reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-0815

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  756.105,
				  757.120,
				  757.125,
				  757.135
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-0900

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757 & 758
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  758.300-758.320 & Ch. 202, OL
				  2003
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1000 - Scope and Applicability of Rules

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) The rules contained in Division 036 are
			 applicable to water utilities providing water service in the State of
			 Oregon.
(2) All water utilities
			 must comply with applicable Commission rules, regulations, statutes, and
			 orders, including those related to the filing of applications and
			 petitions.
(3) Upon request or its
			 own motion, the Commission may waive any of the Division 036 rules for good
			 cause shown. A request for waiver must be made in writing and filed with the
			 Commission's Filing Center.
(4) The
			 rules contained in Division 036 do not restrict the authority of the Commission
			 to require repairs or service improvements incorporating standards other than
			 those set forth in this division when, after investigation, the Commission
			 determines they are necessary.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  756.075,
				  756.515,
				  757.020,
				  757.035,
				  757.310-757.330
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1010 - General Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
As used in Division 036:
(1) "Applicant" means a person who does not
			 meet the definition of a customer, who applies for service with a water
			 utility.
(2) "Commercial service"
			 means water service provided by the water utility that the customer uses in the
			 promotion of a business or business product that is a source of revenue or
			 income to the customer or others using the premises.
(3) "Customer" means a person who is
			 currently receiving water service and is entitled to certain rights as a
			 customer under these rules. A residential customer retains customer status for
			 20 calendar days following voluntary disconnection of service and must be
			 treated as a customer if he or she reapplies for service within that 20
			 calendar day period.
(4) "Formal
			 complaint" means a written complaint filed with the Commission's Administrative
			 Hearings Division.
(5) "Informal
			 complaint" means a complaint, registered with the Consumer Services Section,
			 which is not the subject of a formal complaint.
(6) "Rate-regulated water utility" means a
			 water utility that is subject to regulation of its rates and service under ORS
			 757.061.
(7) "Residential service" means water service
			 provided for domestic or irrigation purposes in a residential area and is not
			 considered a commercial service.
(8) "Served" for purpose of delivery of any
			 required notice or document, unless otherwise specifically noted, means:
			 delivered in person, by personal contact over the telephone, or in writing
			 delivered to the party's last known address. If delivered by US Mail, the
			 notice is considered served two calendar days after the date postmarked, the
			 date of postage metering, or deposit in the US Mail, excluding Sundays and
			 postal holidays.
(9)
			 "Service-regulated water utility" means a water utility that is subject to
			 regulation of its service under ORS
			 757.061.
(10) "Statement of rates" means a list of
			 water service rate schedules and charges, including the terms and conditions
			 for each service, for water utilities that are not rate regulated.
(11) "Tariff" means a rate-regulated water
			 utility's published rates and charges, terms and conditions for each type of
			 service, and rules and regulations.
(12) "Water system" means all assets,
			 equipment, and infrastructure necessary in the provision of water service to
			 customers.
(13) "Water utility"
			 means a water system that is subject to Commission regulation as provided under
			 ORS 757.005 and ORS
			 757.061. "Water utility" may
			 include an association that provides water to its members if the association
			 also serves the public or becomes regulated under ORS
			 757.063 and OAR
			 860-036-1930.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  757.061
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1050 - Annual Fees Payable to the Commission by a Water Utility

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Subject to the provisions of this rule,
			 each calendar year all water utilities under some form of Commission regulation
			 must:
(a) Pay an annual revenue fee to the
			 Commission as authorized in ORS
			 756.310; and
(b) Provide all information required in the
			 Commission's approved annual fee statement form available on the Commission's
			 website at
www.puc.state.or.us/Pages/water/index.aspx
.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1060 - Estimated Annual Fees Payable to the Commission by a Water Utility

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) For any year in
			 which a water utility fails to file a completed annual statement form as
			 required under OAR 860-036-1050(1), the Commission may determine a proposed
			 annual fee based upon any information available to the Commission. The
			 Commission will provide written notice of the proposed annual fee to the water
			 utility. The notice must:
(a) Include a
			 penalty for failure to pay as required by ORS
			 756.350;
(b) Include a late statement fee in
			 accordance with OAR 860-001-0050;
(c) Be made no later than three years after
			 the statement form's due date; and
(d) Include a statement that the water
			 utility may request a hearing on the proposed annual fee within 30 calendar
			 days of the notice.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1100 - Information for Applicants and Customers

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) When service is initiated and not less
			 than once a year thereafter, a water utility must provide its residential
			 customers with a copy of the Customer Rights and Responsibilities available on
			 the Commission's website at
http://www.puc.state.or.us/consumer/Customer%20Rights%20and%20Responsibilities.pdf
,
			 or a Commission-approved version prepared by the utility. A copy of the
			 Customer Rights and Responsibilities summary must be posted in a conspicuous
			 place in the water utility's business office. Upon request, the Commission will
			 provide a translation of the Commission's Customer Rights and Responsibilities
			 summary in Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, or Russian.
(2) All required notices and filings must
			 include the water utility's legal name, name of the water system, mailing
			 address, telephone number, emergency telephone number, and email address or
			 website.
(3) Upon request by an
			 applicant or a customer, a water utility must provide:
(a) A copy of its approved tariffs or
			 statement of rates;
(b) A copy of
			 the utility's rules and regulations applicable to the type of service being
			 provided; and
(c) The option to
			 receive electronic copies of all written notices to be issued on the customer's
			 account under these rules.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1110 - Water Utility Emergency and Nonemergency Response Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Each water
			 utility must maintain a business location and a telephone number at which it
			 may be contacted directly during its regular business hours. A water utility
			 must respond to nonemergency inquiries, complaints, and service problems within
			 one business day.
(2) A water
			 utility must provide a means by which it may be contacted at any hour regarding
			 a water failure or emergency. A water utility must respond to the caller within
			 one hour of the time of the call or message and promptly take appropriate
			 action to resolve the failure or emergency. If extenuating circumstances exist
			 that prevent the water utility from responding to the caller within one hour,
			 the Commission may require the water utility to justify the delay.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1120 - Designation of Third Party to Receive Copies of Bills and Notices

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
A water utility must offer applicants and customers the option
				to designate a third party to receive copies of bills, notices, or both. When a
				water utility receives such designation, it must send duplicate copies of bills
				or notices required under these rules to the customer's
				representative.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1150 - Dispute Resolution

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) When a
			 dispute occurs between an applicant or a customer and a water utility regarding
			 any charge or service, the water utility must:
(a) Thoroughly investigate the matter;
(b) Promptly report the results of
			 its investigation to the complainant;
(c) Inform the complainant of the right to
			 have a water utility supervisor review any dispute;
(d) Prepare a written record of the dispute
			 including the name and address of the complainant involved, the date the
			 complaint was received, the issues in dispute, a summary of the water utility's
			 efforts to resolve the dispute, and the disposition of the matter;
			 and
(e) Retain records of the
			 dispute for at least 36 months after the investigation is
			 closed.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1160 - Continued or Restored Service Pending Informal or Formal Dispute

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A complainant
			 with an informal or formal complaint is entitled to continued or restored
			 service if:
(a) Disconnection of service is
			 or was based on grounds other than tampering with water utility property,
			 stealing, diverting, or engaging in unauthorized use of water;
(b) A bona fide dispute exists in which the
			 facts asserted entitle the complainant to service;
(c) The complainant diligently pursues
			 dispute resolution under the Commission's rules; and
(d) The complainant pays all undisputed
			 amounts for water service pending resolution of the dispute.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1200 - Applications for Water Utility Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Any person wanting water service must
			 submit an application to the water utility. A separate application is required
			 for each property to be served.
(2)
			 A water utility may require an applicant to provide the following information
			 when applying for service:
(a) The
			 applicant's name, service address, and billing address;
(b) The contact information where the
			 applicant can be reached;
(c) The
			 type of water service requested and its intended use; and
(d) The name to be used to identify the
			 account, if different than the applicant's actual name.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1210 - Establishing Credit for Residential Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Except as provided by section (3) of this
			 rule, a water utility may require an applicant to establish satisfactory credit
			 for new residential service by showing one of the following:
(a) The applicant received 12 months of
			 continuous water service during the preceding 24 months, and the water utility
			 can verify that the applicant voluntarily disconnected service and timely paid
			 for all services rendered; or
(b)
			 The applicant provides proof of a regular source of income.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1220 - Deposits for Residential Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1)
			 Under conditions set forth below, a water utility may require an applicant or
			 customer to pay a deposit as a guarantee of payment for services provided.
			 Amounts held by a water utility may not exceed one-sixth of the actual or
			 estimated annual billing for the premises.
(2) A water utility may require an applicant
			 to pay, prior to service being provided, a deposit at the time of filing an
			 application if:
(a) The applicant is unable
			 to establish credit under OAR 860-036-1210;
(b) The applicant was previously disconnected
			 by the water utility for tampering with water utility facilities, theft of
			 service, or unauthorized use of water under OAR 860-036-1590; or
(c) The applicant was a prior customer of the
			 water utility during the last 24 months and either:
(A) Was disconnected for nonpayment;
			 or
(B) Failed to pay the account
			 final bill by the due date.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1230 - Surety Agreements

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water
			 utility must inform any residential applicant or customer who is required to
			 pay a deposit of the opportunity to provide a written surety agreement in lieu
			 of paying the deposit. A surety agreement obligates another qualifying
			 residential customer of the same water utility to pay an amount up to the
			 required deposit if the secured account is later disconnected and a balance
			 remains owing following the due date for the closing charges. To qualify as a
			 surety, the other residential customer must have had 12 months of continuous
			 service with the water utility without a late payment.
(2) If the deposit is required of an
			 applicant under OAR 860-036-1220(2), the water utility may require the signed
			 surety agreement prior to service being provided.
(3) If the deposit is required of a customer
			 under OAR 860-036-1220(3), the water utility may require a signed surety
			 agreement within seven calendar days. A customer's failure to timely provide a
			 surety agreement is grounds for disconnection under OAR 860-036-1500.
(4) If the secured account is disconnected
			 and a balance remains following the due date for closing charges, the water
			 utility may bill the surety for amounts up to the surety agreement amount. The
			 water utility may apply any payment received from the surety first to the
			 amount due under the surety agreement. The water utility may disconnect the
			 surety's service for non-payment of the surety agreement amount after providing
			 notice to the surety under OAR 860-036-1510.
(5) The surety may terminate the surety
			 agreement after 12 months upon seven calendar days' advance written notice to
			 the water utility.
(6) A water
			 utility may terminate a surety agreement at any time upon seven calendar days'
			 notice to both the surety and the secured customer if the surety no longer
			 meets the qualifications under section (1) of this rule.
(7) In the event a surety agreement is
			 terminated under section (5) or (6) of this rule, the water utility will
			 provide notice of the termination of the surety agreement to the customer. The
			 water utility may require the customer, within seven calendar days, to pay the
			 required deposit amount, enter into a deposit payment arrangement, or obtain a
			 written surety agreement from another qualifying customer.
(8) The surety agreement automatically
			 terminates when:
(a) The secured account is
			 closed and paid in full;
(b) The
			 secured account is closed and the surety pays the full amount secured by the
			 surety agreement; or
(c) The
			 customer with the secured account establishes credit under OAR 860-036-1260(2)
 
			 or pays a deposit under OAR 860-036-1220.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1240 - Deposit Payment Arrangements for Residential Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility must allow a deposit for
			 residential service to be paid in three installments unless the deposit:
(a) Is required to restore service that was
			 disconnected for failure to pay a deposit; or
(b) Was assessed under OAR
			 860-036-1220(3).
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1250 - Interest on Deposits for Residential and Nonresidential Service by Rate-Regulated Utilities

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1)
			 Rate-regulated water utilities must pay interest on all customer deposits. Each
			 year the Commission will notify all rate-regulated water utilities of the
			 required interest rate to be applied to deposits held during January 1 through
			 December 31 of the subsequent year.
(2) If the deposit is held beyond one year,
			 accrued interest must be paid by a credit to the customer's account. If held
			 less than one year, interest must be prorated.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1260 - Refund of Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water
			 utility must refund all deposits and accrued interest once credit is
			 established, reestablished, or when service is disconnected. The water utility
			 must issue a credit to the customer's account or mail the refund to the
			 customer's last known address unless otherwise specified. Customer refunds must
			 first be applied to any unpaid balance on the customer's account.
(2) For purposes of this rule, credit is
			 considered established or reestablished one year after the deposit is paid in
			 full if:
(a) The account is
			 current;
(b) Not more than two
			 7-calendar day disconnection notices were issued to the customer during the
			 previous 12 months; and
(c) The
			 customer was not disconnected for nonpayment during the previous 12
			 months.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1270 - Refusal of Water Utility Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility must refuse to provide
			 service if:
(a) The applicant's facilities do
			 not comply with the codes, rules, or regulations of the appropriate governing
			 authorities or the best practices governing safe and adequate water service, or
			 with the reasonable rules and regulations of the water utility;
(b) The water utility does not have adequate
			 facilities, resources, or capacity to provide the requested service without
			 impairing service to other customers; or
(c) The water utility is prohibited by law
			 from providing the service.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1300 - Water Service Connection

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1)
			 A water service connection is defined as the facilities used to connect a water
			 utility's distribution network to the point of connection at the customer's
			 service line. The water utility owns and maintains the water service
			 connection.
(2) A customer's
			 service line is defined as the facilities used to convey water from the point
			 of connection to the customer's point of usage. The customer owns and maintains
			 the customer service line.
(3) If
			 authorized by its tariff or statement of rates, a water utility may recover a
			 reasonable, cost-based service connection charge to offset the expense listed
			 in section (1) of this rule.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1310 - Main Line Extensions

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A main
			 line extension is defined as the extension of a water utility's main line
			 necessary to provide service to a customer when the property does not currently
			 have main line frontage.
(2) A
			 water utility may charge a reasonable non-discriminatory main line extension
			 charge if the charge and policy are stated in the water utility's tariff or
			 statement of rates.
(3) A water
			 utility must have a main line extension policy that:
(a) Lists all applicable charges;
(b) Describes the advance and refund
			 provisions, including a description of the mechanisms for collecting and
			 rebating the amount charged equitably among the customers who paid for the cost
			 of the line; and
(c) Provides the
			 time period during which the advance and rebate provisions
			 apply.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1320 - Temporary Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
A water utility may provide temporary service to a customer and
				charge all costs of installing and removing the temporary service, in excess of
				any salvage realized, if the costs are stated in the water utility's tariff or
				statement of rates.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1330 - Restrictions on Entering a Customer Residence

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
A water utility employee or representative may not enter the
				residence of a customer without proper authorization except during an emergency
				endangering life or property.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1350 - Use of Water Meters

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) The water
			 utility must provide and install at its expense any water meter used to
			 calculate a customer's bill, unless the water utility's tariff or statement of
			 rates allows the recovery of the cost, including installation, from the
			 customer. A rental charge may not be assessed for a meter used to calculate a
			 customer's bill.
(2) All meters
			 must be tested before installation or within 30 calendar days thereafter.
			 Meters must be accurate to no more than two percent fast or slow under normal
			 operating conditions. The water utility must prepare a test record and retain
			 the current and immediately prior test records for all meters tested. The test
			 record must include:
(a) Meter identification
			 number and location;
(b) The reason
			 for the test;
(c) The testing
			 method;
(d) The beginning and
			 ending meter readings;
(e) The test
			 results and conclusion; and
(f) All
			 data taken at the time of the test.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1360 - Customer Requested Meter Tests

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A customer may ask the water utility to
			 test the water meter once every 12 months at no cost. The water utility must
			 test the water meter within seven calendar days of the request, unless the
			 customer fails to provide the water utility reasonable access to the
			 meter.
(2) A customer or a
			 designated representative has the right to be present at any on-site meter
			 test. The test must be conducted at a mutually acceptable time.
(3) Within seven calendar days of performing
			 the requested meter test, the water utility must provide a meter test report to
			 the customer. A sample report form is available at
www.puc.state.or.us/Pages/water/forms_notices/water_notices.aspx
.
			 The report must include:
(a) The information
			 required by OAR 860-036-1100(2);
(b) The name of the customer requesting the
			 test and the service address where the meter was tested;
(c) The date the meter test was requested and
			 the date the meter test was performed;
(d) The name of the person performing the
			 test;
(e) The meter identification
			 number and location;
(f) The
			 beginning and ending meter readings; and
(g) The actual test results and
			 conclusion.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1370 - Meter Readings

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water
			 utility must read meters that are used to calculate a customer's bill on
			 monthly intervals and as near as possible on the same corresponding day of each
			 month unless otherwise indicated in its tariff or statement of rates. A water
			 utility may use estimated readings for billing purposes under OAR
			 860-036-1400(3), but must actually read a meter at least once every four
			 months.
(2) Upon customer request,
			 a water utility manually reading meters must leave the meter reading
			 information at the customer's premises at the time of the meter reading. The
			 information must contain the date and time of the meter reading and the meter
			 reading data.
(3) A customer must
			 provide the water utility with regular access to the meter on the customer's
			 property. Failure to permit reasonable access is grounds for disconnection
			 under OAR 860-036-1500.
(4) When
			 access to a meter is difficult due to the meter's location or other
			 circumstances, the water utility may seek the customer's cooperation in
			 obtaining meter readings.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  757.250
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1400 - Customer Billings

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water
			 utility must provide its customers with timely billings every month or as
			 indicated in its tariffs or statement of rates.
(2) A water utility must prepare bills,
			 including opening and closing bills, from actual meter readings, unless
			 conditions prevent an actual meter reading.
(3) If billings are based on estimated
			 readings, the water utility must clearly identify the estimated meter reads and
			 the estimated consumption on the bill. The water utility must verify the actual
			 meter reading at least once every four months and adjust the customer's bill as
			 needed.
(4) Customer bills must
			 include the information required by OAR 860-036-1100(2). A sample bill form is
			 available at
www.puc.state.or.us/Pages/water/forms_notices/water_notices.aspx
.
(5) The water utility must provide
			 information in the bill sufficient for the customer to understand and compute
			 the charges being assessed, including:
(a)
			 Separate line items for past due balance, payments and credits, new charges,
			 late fees, and total account balance;
(b) The date new charges are due (at least 15
			 calendar days from the date the bill was served);
(c) Calculation of new charges including base
			 or flat rate, usage billing tiers and rates, beginning and ending meter
			 readings, the dates the meter was read, rate schedule, billing period, and
			 number of days in the billing period; and
(d) The date any late payment charge was
			 applied and an explanation of the terms of the late payment charge; i.e., "A
			 late charge of (insert charge) may be applied to all past due balances carried
			 forward to the next billing cycle."
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1410 - Application of Partial Payments

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
Absent written instructions from the customer, and consistent
				with OAR 860-036-1240(6), the water utility must apply payments in the
				following order:
(1) Past due
			 regulated tariff or statement of rates services;
(2) Currently due regulated tariff or
			 statement of rates services; and
(3) Non-regulated services.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1420 - Time-Payment Plans for Residential Water Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility must offer time-payment
			 plans to allow a customer to pay past-due amounts over a period of time, unless
			 the amounts owing relate to theft of service, tampering, unauthorized use of
			 water, or failure to abide by the terms of a time-payment plan. The customer
			 must make the initial payment within one business day of agreeing to the
			 time-payment plan.
(2) A water
			 utility must offer time-payment plans to:
(a)
			 A current residential customer with past-due amounts; and
(b) A residential customer whose service was
			 voluntarily disconnected and who reapplies for service within 20 calendar days
			 of disconnection.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1430 - Late-Payment Charge

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water
			 utility may include a late payment charge in its tariffs or statement of rates
			 that:
(a) May be applied to residential
			 accounts with a past-due balance at the time the water utility prepares the
			 subsequent bill for the next billing cycle;
(b) May be applied to all other accounts with
			 a past-due balance if payment is not received by the bill due date; but
(c) May not be applied to a
			 residential account with a current time-payment plan.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1450 - Transfer Billings

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Except
			 as provided in section (3) of this rule, if a water utility determines that a
			 customer owes an amount from a closed account the customer previously held with
			 the water utility, the water utility may transfer the closed account balance to
			 the customer's current account. The water utility must give the customer a
			 separate, written notice of the transfer, including the amount owing, the time
			 period when the balance was incurred, and the service address where the balance
			 owing was incurred.
(2) If the
			 customer has a balance owing on an existing time-payment plan, the customer may
			 enter into a new time-payment plan under OAR 860-036-1420  incorporating all
			 amounts owing.
(3) A water utility
			 may not transfer a balance owing on a non-residential account to a residential
			 account.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  757.225
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1500 - Grounds for Involuntary Disconnection

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility may disconnect water
			 service when:
(a) A customer fails to pay
			 charges due for services rendered under a water utility tariff or statement of
			 rates;
(b) A customer fails to pay
			 a deposit, fails to timely provide a surety under OAR 860 036-1230 or comply
			 with its terms, or fails to comply with the terms of a deposit installment
			 agreement under OAR 860-036-1240.
(c) A customer fails to comply by the terms
			 of a payment agreement under OAR 860 036-1240(3) or 860-036-1420;
(d) A customer provides false identification
			 to establish or to continue service;
(e) A customer has facilities that do not
			 comply with the applicable codes, rules, regulations, or the best practices
			 governing safe and adequate water service, including compliance with the water
			 utility's Cross Connection Control Program;
(f) A customer fails to provide reasonable
			 access to the meter or premises;
(g) A customer tampers with water utility
			 facilities or engages in theft of service or unauthorized use of water;
(h) A customer fails to comply
			 with water restriction requirements under OAR 860 036-1670; or
(i) The Commission approves the disconnection
			 of service.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1510 - Required Notices for Involuntary Disconnection

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Except as provided in sections (4) and
			 (5) of this rule, the water utility must provide the customer with two written
			 notices in advance of disconnection: a 15-calendar day disconnection notice and
			 a 7-calendar day disconnection notice.
(2) The 15-calendar day and 7-calendar day
			 disconnection notices under this rule must be printed in bold face type and use
			 plain, simple language. The notices must:
(a)
			 Provide the information required by OAR 860-036-1100(2);
(b) State that the customer's water service
			 is subject to disconnection on or after a specific date;
(c) Provide the grounds for the proposed
			 disconnection;
(d) State what
			 action the customer must take to avoid disconnection; and
(e) State that the customer may dispute the
			 disconnection by contacting the Consumer Services Section at the contact
			 information provided in OAR 860-001-0020(2).
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1520 - Delivery of Notices for Involuntary Disconnection

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) The 7-calendar day and 15-calendar day
			 advance written notices of disconnection must be hand-delivered in person to
			 the customer or adult at the premises, or sent by the US Mail to the customer's
			 billing address and designated representative. Mailed notices are considered
			 served two calendar days after deposited in the US Mail, excluding Sundays and
			 postal holidays.
(2) In addition to
			 the notice required by section (1) of this rule, the water utility must provide
			 an electronic notice to customers who requested to receive notices
			 electronically.
(3) The water
			 utility may not send disconnection notices for non-payment before the date
			 payment is due.
(4) The water
			 utility must keep a record of how disconnection notices were served to the
			 customer.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1530 - Water Utility Requirements on the Day of Involuntary Disconnection

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Within 48 hours
			 prior to disconnecting service, the water utility must make a good-faith effort
			 to contact the customer or an adult at the residence and provide notice of the
			 proposed disconnection.
(2) The
			 notice may be provided in person or by telephone. The water utility must keep
			 records to document how and when contact was made or attempted.
(3) When personal contact has been made under
			 section (1) of this rule, and the circumstances are such that a reasonable
			 person would conclude that the customer or the adult at the residence does not
			 understand the possible consequences of disconnection, the water utility must:
(a) Immediately notify the Consumer Services
			 Section; and
(b) Delay the proposed
			 disconnection date for an additional seven calendar days.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1540 - Disconnection of Service on Weekends and Holidays

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
A water utility may not disconnect service for non-payment on a
				non-business day, or the day immediately preceding a non-business day, of
				either the utility or the Commission.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1550 - Disconnection of Water Service to Tenants

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) If a water utility's records show that a
			 residential billing address is different from the service address, the water
			 utility must mail a duplicate notice to the service address, unless the utility
			 has verified that the service address is occupied by the customer.
(2) If a water utility's records show that
			 the service location is a master-metered, multi-dwelling service address, the
			 water utility must provide a duplicate of the 7-calendar day disconnection
			 notice to each unit at the service address. The disconnection notice must be
			 addressed to "Tenant." The envelope must bear a bold notice stating, "IMPORTANT
			 NOTICE REGARDING DISCONNECTION OF WATER UTILITY SERVICE." Tenant notices may
			 not include the dollar amount owing.
(3) The water utility must notify the
			 Consumer Services Section at least seven calendar days before disconnecting
			 service to a master-metered, multi-dwelling premise.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1560 - Voluntary Disconnection

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
A customer requesting disconnection of service must provide the
				water utility with at least seven calendar days' advance notice.
(1) The customer is responsible for all
			 service provided for seven calendar days following the request for
			 disconnection or until service is disconnected, whichever comes first; or
(2) If the customer identified a
			 specific date for disconnection in excess of seven calendar days, the customer
			 is responsible for service rendered up to and including the requested date of
			 disconnection.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1570 - Reconnection of Residential Water Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) The water utility must reconnect service
			 as soon as reasonably possible within the normal course of business after the
			 applicant has:
(a) Paid all applicable
			 charges;
(b) Applied for
			 service;
(c) Requested
			 reconnection; and
(d) Satisfied all
			 requirements for service.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1580 - Disconnection, Reconnection, and Field Visit Charges

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
If authorized by the water utility's tariffs or statement of
				rates, a water utility may assess and require payment of one or both of the
				following as applicable prior to reconnecting service:
(1) A reasonable disconnection and
			 reconnection charge if the water service was involuntarily disconnected,
			 or
(2) A reasonable field visit
			 charge if the water utility visits a service address intending to disconnect or
			 reconnect service, but due to customer action, the utility is unable to
			 disconnect or reconnect service.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  757.225
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1590 - Tampering with Water Utility Facilities, Theft, or Unauthorized Use of Water

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) Customers
			 are prohibited from tampering with the water utility's property and facilities
			 or stealing, diverting, or engaging in unauthorized use of water.
(2) If a water utility discovers that a
			 customer has tampered with water utility property or facilities, or has engaged
			 in theft or unauthorized use of water, the water utility must notify the
			 customer of the violations and may take one or more of the following actions:
(a) Repair or restore the facilities and
			 charge the customer the costs incurred;
(b) Adjust the customer's prior billing for
			 loss of revenue under the applicable tariffs or schedule of rates;
(c) Initiate action to disconnect service. As
			 provided by OAR 860-036-1510, the water utility need only provide a written
			 7-calendar day disconnection notice prior to service disconnection;
(d) Require a new application for service
			 that accurately reflects the customer's proposed water use; and
(e) Assess a deposit for restored or
			 continued service.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1600 - Adequacy of Water Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water
			 utility must maintain its facilities according to industry rules, regulations,
			 and standards and in such condition to provide safe, adequate, and continuous
			 service to its customers. This includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Maintaining a current knowledge of the
			 condition and adequacy of its facilities;
(b) Regularly inspecting and testing
			 equipment and plant;
(c) Regularly
			 exercising valves and hydrants;
(d)
			 Maintaining regular system flushings;
(e) Making timely repairs;
(f) Replacing parts and equipment as
			 necessary;
(g) Making necessary
			 improvements to the water system;
(h) Reasonably restoring areas disturbed by
			 construction, repairs, or improvements; and
(i) Preparing work and maintenance records,
			 and retaining those records consistent with the Commission's Guide for the
			 Preservation of Records for Public Water Utilities available at
http://www.puc.state.or.us/Pages/General-Information-for-Water-Utilties.aspx
.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1610 - Quality of Water Supply for Domestic Purposes

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
A water utility must provide a domestic water supply that is
				free from bodily injurious physical elements and disease-producing bacteria and
				reasonably free from elements that cause physical damage to customer property,
				including but not limited to pipes, valves, appliances, and personal
				property.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040,
				  757.020
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1620 - Water Utility Responsibilities Regarding Service Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) The water
			 utility must prepare and retain a log of all service complaints consistent with
			 the Commission's Guide for the Preservation of Records for Public Water
			 Utilities available at
http://www.puc.state.or.us/Pages/General-Information-for-Water-Utilties.aspx
.
(2) When the water utility receives a
			 complaint regarding a service problem, the water utility must immediately
			 inform all customers materially affected. The information must include:
(a) The source or suspected source of the
			 service problem;
(b) The expected
			 date, time, and duration of the repair or action by the water utility;
			 and
(c) Any effects the repairs or
			 water utility action may have on the customer's service.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1630 - Unscheduled Interruptions of Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility may perform an
			 unscheduled interruption of service as necessary to protect the health and
			 safety of its customers or to maintain the integrity of its system.
(2) If an unscheduled interruption of service
			 is required, the water utility must:
(a) Make
			 a reasonable effort to notify the customers affected and the Consumer Services
			 Section in advance of the interruption;
(b) Report the unscheduled interruption to
			 the Consumer Services Section at the contact information provided in OAR
			 860-001-0020(2),
			 and
(c) Restore service as soon as
			 it is reasonably possible after resolving the issue, unless other arrangements
			 are agreed to by the affected customers.
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1640 - Scheduled Interruptions of Service

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility may schedule water
			 service interruptions for maintenance and repairs. A water utility must
			 schedule service interruptions to reasonably minimize customer
			 inconvenience.
(2) A water utility
			 must provide advance written notice to all customers affected by any scheduled
			 service interruption. In addition, the notice must be posted in the utility's
			 office and on its website, if available. The notice must include:
(a) The information required by OAR
			 860-036-1100(2);
(b) The date,
			 time, and estimated duration of the scheduled interruption;
(c) The purpose of the interruption;
(d) A statement cautioning
			 customers to avoid using water during service interruptions to prevent debris
			 in the customers' service lines; and
(e) The contact information for the Consumer
			 Services Section provided in OAR 860 001-0020(2).
Oregon Administrative Rules › Chapter 860 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION › Division 36 - WATER UTILITIES › Section 860-036-1650 - Adequate Water Pressure Required

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 7, July 1, 2024
(1) A water utility must maintain adequate
			 water pressure. In general, water pressure measuring between 45 and 80 pounds
			 per square inch in the water mains is adequate for the purpose of this rule.
			 However, adequate pressure may vary depending on each individual water
			 system.
(2) A water utility may
			 temporarily reduce or increase water pressure for fire flows, noticed repairs
			 and maintenance, scheduled or emergency flushings, and unscheduled or emergency
			 repairs and outages.
(3) Each water
			 utility must maintain permanent pressure recording gauges at various locations
			 to measure the system's water pressure. A water utility must have a portable
			 gauge to measure water pressure in any part of the system. The water utility
			 must maintain all pressure gauges in good operating condition, test
			 periodically for accuracy, and recalibrate or replace when necessary.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 183, 756, 757
Stats. Implemented: ORS
				  756.040757.020,
				  757.250