reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS › Section 56.283 - Cash deposits; third-party guarantors

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
If an applicant does not establish credit under §
												56.282 (relating to credit
						  standards), the public utility shall provide residential service when one of
						  the following requirements is satisfied:
(1)
Cash deposit.
The
						applicant posts a cash deposit.
(2)
Third-party guarantor.
The applicant furnishes a written
						guarantee from a responsible customer which, for the purposes of this section,
						means a customer who has or can establish credit, under § 56.282, to
						secure payment in an amount equal to that required for cash deposits.
(i) A guarantee must be in writing and state
						the terms of the guarantee.
(ii)
						The guarantor shall be discharged when the applicant has met the terms and
						conditions which apply under §
													§
													56.302 and
						56.303 (relating to deposit hold
						period and refund; and application of deposit to bills).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS › Section 56.284 - Deposits for temporary service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Deposits for applicants for temporary service may be
						  required in accordance with §
												53.82 (relating to
						  deposits).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS › Section 56.285 - Payment of outstanding balance

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may require, as a condition of the
						  furnishing of residential service to an applicant, the payment of any
						  outstanding residential account with the public utility which accrued within
						  the past 4 years from the date of the service request for which the applicant
						  is legally responsible and for which the applicant was billed properly. The
						  4-year limit does not apply if the balance includes amounts that the public
						  utility was not aware of because of fraud or theft on the part of the
						  applicant. An outstanding residential account with the public utility may be
						  amortized over a reasonable period of time. Factors to be taken into account
						  include the size of the unpaid balance, the ability of the applicant to pay,
						  the payment history of the applicant and the length of time over which the bill
						  accumulated. A public utility may not require, as a condition of the furnishing
						  of residential service, payment for residential service previously furnished
						  under an account in the name of a person other than the applicant unless a
						  court, district justice or administrative agency has determined that the
						  applicant is legally obligated to pay for the service previously furnished.
						  Examples of situations include a separated spouse or a cotenant. This section
						  does not affect the creditor rights and remedies of a public utility otherwise
						  permitted by law.
The provisions of this §
														56.285 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.286 (relating to written
							 procedures); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.373 (relating to time for
							 filing an informal complaint).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS › Section 56.287 - General rule

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Once an applicant's application for service is accepted
						  by the public utility, the public utility shall make a bona fide attempt to
						  provide service within 3 business days, provided that the applicant has met all
						  regulatory requirements. A longer time frame is permissible with the consent of
						  the applicant. If the investigation and determination of credit status is
						  expected to take or in fact takes longer than 3 business days commencing the
						  date after the application is made, the public utility shall provide service
						  pending completion of the investigation. If the public utility cannot provide
						  service by the time frames specified in this section, the public utility shall
						  inform the customer of this fact and provide a reasonable estimate of when
						  service will be provided. These requirements do not apply to new service
						  installations and service extensions that require construction of facilities to
						  provide the public utility service.
The provisions of this §
														56.287 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS › Section 56.288 - Payment period for deposits by applicants

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The due date for payment of a deposit or an installment
						  payment toward a deposit, other than an initial installment or a deposit
						  required as a condition for the reconnection of service under §
												56.291(2) 
						  (relating to general rule) may not be less than 21 days from the date of
						  mailing or service on the applicant of notification of the amount due. An
						  applicant may elect to pay any required deposits in three installments: 50%
						  payable upon the determination by the public utility that the deposit is
						  required, 25% payable 30 days after the determination and 25% payable 60 days
						  after the determination. A public utility shall advise an applicant of the
						  option to pay the requested security deposit in installments at the time the
						  deposit is requested. If the applicant chooses to pay the deposit in
						  installments, installment payments must be paid in full by the due date.
						  Failure to pay an installment by the due date is grounds for termination of
						  service as provided in §
												56.321 (relating to authorized
						  termination of service). The applicant retains the option to pay the deposit
						  amount in full anytime before the due date regardless of any deposit
						  installments previously paid.
The provisions of this §
														56.288 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS › Section 56.291 - General rule

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may require an existing customer to
						  post a deposit to reestablish credit under the following circumstances:
(1)
Delinquent accounts
.
						Whenever a customer has been delinquent in the payment of any two consecutive
						bills or three or more bills within the preceding 12 months.
(i) Prior to requesting a deposit under this
						section, the public utility shall give the customer written notification of its
						intent to request a cash deposit if current and future bills continue to be
						paid after the due date.
(A) Notification must
						clearly indicate that a deposit is not required at this time but that if bills
						continue to be paid after the due date a deposit will be required.
(B) Notification may be mailed or delivered
						to the customer together with a bill for public utility service.
(C) Notification must set forth the address
						and phone number of the public utility office where complaints or questions may
						be registered.
(D) A subsequent
						request for deposit must clearly indicate that a customer should register any
						question or complaint about that matter prior to the date the deposit is due to
						avoid having service terminated pending resolution of a dispute. The request
						must also include the address and telephone number of the public utility office
						where questions or complaints may be registered.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › PROCEDURES FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS › Section 56.292 - Payment period for deposits by customers

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The due date for payment of a deposit or any
						  installment payment toward a deposit, other than a deposit required as a
						  condition for the reconnection of service under §
												56.291(2)
						  (relating to general rule), may not be less than 21 days from the date of
						  mailing or service on the customer of notification of the amount due. A
						  customer may elect to pay a required deposit in three installments: 50% payable
						  upon the determination by the public utility that the deposit is required, 25%
						  payable 30 days after the determination and 25% payable 60 days after the
						  determination. A public utility shall advise a customer of the option to pay
						  the requested security deposit in installments at the time the deposit is
						  requested. If the customer chooses to pay the deposit in installments,
						  installment payments must be paid in full by the due date. Failure to pay an
						  installment by the due date is grounds for termination of service as provided
						  in §
												56.321 (relating to authorized
						  termination of service). The customer retains the option to pay the deposit
						  amount in full before the due date regardless of any deposit installments
						  previously paid.
The provisions of this §
														56.292 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.301 - Amount of cash deposit

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Applicants
. A public utility may not require a cash deposit
						from an applicant in excess of the average estimated bill of the applicant for
						a period equal to one billing period plus 1 additional month's service, not to
						exceed 4 months in the case of water and wastewater utilities and 2 months in
						the case of gas, electric and steam heat utilities, with a minimum deposit of
						$5.
(b)
Existing
						customer
. For an existing customer, the cash deposit may not exceed
						the estimated charges for service based on the prior consumption of that
						customer for the class of service involved for a period equal to one average
						billing period plus 1 average month, not to exceed 4 months in the case of
						wastewater utilities and 2 months in the case of gas and steam heat utilities,
						with a minimum of $5.
(c)
Adjustment of deposits
. The amount of a cash deposit may be
						adjusted at the request of the customer or the public utility whenever the
						character or degree of the usage of the customer has materially changed or when
						it is clearly established that the character or degree of service will
						materially change in the immediate future.
The provisions of this §
														56.301 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.302 - Deposit hold period and refund

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A cash deposit shall be refunded under the following
						  conditions:
(1)
Termination or
						discontinuance of service
. Upon termination or discontinuance of
						service, the public utility shall promptly apply the deposit of the customer,
						including accrued interest, to any outstanding balance for public utility
						service and refund or apply the remainder to the customer's account. A transfer
						of service from one location to another within a service area may not be deemed
						discontinuance within the meaning of this chapter.
(2)
Credit established
. When
						a customer establishes credit under §
												56.282 (relating to credit
						standards), the public utility shall refund or apply to the customer's account,
						any cash deposit plus accrued interest.
(3)
Third-party guarantor
.
						When a customer substitutes a third-party guarantor in accordance with §
												56.283(2)
						(relating to cash deposits; third-party guarantors), the public utility shall
						refund any cash deposit, plus accrued interest, up to the limits of the
						guarantee.
(4)
Prompt
						payment of bills
. After a customer has paid bills for service for any
						12 consecutive months without having service terminated and without having paid
						a bill subsequent to the due date or other permissible period as stated in this
						chapter on more than two occasions, the public utility shall refund any cash
						deposit, plus accrued interest.
(5)
Optional refund
. At the option of the public utility, a cash
						deposit, including accrued interest, may be refunded in whole or in part, at
						any time earlier than the time stated in this section.
(6) A public utility shall refund a deposit,
						along with any applicable interest, within 60 days upon determining that the
						customer or applicant from whom a deposit was collected is not subject to a
						deposit under §
												56.282 or §
												56.291 (relating to general
						rule).
The provisions of this §
														56.302 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.283 (relating to cash deposits;
							 third-party guarantors); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.304 (relating to periodic
							 review).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.303 - Application of deposit to bills

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The customer may elect to have a deposit applied to
						  reduce bills for public utility service or to receive a cash
						  refund.
The provisions of this §
														56.303 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.283 (relating to cash deposits;
							 third-party guarantors); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.304 (relating to periodic
							 review).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.304 - Periodic review

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
If a customer is not entitled to refund under §
												56.302 (relating to deposit hold
						  period and refund), the public utility shall review the account of the customer
						  each succeeding billing period and make appropriate disposition of the deposit
						  in accordance with §
												56.302 and §
												56.303 (relating to application of
						  deposit to bills).
The provisions of this §
														56.304 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.305 - Refund statement

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
If a cash deposit is applied or refunded, the public
						  utility shall mail or deliver to the customer a written statement showing the
						  amount of the original deposit plus accrued interest, the application of the
						  deposit to a bill which had previously accrued, the amount of unpaid bills
						  liquidated by the deposit and the remaining balance.
The provisions of this §
														56.305 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.306 - Interest rate

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The public utility shall accrue interest on the deposit
						  until it is returned or credited.
(1)
						Interest shall be computed at the simple annual interest rate determined by the
						Secretary of Revenue for interest on the underpayment of tax under section 806
						of The Fiscal Code (72 P.S. §
													806).
(2) The interest rate in effect when deposit
						is required to be paid shall remain in effect until the date the deposit is
						refunded or credited, or December 31, whichever is later. A deposit initially
						accrues interest at the interest rate in effect at the time the deposit was
						required. This interest rate remains in effect until the end of the calendar
						year.
(3) On January 1 of each
						year, the new interest rate for that year will apply to the deposit. The new
						interest rate will be applied to the deposit for the calendar year starting
						January 1 until December 31 of that same year. Revised interest rates are
						calculated every subsequent January 1 and applied to the deposit until the
						deposit is refunded or applied to the account.
The provisions of this §
														56.306 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter N - CREDIT AND DEPOSITS STANDARDS POLICY › CASH DEPOSITS › Section 56.307 - Application of interest

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Interest shall be paid annually to the customer, or, at
						  the option of either the utility or the customer, shall be applied to service
						  bills.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter O - INTERRUPTION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE › Section 56.311 - Interruption of service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may temporarily interrupt service when
						necessary to effect repairs or maintenance; to eliminate an imminent threat to
						life, health, safety or substantial property damage; or for reasons of local,
						State or National emergency.
(1)
Interruption with prior notice
. When the public utility knows
					 in advance of the circumstances requiring the service interruption, prior
					 notice of the cause and expected duration of the interruption shall be given to
					 customers and occupants who may be affected.
(2)
Interruption without prior
					 notice
. When service is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances,
					 notice of the cause and expected duration of the interruption shall be given as
					 soon as possible to customers and occupants who may be affected.
(3)
Notification procedures
.
					 When customers and occupants are to be notified under this section, the public
					 utility shall take reasonable steps, such as personal contact, phone contact
					 and use of the mass media, to notify affected customers and occupants of the
					 cause and expected duration of the interruption.
(4)
Permissible duration
.
					 Service may be interrupted for only the periods of time necessary to protect
					 the health and safety of the public, to protect property or to remedy the
					 situation which necessitated the interruption. Service shall be resumed as soon
					 as possible thereafter.
The provisions of this §
													56.311 amended under the Public
						  Utility Code,
						  66 Pa.C.S. §
														§
														501,
						  1301,
						  1401-1419,
						  1501 and
						  1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
													56.333 (relating to personal
						  contact).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter O - INTERRUPTION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE › Section 56.312 - Discontinuance of service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may discontinue service without prior
						written notice under the following circumstances:
(1)
Customer's residence
.
					 When a customer requests a discontinuance at the customer's residence, when the
					 customer and members of the customer's household are the only
					 occupants.
(2)
Other
					 premises or dwellings
. Other premises or dwellings as follows:
(i) When a customer requests discontinuance
					 at a dwelling other than the customer's residence or at a single meter
					 multifamily residence, whether or not the customer's residence but, in either
					 case, only under either of the following conditions:
(A) The customer states in writing that the
					 premises are unoccupied. The statement must be on a form conspicuously bearing
					 notice that information provided by the customer will be relied upon by the
					 Commission in administering a system of uniform service standards for public
					 utilities and that any false statements are punishable criminally. When the
					 customer fails to provide a notice, or when the customer has falsely stated the
					 premises are unoccupied, the customer shall be responsible for payment of
					 public utility bills until the public utility discontinues service.
(B) The occupants affected by the proposed
					 cessation inform the public utility orally or in writing of their consent to
					 the discontinuance.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION › Section 56.321 - Authorized termination of service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Public utility service to a dwelling may be terminated
						  for one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Nonpayment of an undisputed delinquent
						account.
(2) Failure to post a
						deposit, provide a guarantee or establish credit.
(3) Unreasonable refusal to permit access to
						meters, service connections and other property of the public utility for the
						purpose of maintenance, repair or meter reading.
(4) Unauthorized use of the public utility
						service delivered on or about the affected dwelling.
(5) Failure to comply with the material terms
						of a payment agreement.
(6) Fraud
						or material misrepresentation of identity for the purpose of obtaining public
						utility service.
(7) Tampering with
						meters or other public utility equipment.
(8) Violating tariff provisions on file with
						the Commission so as to endanger the safety of a person or the integrity of the
						energy delivery system of the public utility.
The provisions of this §
														56.321 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.288 (relating to payment period
							 for deposits by applicants); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.292 (relating to payment period
							 for deposits by customers); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56 Appendix
							 D (relating to definitions ( §
							 56.231(d)).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION › Section 56.322 - Timing of termination

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Except in emergencies-which include unauthorized use of
						  public utility service-service may not be terminated, for nonpayment of charges
						  or for any other reason, during the following periods:
(1) On Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
(2) On a bank holiday or on the day preceding
						a bank holiday.
(3) On a holiday
						observed by the public utility or on the day preceding the holiday. A holiday
						observed by a public utility means any day on which the business office of the
						public utility is closed to observe a legal holiday, to attend public utility
						meetings or functions or for any other reason.
(4) On a holiday observed by the Commission
						or on the day preceding the holiday.
The provisions of this §
														56.322 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.422 (relating to personnel
							 available to restore service).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.332 - Notice when dispute pending

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may not mail or deliver a notice of
						  termination if a notice of initial inquiry, dispute, informal or formal
						  complaint has been filed and is unresolved and if the subject matter of the
						  dispute forms the grounds for the proposed termination. A notice mailed or
						  delivered in contravention of this section is void.
The provisions of this §
														56.332 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.261 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.266 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.340 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.393 (relating to termination
							 pending resolution of the dispute).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.334 - Procedures immediately prior to termination

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Immediately preceding the termination of service, a
						  public utility employee, who may be the public utility employee designated to
						  perform the termination, shall attempt to make personal contact with a
						  responsible adult occupant at the residence of the customer.
(1)
Termination prohibited in certain
						cases.
If evidence is presented which indicates that payment has been
						made, a serious illness or medical condition exists, or a dispute or complaint
						is properly pending or if the employee is authorized to receive payment and
						payment in full is tendered in any reasonable manner, then termination may not
						occur. However, if the disputing party does not pay all undisputed portions of
						the bill, termination may occur.
(2)
Methods of payment.
Payment in any reasonable manner includes payment by personal check unless the
						customer within the past year has tendered a check which has been returned for
						insufficient funds or for which payment has been stopped.
The provisions of this §
														56.334 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.261 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.266 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.331 (relating to general notice
							 provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.335 (relating to deferred
							 termination when no prior contact); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.340 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.357 (relating to termination
							 upon expiration of medical certification); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.393 (relating to termination
							 pending resolution of the dispute).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.335 - Deferred termination when no prior contact

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
If a prior contact has not been made with a responsible
						  adult occupant either at the residence of the customer, as required under
						  §
												56.334 (relating to procedures
						  immediately prior to termination) or at the affected dwelling, the employee may
						  not terminate service but shall conspicuously post a termination notice at the
						  residence of the customer and the affected dwelling, advising that service will
						  be disconnected not less than 48 hours from the time and date of
						  posting.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.261 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.266 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.331 (relating to general notice
							 provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.340 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.357 (relating to termination
							 upon expiration of medical certification); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.393 (relating to termination
							 pending resolution of the dispute).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.336 - Post-termination notice

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When service is actually terminated, notice that
						  reflects the requirements in §
												56.331 (relating to general notice
						  provisions and contents of termination notice) as well as a medical emergency
						  notice in the form which appears in Appendix B (relating to medical emergency
						  notice) shall be delivered to a responsible adult occupant at the residence of
						  the customer or conspicuously posted at the affected
						  premises.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.261 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.266 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.331 (relating to general notice
							 provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.357 (relating to termination
							 upon expiration of medical certification); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.393 (relating to termination
							 pending resolution of the dispute).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.337 - Procedures upon customer or occupant contact prior to termination

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) If, after the
						issuance of the initial termination notice and prior to the actual termination
						of service, a customer or occupant contacts the public utility concerning a
						proposed termination, a public utility shall fully explain the following:
(1) The reasons for the proposed
						termination.
(2) The available
						methods for avoiding a termination, including the following:
(i) Tendering payment in full or otherwise
						eliminating the grounds for termination.
(ii) Entering a payment agreement.
(iii) Paying what is past-due on the most
						recent previous company negotiated or Commission payment agreement.
(3) Information about the public
						utility's universal service programs, including the customer assistance
						program. Refer the customer or applicant to the universal service program of
						the public utility to determine eligibility for a program and to apply for
						enrollment in a program.
(4) The
						medical emergency procedures.
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.338 - Exception for terminations based on occurrences harmful to person or property

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
						  when a service termination is based on an occurrence which endangers the safety
						  of any person or may prove harmful to the energy delivery system of the public
						  utility, the public utility may terminate service without written notice so
						  long as the public utility reasonably believes grounds to exist. At the time of
						  termination, the public utility shall make a bona fide attempt to deliver a
						  notice of termination to a responsible adult occupant at the affected premises
						  and, in the case of a single meter, multiunit dwelling, shall conspicuously
						  post the notice at the dwelling, including common areas when
						  permissible.
The provisions of this §
														56.338 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.261 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.266 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.333 (relating to personal
							 contact); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.340 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.393 (relating to termination
							 pending resolution of the dispute); and 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56 Appendix D
							 (relating to definitions ( §
							 56.231(d)).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.339 - Use of termination notice solely as collection device prohibited

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may not threaten to terminate service
						  when it has no present intent to terminate service or when actual termination
						  is prohibited under this chapter. Notice of the intent to terminate shall be
						  used only as a warning that service will in fact be terminated in accordance
						  with the procedures under this chapter, unless the customer or occupant
						  remedies the situation which gave rise to the enforcement efforts of the public
						  utility.
The provisions of this §
														56.339 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.266 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.358 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the
							 Commission).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.351 - General provision

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may not terminate service, or refuse
						  to restore service, to a premises when a licensed physician, nurse practitioner
						  or physician assistant has certified that the customer or an applicant seeking
						  reconnection of previously terminated service under §
												56.421 (relating to payment and
						  timing) or a member of the customer's or applicant's household is seriously ill
						  or afflicted with a medical condition that will be aggravated by cessation of
						  service. The customer or applicant shall obtain a letter from a licensed
						  physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant verifying the condition
						  and promptly forward it to the public utility. The determination of whether a
						  medical condition qualifies for the purposes of this section resides entirely
						  with the physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant and not with the
						  public utility. A public utility may not impose any qualification standards for
						  medical certificates other than those listed in this section.
The provisions of this §
														56.351 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.355 (relating to restoration of
							 service).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.352 - Postponement of termination pending receipt of certificate

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
If, prior to termination of service, the public utility
						  employee is informed that an occupant is seriously ill or is affected with a
						  medical condition which will be aggravated by a cessation of service and that a
						  medical certification will be procured, termination may not occur for at least
						  3 days. If a certification is not produced within that 3-day period, the public
						  utility may resume the termination process at the point when it was
						  suspended.
The provisions of this §
														56.352 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.354 (relating to length of
							 postponement; renewals).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.353 - Medical certifications

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Certifications initially may be written or oral,
						  subject to the right of the public utility to verify the certification by
						  calling the physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, or to require
						  written verification within 7 days. Public utilities may develop a medical
						  certificate form but may not make its use mandatory. A medical certificate form
						  developed by the public utility shall be made readily available. Medical
						  certificates may be electronically transmitted and electronic signatures are
						  valid. Certifications, whether written or oral, must include all of the
						  following:
(1) The name and address of
						the customer or applicant in whose name the account is registered.
(2) The name and address of the afflicted
						person and the relationship to the customer or applicant.
(3) The anticipated length of the
						affliction.
(4) The name, office
						address and telephone number of the certifying physician, nurse practitioner or
						physician assistant.
(5) If a
						written certificate is provided, the signature of the certifying physician,
						nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
The provisions of this §
														56.353 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.354 (relating to length of
							 postponement; renewals).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.354 - Length of postponement; renewals

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Service may not be terminated for the time period
						  specified in a medical certification. The maximum length of the certification
						  shall be 30 days.
(1)
Time
						period not specified
. If no length of time is specified or if the time
						period is not readily ascertainable, service may not be terminated for at least
						30 days.
(2)
Renewals
. Certifications may be renewed in the same manner and
						for the same time period as provided in §
												§
												56.352 and
						56.353 (relating to postponement
						of termination pending receipt of certificate; and medical certifications) and
						this section if the customer has met the obligation under §
												56.356 (relating to duty of
						customer to pay bills). In instances when a customer has not met the obligation
						in §
												56.356 to equitably make payments
						on all bills, the number of renewals for the customer's household is limited to
						two 30-day certifications filed for the same set of arrearages. In these
						instances, the public utility is not required to honor a third renewal of a
						medical certificate and is not required to follow §
												56.358(3)
						(relating to right of public utility to petition the Commission). The public
						utility shall apply the dispute procedures in §
												§
												56.381 and
						56.382 (relating to public utility
						company dispute procedures). When the customer eliminates these arrearages, the
						customer is eligible to file new medical certificates.
The provisions of this §
														56.354 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.355 (relating to restoration of
							 service).
Pennsylvania Code › Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES › Part I - Public Utility Commission › Subpart C - Fixed Service Utilities › Chapter 56 - STANDARDS AND BILLING PRACTICES FOR RESIDENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE › Subchapter P - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.355 - Restoration of service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When service is required to be restored under this
						  section and §
												§
												56.351,
						  56.354,
						  56.356-56.358 and
						  56.421, the public utility shall
						  make a diligent effort to have service restored on the day of receipt of the
						  medical certification. In any case, service shall be reconnected within 24
						  hours. Each public utility shall have employees available or on call to restore
						  service in emergencies.
The provisions of this §
														56.355 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.