utility Property. Customer's tampering with equipment furnished and owned by the utility.
(4) Unauthorized Use of Service. Customer's unauthorized use of service by any method, including diversion of water around a meter.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.08 - Denial of Service Requiring Notice

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The utility may deny service for any of the following reasons provided it has notified the customer of its intent to deny service and has allowed the customer a reasonable time in which to remove the cause for denial:
(1) Non-Compliance with Regulations. For violation of or non-compliance with this subtitle, or for violation of or non-compliance with the utility's rules on file with the Commission.
(2) Failure on Contractual Obligations. For failure of the customer to fulfill his contractual obligations for service or facilities subject to regulation by the Commission.
(3) Refusal of Access. For failure of the customer to permit the utility to have reasonable access to its equipment.
(4) Non-Payment of Bill. For non-payment of a bill for service, provided that the utility has made a reasonable attempt to effect collection and has given the customer written notice that he has at least 5 days, excluding Sundays and holidays, in which to make settlement on his account or have his service denied. Except in cases where a prior attempt to gain access has been unsuccessful or where a prior promise to pay has not been kept, the utility may not deny service on the day preceding any day on which it is not prepared to accept payment of the amount due and to reconnect service.
(5) Failure to Provide Deposit. For failure of the customer to provide the utility with a deposit as authorized in Regulation .03 of this chapter.
(6) Failure to Comply with Service Conditions. For failure of the customer to furnish any service equipment, permits, certificates, or rights-of-way, as shall have been specified by the utility as a condition to obtaining service, or if the equipment or permissions are withdrawn or terminated.
(7) Waste of Water. For willful waste of water by the customer.
(8) Restrictions on Use of Water. For failure of the customer to comply with reasonable restrictions on the use of water, as imposed under COMAR 20.70.07.05E, provided that notice has been given to the customer and that written notice has been furnished to the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.09 - Insufficient Reasons for Denial of Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The following may not constitute sufficient cause for refusal of service to a present or prospective customer:
(1) Failure of a prior customer to pay for service at the premises to be served;
(2) Failure to pay for merchandise purchased from the utility;
(3) Failure to pay for a public utility service other than water service;
(4) Failure to pay for a different class of service;
(5) Failure to pay the bill of another customer as guarantor of the customer;
(6) Failure to pay the undercharge for the period in excess of 4 months as described in Regulation .06E of this chapter; or
(7) Failure to pay an outstanding bill that is over 7 years old, unless the:
(a) Customer signed an agreement to pay the outstanding bill before the expiration of this period;
(b) Outstanding bill is for service obtained by the customer by means of tampering with equipment furnished and owned by the utility or by unauthorized use of service by any method; or
(c) Outstanding bill is for service obtained by the customer by means of an application made:
(i) In a fictitious name,
(ii) In the name of an individual who is not an occupant of the dwelling unit, without disclosure of the individual's actual address,
(iii) In the name of a third party without disclosing that fact or without bona fide authority from the third party, or
(iv) Without disclosure of a material fact or by misrepresentation of a material fact.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.10 - Right of Access

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The authorized agents of the utility shall have the right of access to the premises supplied with water, at reasonable hours, for the purpose of reading meters, examining fixtures and pipes, observing the manner of using water, and for any other purpose which is proper and necessary in the conduct of the utility's business.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.11 - Waste of Water

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Leakage Control. The customer should maintain his service pipe and all piping and fixtures on or in the building so that any loss of water through leakage is kept to a reasonably small amount. If the leakage becomes excessive, it may be treated as a willful waste of water.
B. Willful Waste. Unnecessary or excessive use of water may be treated as a willful waste of water.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.12 - Investigation of Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility shall investigate promptly and thoroughly any complaint concerning its charges, practices, facilities, or service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.13 - Records of Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The utility shall keep such records of customer complaints as will enable it to review and analyze its procedures and actions as an aid in rendering improved service.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.04 - Customer Relations › Section 20.70.04.14 - Identification of Employees

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Every employee, whose duties require him to enter the customer's premises, should wear a distinguishing uniform, or other insignia identifying him as an employee of the utility. The minimum requirement shall be a badge or identification card, carried on his person, certifying him as an employee of the utility authorized to enter the premises to perform necessary inspections or work.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.05 - Meter Requirements › Section 20.70.05.01 - Metering of Water

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Customer Use. Unless the authorized tariff provides for flat-rate billing for the customer class, all water sold by a utility shall be on the basis of meter measurement.
B. Utility Use. Wherever practicable, the use of water within the utility itself, or by administrative units associated with it, shall be metered.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.05 - Meter Requirements › Section 20.70.05.02 - Meter Reading Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The meter reading sheets, cards, or records from which bills are prepared shall show the following information:
A. Customer's name, address, and rate schedule;
B. Identifying number or description of the meter, or both;
C. Meter readings;
D. Date of meter reading;
E. If the reading has been estimated; and
F. Any applicable multiplier or constant.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.05 - Meter Requirements › Section 20.70.05.03 - Inventory Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall maintain records of each meter or associated metering device, or both, which will identify each item as to its design, capacity, and application. The identifying information may include, as applicable: manufacturer, number, type, size, capacity, multiplier and constants.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.05 - Meter Requirements › Section 20.70.05.04 - History Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Each utility shall maintain records for each meter or associated metering device, or both, which shall show the dates of installation and removal from service, together with the location.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.05 - Meter Requirements › Section 20.70.05.05 - Meter Test Records

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Each utility shall maintain test records for each meter, which shall include the following:
(1) The date and reason for the test;
(2) The reading of the meter before making the test;
(3) The accuracy "as found" at each rate of flow; and
(4) The accuracy "as left" at each rate of flow.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.05 - Meter Requirements › Section 20.70.05.07 - Condition of Meter

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A meter may not be installed which is mechanically defective, has an incorrect correction factor, or which does not meet the requirements of COMAR 20.70.06.05E. he capacity of the meter and the index mechanism should be consistent with the water requirements of customer.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.06 - Inspections and Tests › Section 20.70.06.01 - Meter Shop

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Meter Shop. Each utility shall maintain or designate a meter shop where meters may be inspected, tested, and repaired. The shop shall be open for inspection by authorized representatives of the Commission at all reasonable times, and the facilities and equipment, as well as the methods of making measurements and tests, shall be subject to the approval of the Commission.
B. Accuracy of Test Equipment. The accuracy of the test equipment and of the test procedures shall be such that the overall error will not exceed 0.3 of 1 percent.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.06 - Inspections and Tests › Section 20.70.06.02 - Working Standards

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Requirements. Each meter shop maintained or designated by a utility shall have at least one calibrated tank for volumetric measurement or a tank mounted upon scales for weight measurement. The tank shall be of sufficient capacity to insure an acceptable determination of the accuracy of the utilities' meters.
B. Calibration. Working standards shall be checked periodically (see Regulation .09B of this chapter) by comparison with approved secondary standards.
C. Certificates. Each standard shall be accompanied at all times by a certificate or calibration card, duly signed and dated, on which are recorded the corrections required to compensate for errors found at the customary test points at the time of the last previous test.
D. Care in Handling. Extreme care shall be exercised in the use and handling of standards to assure that their accuracy is not disturbed.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.06 - Inspections and Tests › Section 20.70.06.03 - Test Procedures

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Procedure. The following procedures shall apply to the testing and adjusting of meters and associated devices:
(1) General. The test of any unit of metering equipment shall consist of a comparison of its accuracy with the accuracy of a standard.
(2) Adjusted to Zero. All meters and associated devices, when tested, shall be adjusted as closely as practicable to the condition of zero error.
(3) Use of Tolerances. All tolerances are to be interpreted as maximum permissible variations from the condition of zero error. In making adjustments, no advantage of the prescribed tolerance limits may be taken.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.06 - Inspections and Tests › Section 20.70.06.04 - Meter Registration

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Pre-Installation Tolerances. A meter may not be placed in service if it registers less than 90 percent of the water passed through it at the minimum test flow or over-registers or under-registers more than 1-1/2 percent at the other test flows.
B. Calculation of Error. The percentage by which the correct registration varies from the meter registration is derived by stopping the meter test hand at the starting point and then determining the percentage variation in registration as indicated by the working standard. The formula for determining the percentage error in registration is:
100 x (Volume indicated by meter) - (Volume indicated by standard)\(Volume indicated by meter)
A positive percentage indicates that the meter is fast and a negative percentage indicates that the meter is slow.
C. Error in Registration for Billing Adjustments. The error in registration of a meter for billing adjustments shall be the algebraic average of the error in registration at the following two rates of flow:
(1) Approximately 10 percent of maximum normal flow;
(2) Approximately 50 percent of maximum normal flow, or at the maximum flow available at normal system pressure.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 70 - SERVICE SUPPLIED BY WATER COMPANIES › Chapter 20.70.06 - Inspections and Tests › Section 20.70.06.05 - Pre-Installation Inspections and Tests

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Approval. A meter may not be placed in service unless:
(1) Its type and design first has been approved by the Commission;
(2) It has been inspected and tested by the utility, or has been certified by the manufacturer to be correct;
(3) Its registration is within the tolerances specified in Regulation .04A of this chapter; and
(4) It has been sealed by the utility.