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South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-493 - Leakage

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. General. Any
				notice to the gas system of a leak or odor or notification of damage to gas
				facilities reported by any source shall constitute the need for immediate
				action by the gas system. In the event that the response time exceeded one (1)
				hour, the reason should be included in the report to the ORS as well as the
				grade level of the leak and other pertinent information.
2. Classification. Each gas system shall
				establish procedures for classifying and repairing leaks meeting the
				requirements of this section:
Grade 1--Grade 1 means a leak that represents an existing or
				  probable hazard to persons or property and requires immediate repair or
				  continuous action until the conditions are no longer hazardous.
Grade 2--Grade 2 means a leak that is recognized as being
				  nonhazardous at the time of detection but requires scheduled repair based on
				  probable future hazard.
Grade 3--Grade 3 means a leak that is nonhazardous at the
				  time of detection and can be reasonably expected to remain nonhazardous.
3. Leakage Surveys.
All buried piping not protected against corrosion in
				  accordance with 49 C.F.R. Section
				  192, Subpart I, must be subjected to
				  instrument leakage surveys as frequently as necessary, but at intervals not
				  exceeding twelve months.
4.
				Vegetation Leakage Surveys.
Vegetation type leak surveys are prohibited.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-494 - Interruptions in Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each
				gas system shall adopt and file with the commission, for approval, and provide
				a copy to the ORS procedures to protect customers during periods when operating
				conditions require interruptions in service due to scheduled or unscheduled
				curtailments, line breakage, equipment malfunctions, and force majeure
				conditions.
B. Such procedures
				shall insure that adequate safety precautions are taken to prevent hazards to
				which gas system employees, gas system customers and the general public may be
				subjected.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-500 - Authorization of Rules

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Section
				58-5-210
				of the Code of laws of South Carolina, 1976, provides: "That the Public Service
				Commission, is hereby, to the extent granted, vested with power and
				jurisdiction to supervise and regulate the rates and service of every public
				utility in this State, together with the power, after hearing, to ascertain and
				fix such just and reasonable standards, classifications, regulations,
				practices, and measurements of service to be furnished, imposed, observed and
				followed by every public utility in this State, and the State hereby asserts
				its rights to regulate the rates and services of every public utility as herein
				defined." In accordance with the above provisions the Public Service Commission
				has adopted the following rules and regulations and fixed the following
				standards to govern sewer service by public utilities. All previous rules or
				standards are hereby revoked, annulled, and superseded.
B. The adoption of these rules shall in no
				way preclude the Public Service Commission from altering, amending, or revoking
				them in whole or in part, or from requiring any other or additional service,
				equipment, facility, or standard, either upon complaint, upon the application
				of any utility, or upon its own motion. Furthermore, these rules shall not
				relieve either the commission or the Utilities of any duties prescribed under
				the laws of this State.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-501 - Application of Rules

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1.
				Jurisdiction. These rules shall apply to any person, firm, partnership, or
				association, establishment, corporation (except public utilities owned or
				operated by any municipality or agency thereof and/or any sewer authority
				specifically exempted by statute) which is now or may hereafter become engaged
				as a public utility in the business of collecting or treating sewerage for any
				sewerage customer within the State of South Carolina.
2. Purpose. These rules are intended to
				define good practice. They are intended to insure adequate and reasonable
				service. The Utilities shall assist the commission and the ORS in the
				implementation of these rules and regulations.
3. Waiver of Rules. In any case where
				compliance with any of these rules and regulations introduces unusual
				difficulty or where circumstances indicate that a waiver of one or more rules
				or regulations is otherwise appropriate, such rules or regulations may be
				waived by the commission upon a finding by the commission that such waiver is
				not contrary to the public interest.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.2 - Customer

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation, or any agency
				  of the Federal, State, or Local Government, being supplied with service by a
				  utility under the jurisdiction of this commission. Customers shall be
				  classified for purposes of applying rates as "residential", "commercial", or
				  "industrial".
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.3 - Customer Main Extension Fee

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A fee paid by a customer under a contract entered into by and
				  between the utility and its customer providing terms for the extension of the
				  utility's mains to service the customer.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.4 - Customer Service Line

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The portion of pipe on the customer's premises which
				  transports sewerage from the customer's premises to the "utility service
				  line".
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.5 - Homeowners Association

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
An association of lot owners located in a particular
				  subdivision or development incorporated under the laws of this State as a
				  non-profit corporation, including as one of its purposes, the operation of a
				  sewerage system to serve the particular subdivision or development. Each
				  homeowners association, prior to the commencement of operations of a sewerage
				  system, shall file with the commission and provide a copy to the ORS (a) a
				  certified copy of its certificate of incorporation; (b) a copy of the
				  corporation's bylaws; (c) a copy of any declaration of covenants, conditions
				  and restrictions on real property in the subdivision or development filed in
				  conjunction with the formation of the homeowners association; (d) a copy of the
				  permit or authorization from the Department of Health and Environmental Control
				  issued to the homeowners association to operate the system, and (e) copies of a
				  statement signed by each lot owner disclosing that the sewerage services in the
				  subdivision are provided by a non-profit homeowners association, in which each
				  lot owner is a voting member, and that an appropriate assessment to meet
				  operating expenses of the Utility must be paid by each lot
				  owner.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.6 - Main

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A sewerage pipe owned, operated, or maintained by a utility,
				  which is used to transport sewerage, but does not include the "utility service
				  line", or "customer service line".
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.8 - Rate

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The term "rate", when used in these rules and regulations,
				  means and includes every compensation, charge, toll, rental, classification, or
				  availability fee, or any of them, including tap fee, or other non-recurring
				  charges demanded, observed, charged, or collected by any utility for any
				  service offered by it to the public, and any rules, regulations, practices, or
				  contracts affecting any such compensation, charge, toll, rental,
				  classification, or availability fee. An application for approval of any rate
				  schedule will not be accepted for filing under S.C. Code Ann. Section
				  58-5-240 unless accompanied by the
				  information specified under 103-823.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.10 - Tap Fee

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A non-recurring, non-refundable charge related to connecting
				  the customer to the utility's system which includes the cost of installing the
				  utility's service line from the main to the customer's premises and a portion
				  of plant capacity which will be used to provide service to the new customer.
				  Plant capacity shall be computed by using the Guide Lines for Unit Contributory
				  Loadings to Wastewater Treatment Facilities (1972) to determine the single
				  family equivalency rating. Any privately-owned corporation, firm, partnership,
				  or individual empowered by contract, or otherwise, to collect a tap fee from a
				  customer for the provision of sewerage service to that customer shall be
				  considered a utility, and shall obtain commission approval prior to collecting
				  tap fees, or any other rates for sewerage service. An application for approval
				  of any rate change shall not be considered unless the filing contains
				  appropriate exhibits setting forth all cost criteria justifying the tap fee,
				  setting forth the portion of the tap fee related to installing the service line
				  and the portion related to plant capacity.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.11 - Utility

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Every person, firm, partnership, association, establishment
				  or corporation furnishing or supplying in any manner sewerage collection and/or
				  sewerage disposal service to the public or any portion thereof, for
				  compensation. A "homeowners association", as defined in 5 of this rule and
				  subject to the requirements set forth herein, upon commission order, may be
				  found not to be a utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.12 - Utility Service Line

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The portion of pipe which runs from the customer's premises
				  to the main, and which receives sewerage from the "customer service
				  line".
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.13 - Sewerage or Wastewater Plant

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Plant and property owned by a utility, used in its business
				  operations of providing sewerage collection and/or sewerage disposal service to
				  its customers.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.14 - Local Office or Business Office

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
These terms mean that in the event a sewer utility operates a
				  local office or business office set forth in this article, then the sewer
				  utility shall comply with the requirements of the section or subsection of the
				  regulation addressing such local office or business office. In the event the
				  utility does not operate a local office or business office, the section or
				  subsection of the regulation does not apply to the sewer
				  utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.15 - Mail

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The term "mail" means a communication sent by U.S. Mail or
				  the notice method selected by the sewer utility customer and maintained in the
				  customer's records at the sewer utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-502.16 - Municipality

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
"Municipality" includes a city, town, county, township, and
				  any other corporation existing, created or organized as a governmental unit
				  under the constitution and laws of this State.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-503 - Authorization for Rates and Charges

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. No schedule of rates, contracts, or rules
				and regulations, shall be changed until after the proposed change has been
				approved by the commission.
B. All
				rates, contract forms, and rules and regulations, proposed to be put into
				effect by any utility as defined in 103-502(11)shall be first approved by this
				commission before they shall become effective, unless they are exempt from such
				approval by statute or other provision of law.
C. No rate, contract, or rule and regulation
				of any utility under the jurisdiction of this commission shall be deemed
				approved or consented to by the mere filing of a schedule, or other evidence
				thereof, in the offices of the commission.
D. Each customer within a given
				classification (i.e., residential, commercial, or industrial) shall be charged
				the same approved rate, including tap fees, as every other customer within that
				classification, unless reasonable justification is shown for the use of a
				different rate, and a contract or tariff setting for the different rate has
				been filed and approved by the commission through the issuance of an order or
				directive.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-504 - Territory and Certificates

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
No existing public utility supplying wastewater disposal to
				  the public, or any individual, corporation, partnership, association,
				  establishment, or firm undertaking the construction or acquisition of a
				  utility, shall hereafter sell, acquire, transfer, begin the construction or
				  operation of any utility system, or of any extension thereof, by the sale of
				  stock or otherwise, without first obtaining from the commission a certificate
				  that the sale, transfer, or acquisition is in the public interest, or that
				  public convenience and necessity require or will require construction or
				  operation of any utility system, or extension. Such certificate shall be
				  granted only after the applicable information set forth in Subarticle 2,
				  103-510 et seq., has been filed with the commission and provided to the ORS,
				  and after notice has been given to the Department of Health and Environmental
				  Control and to other interested wastewater utilities, and to the public, and
				  after due hearing. Provided, however, that this regulation shall not be
				  construed to require any existing utility to secure a certificate for an
				  extension within or to territory already served by it, necessary in the
				  ordinary course of its business. But, if any utility in constructing or
				  extending its lines, plant or system unreasonably interferes, or is about to
				  unreasonably interfere, with the service or system of any other utility, the
				  commission may make such order, and prescribe such terms and conditions, in
				  harmony with this regulation, as are just and reasonable.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-505 - Utility Rules and Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each utility shall adopt rules, regulations, operation
				  procedure policies, terms and conditions, etc., as may be necessary in the
				  operation of the Utility. Such service conditions and/or regulations shall be
				  approved by and filed with the commission and provided to the
				  ORS.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-506 - Security Issues

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. No utility
				shall issue any securities without the approval of the commission. This rule
				shall not apply to any issue of securities payable within one year from the
				date of issue, except in case of subsequent issues made to refund such
				short-term obligations; but such short-term obligations may be renewed by
				similar obligations without the approval of the commission for an aggregate
				period not exceeding two years.
B.
				Any utility desiring to issue any securities may apply to the commission for
				approval of the proposed issue by filing an application with the commission and
				serving a copy on the ORS together with a statement verified by (1) its
				president and secretary or other appropriate officers; (2) two of its
				incorporators; or (3) by its owner or owners, if it is unincorporated, setting
				forth:
(a) The amount and character of
				securities proposed to be issued;
(b) The purpose for which they are to be
				issued;
(c) The consideration for
				which they are to be issued;
(d)
				The description and estimated value of the property, if any, to be acquired
				through the proposed issue;
(e) The
				terms and conditions of the issuance; and
(f) The financial condition of the utility
				and its operations so far as relevant.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-510 - Location of Records and Reports

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
All records required by these rules are necessary for the
				  administration thereof, shall be available for inspection in this State, unless
				  otherwise specifically authorized by the commission. These records shall be
				  available for examination by the ORS or its authorized representatives at all
				  reasonable hours.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-511 - Retention of Records

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Unless otherwise specified by the commission, or by
				  regulations or commission Orders governing specific activities, all records
				  required by these rules shall be preserved according to the most current
				  edition of Regulations to Govern the Preservation of Records for Electric, Gas
				  and Water Utilities, published by the National Association of Regulatory
				  Utility Commissioners (NARUC). Following are certain modifications to those
				  record retention periods:
(A) Item 30.
				Plant ledgers:
a. Ledgers of utility plant
				accounts including land and other detailed ledgers showing the cost of utility
				plant by class for the life of the utility.
b. Continuing plant inventory ledger, book or
				card records showing description, location, quantities, cost, etc. of physical
				units (or items) of utility plant owned - life of the utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-513 - Inspection of Plant and Equipment

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				Each utility shall, upon request of the ORS, provide to the ORS a statement
				regarding the condition of the waste treatment facility and the adequacy of the
				treatment provided by the facility as determined by the Department of Health
				and Environmental Control and any other information concerning the plant,
				equipment, facilities and service in such a form as the commission may require
				or as the ORS may request.
B. Each
				utility shall keep sufficient records to give evidence of compliance with its
				inspection program as set forth in Subarticle 6, 103-560 et. seq.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-514 - Interruption of Service/Violation of Rules

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each utility shall keep a record of any
				condition resulting in any interruption of service affecting its entire system
				or major division thereof, or any single community or an important division of
				a community, including a statement of the time, duration, and cause of any such
				interruption. The commission and the ORS should be notified of any interruption
				lasting more than six hours as soon as it comes to the attention of the utility
				and a complete report made after restoration of service.
B. Each utility shall make all reasonable
				efforts to prevent interruptions of service and, when such interruptions occur,
				shall endeavor to re-establish service with the shortest possible delay
				consistent with the safety of its consumers and the general public. Scheduled
				interruptions shall always be preceded by adequate notice to all affected
				customers.
C. All Wastewater
				Utilities under the jurisdiction of the commission shall file with the
				commission and the ORS in writing a notice of any violation of a PSC regulation
				or a DHEC regulation which results in the issuance of a DHEC order. If the
				report includes information regarding a DHEC violation which results in the
				issuance of a DHEC order, the filer shall note if the DHEC order is under
				appeal and shall inform the commission of the resolution of the appeal. This
				notice shall be filed within twenty-four hours of the time of the inception of
				the violation or of the utility's receipt of the issuance of a DHEC order and
				shall detail the steps taken to correct the violation, if the violation is not
				corrected at the time of occurrence. The Company shall notify the commission
				and the ORS in writing within fourteen calendar days after the violation has
				been corrected.
D. All Wastewater
				Utilities under the jurisdiction of the commission shall provide the ORS
				Consumer Services Division a copy of all advisories affecting ten or more
				customers within twenty-four hours of issuance. The utility shall notify the
				ORS Consumer Services Division in writing when the advisory has been
				lifted.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-515 - Accidents

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each utility shall, as soon as possible, report by telephone
				  to the ORS each accident happening in connection with the operation of its
				  property, facilities, or service, wherein any person shall have been killed or
				  seriously injured or whereby any serious property damage shall have been
				  caused. Such first report shall later be supplemented by a full statement
				  provided to the ORS of the cause and details of the accident and the
				  precautions, if any, which have been taken to prevent similar
				  accidents.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-516 - Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Complaints by customers concerning the charges, practices,
				  facilities or services of the utility shall be investigated promptly and
				  thoroughly. Each utility shall keep a record of all such complaints received,
				  which record shall show the name and address of the complainant, the date and
				  character of the complaint, and the adjustment or disposal made
				  thereof.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-517 - Accounting Procedures

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
All books and records of the utility shall be maintained in
				  accordance with the NARUC Uniform System of Accounts for Class A, B and C
				  Sewerage Utilities to the extent applicable. Such records must be made
				  available for examination by the ORS or its authorized representatives at all
				  reasonable hours. Full cooperation will be provided by the utility during rate
				  adjustment audits or compliance audits conducted by the ORS or its
				  representatives.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-520 - Change in Character of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
In order that the utility may provide a proper service
				  facility, the customer shall advise the utility of expected service
				  requirements sufficiently in advance of the time service is required and shall
				  also advise the utility of any significant increase or decrease in service
				  needs sufficiently in advance of the time to change service
				  facilities.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-530 - Customer Information

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each utility shall:
A. Maintain up-to-date maps, plans, or
				records of its entire force main collection 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 operating area.
B. Notify each affected customer in writing
				as prescribed by the commission of any proposed change in rates and charges. A
				certification that the above notice requirements has been met shall be
				furnished to the commission by the utility prior to the public
				hearing.
C. Provide that a complete
				schedule, contract forms, rules and regulations, etc., as filed with the
				commission and provided to the ORS, shall also be on file in the local offices
				of the utility and shall be open to the inspection by the public.
D. Assist prospective customers in selecting
				the most economical rate schedule applicable.
E. Provide adequate means (telephone, etc.)
				whereby each customer can contact an authorized representative of the utility
				at all hours in cases of emergency or unscheduled interruptions of
				service.
F. Notify any customer
				making a complaint recorded pursuant to R.103-516 that the
				utility is under the jurisdiction of the commission and that the customer may
				notify the ORS of the complaint.
G.
				Inform each prospective customer from whom a deposit may be required of the
				provisions contained in R.103-531 and its
				subsections.
H. Inform each
				prospective customer that the customers service line and plumbing shall conform
				to all local plumbing codes, and in the absence of such codes shall conform to
				the Southern Standard Plumbing Code.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531 - Customer Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each utility may require from any customer or from any
				  prospective customer, a deposit intended to guarantee payment of bills for
				  service, if any of the following conditions exist:
(a) The customer's past payment record to a
				sewerage utility shows delinquent payment practice, i.e., has had two
				consecutive 30-day arrears, or more than two non-consecutive 30-day arrears in
				the past 24 months, or
(b) A new
				customer cannot furnish either a letter of good credit from a reliable source
				or an acceptable cosignor to guarantee payment, or
(c) A customer has no deposit and presently
				is delinquent in payments (i.e., has had two consecutive 30-day arrears, or
				more than two non-consecutive 30-day arrears, in the past 24 months),
				or
(d) A customer has had their
				service terminated for nonpayment or fraudulent use.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.1 - Amount of Deposit

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. A maximum
				deposit may be required up to an amount equal to an estimated two (2) months
				(60 days) bill for a new customer or a maximum deposit may be required up to an
				amount equal to the total actual bills of the highest two (2) consecutive
				months based on the experience of the preceding twelve (12) months or portion
				of the year, if on a seasonal basis.
B. All deposits may be subject to review
				based on the actual experience of the customer. The amount of the deposit may
				be adjusted upward or downward to reflect the actual billing experience and
				payment habits of the customer.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.2 - Interest on Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Simple
				interest on deposits at the rate as determined by commission Order shall be
				paid by the utility to each customer required to make such deposit for the time
				it is held by the utility, provided that no interest need be paid unless the
				deposit is held longer than six months.
B. The interest shall be accrued annually and
				payment of such interest shall be made to the customer at least every two (2)
				years and at the time the deposit is returned.
C. The deposit shall cease to draw interest
				on the date it is returned, on the date service is terminated, or on the date
				notice is sent the deposit is no longer required to the customer's last known
				address, by bill insert, or by the notice method selected by the sewer utility
				customer and maintained in the customer's records at the sewer
				utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.3 - Deposit Records

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each utility shall keep a record to show:
(a) The name and address of each
				depositor;
(b) The amount and date
				of the deposit; and
(c) Each
				transaction concerning the deposits.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.4 - Deposit Receipt

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each utility shall issue a receipt of deposit to each
				  customer from whom a deposit is received, and shall provide means whereby a
				  depositor may establish the customer's claim if the customer's receipt is
				  lost.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.5 - Deposit Retention

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Deposits shall be refunded completely with interest after two
				  years unless the customer has had two consecutive 30-day arrearages or more
				  than two non-consecutive 30-day arrearages in the past 24
				  months.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.6 - Unclaimed Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A record of each unclaimed deposit must be maintained for at
				  least one year during which time the sewerage utility shall make a reasonable
				  effort to return the deposit. Unclaimed deposits, together with accrued
				  interest, shall be turned over to the South Carolina State Treasurer as
				  prescribed by law.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-531.7 - Deposit Credit

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Where a customer has been required to make a deposit, this
				  shall not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay the service bills when
				  due. Where such deposit has been made and service has been discontinued for
				  reason of nonpayment of bill, a utility shall apply the deposit of such
				  customer toward the discharge of the customer's account, and shall as soon
				  thereafter as practicable, refund the customer any excess of the deposit. If,
				  however, the customer whose service has been disconnected for nonpayment, pays
				  the arrears on his account within 72 hours after service has been disconnected,
				  and applies for reconnection, the utility may not charge an additional deposit
				  except under the provisions of R.103-531.1.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-532.1 - Customer Bill Forms

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The bill shall show:
(a) The gross and/or net amount of the
				bill;
(b) Person to whom bill is
				sent;
(c) Dates for which bill is
				rendered;
(d) The applicable rate
				schedule, or identification of the rate schedule. If the actual rates are not
				shown, the bill shall carry a statement to the effect that the applicable rate
				schedule will be furnished on request;
(e) Telephone number where utility can be
				contacted during regular office hours and non-office hours;
(f) Date payment is due; and
(g) The telephone number and email address of
				the Office of Regulatory Staff.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-532.2 - Late Payment Charges

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A maximum of one and one-half percent (1 and # 8260;2 %) may
				  be added to any unpaid balance not paid within 25 days of the billing date to
				  cover the cost of collection and carrying accounts in arrears. This method of
				  late-payment charge will be made in lieu of any other
				  penalty.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-532.3 - Payment by Check

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The utility at its option for good cause may refuse to accept
				  a check tendered as payment on a customer's account and require payment in cash
				  or other certified funds. Good cause must be justified by a sewerage utility by
				  evidencing a credit history problem or by evidencing insufficient funds of the
				  utility customer or applicant. For the purposes of this regulation, the
				  sewerage utility may not consider indebtedness that was incurred by the
				  customer or any member of the customer's household more than six (6) years
				  prior to the time of application.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-532.4 - Charges for Disconnection and Reconnection

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Whenever service is disconnected for violation of rules and
				  regulations, nonpayment of bills or fraudulent use of service, or at the
				  request of the customer the utility shall not be required to reconnect such
				  service until any arrearages have been paid and a reconnection fee of
				  two-hundred-fifty dollars ($250.00) has been paid to the utility. A
				  reconnection fee shall be reduced to thirty-five dollars ($35.00) when
				  disconnection has been made by the use of an elder valve or similar
				  device.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-532.5 - Deferred Payment Plan

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The utility shall provide for the arrangement of a deferred
				  payment plan to enable a residential customer to make payment by installments
				  where such customer is unable to pay the amount due for service. The deferred
				  payment plan shall require the affected customer to maintain the customer's
				  account current and pay not less than 1/6 of the outstanding balance for a
				  period not to exceed six months. The outstanding balance may include the late
				  payment charge authorized by R.103-532.2. Service
				  to such customer shall not be terminated unless the utility has informed the
				  customer that such deferred payment plan is available. A deferred payment plan
				  is any agreement to extend or defer a payment cut-off date by more than 5 work
				  days. If a customer fails to conform to the terms and conditions of such
				  deferred payment plan, the utility may terminate service upon fifteen days
				  written notice, with copies of such termination notice mailed to DHEC and the
				  ORS.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-533 - Adjustment of Bills

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
If it is found that a utility has directly or indirectly, by
				  any device whatsoever, demanded, charged, collected or received from any
				  customer a greater or lesser compensation for any service rendered or to be
				  rendered by such utility than that prescribed in the schedules of such utility
				  applicable thereto, then filed in the manner provided in Title 58 of the South
				  Carolina Code of Laws; or if it is found that any customer has received or
				  accepted any service from a utility for a compensation greater or lesser than
				  that prescribed in such schedules; or if, for any reason, billing error has
				  resulted in a greater or lesser charge than that incurred by the customer for
				  the actual service rendered, then the method of adjustment for such overcharge
				  or undercharge shall be provided by the following:
1. Customer Inadvertently Overcharged. If the
				utility has inadvertently overcharged a customer as a result of a misapplied
				schedule or any other human or machine error, the utility shall at the
				customer's option credit or refund the excess amount paid by that customer or
				credit the amount billed as provided by the following:
(a) If the interval during which the customer
				was overcharged can be determined, then the utility shall credit or refund the
				excess amount charged during the entire interval provided that the applicable
				statute of limitations shall not be exceeded.
(b) If the interval during which the customer
				was overcharged cannot be determined, then the utility shall credit or refund
				the excess amount charged during the twelve-month period preceding the date
				when the billing error was discovered.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-534 - Application for Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. All
				applications for sewerage service may be made orally or in writing.
B. The accepted application shall constitute
				a contract between the company and the applicant, obligating the applicant to
				pay for sewerage service in accordance with the utility's tariff currently on
				file with the Public Service Commission and the ORS, and to comply with rules
				and regulations
C. When a customer
				desires to have his service terminated, he must notify the utility and such
				notification may be orally or in writing. The utility shall be allowed a
				reasonable period of time after the receipt of such notice to terminate
				service.
C. When a customer desires
				to have his service terminated, he must notify the utility and such
				notification may be orally or in writing. The utility shall be allowed a
				reasonable period of time after the receipt of such notice to terminate
				service.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-535.1 - Notice Prior to Discontinuance of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Before any sewerage service may be
				discontinued, the utility must give thirty (30) days written notice to the
				customer, by certified mail, verified email, or hand delivered by staff/process
				server unless R.103-535. A is applicable, with
				copies forwarded to the local Bureau of Environmental Health Services and the
				ORS. At the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, the utility shall post a
				second notice by certified mail, verified email, or hand delivered by
				staff/process server to the customer advising that in not less than 10 days nor
				more than 30 days, the service may be discontinued at any time without further
				advance notice. If the physical disconnection of any sewerage service will
				cause an immediate environmental impact, as provided by the South Carolina
				Pollution Control Act or the Federal Clean Water Act, the local Bureau of
				Environmental Health Services of the South Carolina Department of Health and
				Environmental Control and the ORS shall immediately be notified of the action
				and the name and address of the customer. Service will be terminated only on
				Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., unless
				provisions have been made to have someone available to accept payment and
				reconnect service. The utility must inform the customer in the notice that the
				customer can contact the ORS if the customer disputes the discontinuance of
				service. Termination of service may be delayed in case of inclement weather,
				emergencies, or operational conflicts.
B. Upon termination of service, the sewer
				utility shall deliver a final written notice, such as a door hanger at the
				customer's premises. The notice shall notify the customer that the sewer
				service has been disconnected, and any further use of service could cause
				environmental or health impacts. Additionally, the notice shall provide contact
				information for the utility and instructions for reestablishing service. The
				sewer utility shall maintain records of the efforts made to contact such
				customers pursuant to each section of R.
				103-535.1.
C. The sewer utility shall provide a copy of
				the termination notice to any third party identified by the customer upon
				establishment of the service account or at any time thereafter.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-536 - Insufficient Reasons for Denying Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The following shall not constitute sufficient cause for
				  refusal of service to a present or prospective customer.
A. Non-payment for service by a previous
				occupant of the premises to be served, unless such previous occupant shall
				benefit from such new service.
B.
				Failure to pay for merchandise purchased from the utility.
C. Failure to pay for a different type or
				class of public utility service.
D.
				Failure to pay the bill of another customer as guarantor thereof.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-537 - Right of Access

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The
				authorized agents of the utility shall have the right of access to the
				customer's premises, at reasonable hours, for the purpose of inspecting the
				customer's sewerage connections and for any other purpose which is proper and
				necessary in the conduct of the utility's business.
B. When a sewerage line which is property of
				a utility is on the property of a resident in the utility's service area which
				is on file with the ORS, the resident shall provide reasonable access to the
				utility for maintenance thereof. Any damage done to the property by the utility
				shall be corrected by the restoration of comparable grass, shrubbery, and trees
				from nursery stock to conform with the condition before the maintenance process
				began.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-538 - Customer Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				Complaints concerning the charges, practices, facilities, or service of the
				utility shall be investigated promptly and thoroughly. The utility shall keep
				such records of customer complaints as will enable it and ORS to review and
				analyze the utility's procedures and actions. All customer complaints will be
				processed pursuant to R.103-516 and
				R.103-530.F.
B. When the ORS has
				notified the utility that a complaint has been received concerning a specific
				account and such complaint has been received by the ORS before service is
				terminated, the utility shall not discontinue the service of that account until
				the ORS's investigation is completed and the results have been received by the
				utility. Service shall not be discontinued if the complainant requests in
				writing a hearing before the commission.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 5 - SEWERAGE UTILITIES › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-539 - Tariff's Rules and Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A copy of the utility's tariffs as filed with this commission
				  and provided to the ORS will be on file in the local business offices of the
				  utility and shall be available for public inspection.