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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION › Section 56.81 - Authorized termination of service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may notify a customer and terminate
						  service provided to a customer after notice as provided in §
												§
												56.91-56.100 (relating to notice
						  procedures prior to termination) for any of the following actions by the
						  customer:
(1) Nonpayment of an
						undisputed delinquent account.
(2)
						Failure to complete payment of a deposit, provide a guarantee of payment or
						establish credit.
(3) Failure to
						permit access to meters, service connections or other property of the public
						utility for the purpose of replacement, maintenance, repair or meter
						reading.
(4) Failure to comply with
						the material terms of a payment arrangement.
The provisions of this §
														56.81 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501,
							 1504 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.32 (relating to security and
							 cash deposits); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.38 (relating to payment period
							 for deposits by applicants); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.42 (relating to payment period
							 for deposits by customers); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.82 (relating to timing of
							 termination); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.91 (relating to general notice
							 provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.100 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56 Appendix C (relating to
							 defintions ( §
														56.231) ); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														65.7 (relating to metered
							 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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION › Section 56.82 - Timing of termination

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility may terminate service for the reasons
						  in §
												56.81 (relating to authorized
						  termination of service) from Monday through Thursday as long as the public
						  utility is able to accept payment to restore service on the day of termination
						  and on the following day and can restore service consistent with §
												56.191 (relating to payment and
						  timing).
The provisions of this §
														56.82 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501,
							 1504 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.192 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.92 - 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 §
														56.92 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.11 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.81 (relating to authorized
							 termination of service); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.100 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.164 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.93 - Personal contact

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) Except when
						authorized under §
												56.71, §
												56.72 or §
												56.98 (relating to interruption of
						service; discontinuance of service; and immediate termination for unauthorized
						use, fraud, tampering or tariff violations), a public utility may not
						interrupt, discontinue or terminate service without attempting to contact the
						customer or responsible adult occupant, either in person, by telephone or
						electronically with the customer's consent, to provide notice of the proposed
						termination at least 3 days prior to the scheduled termination using one of the
						methods in this section. If personal contact by one method is not possible, the
						public utility is obligated to attempt another method.
(1) Phone contact shall be deemed complete
						upon attempted calls on 2 separate days to the residence between the hours of 8
						a.m. and 9 p.m. if the calls were made at various times each day, with the
						various times of the day being daytime before 5 p.m. and evening after 5 p.m.
						and at least 2 hours apart. Calls made to contact telephone numbers provided by
						the customer shall be deemed to be calls to the residence.
(2) If contact is attempted in person by a
						home visit, only one attempt is required. The public utility shall
						conspicuously post a written termination notice at the residence if it is
						unsuccessful in attempting to personally contact a responsible adult occupant
						during the home visit.
(3) Contact
						by e-mail, text message or other electronic messaging format consistent with
						the Commission's privacy guidelines and approved by Commission order. The
						electronic notification option is voluntary and shall only be used if the
						customer has given prior consent approving the use of a specific electronic
						message format for the purpose of notification of a pending termination.
						Electronic contact shall be deemed complete if, after attempted transmittal, no
						message is received indicating that the transmittal was undeliverable or
						otherwise not received. If the public utility receives notification that the
						transmittal was undeliverable or otherwise not received, the public utility
						shall attempt to contact the customer either in person or by telephone,
						consistent with the requirements of this section.
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.94 - 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.
(3)
Dishonorable tender of payment
						after receiving termination notice
. After a public utility has
						provided a written termination notice under §
												56.91 (relating to general notice
						provisions and contents of termination notice) and attempted contact as
						provided in §
												56.93 (relating to personal
						contact), termination of service may proceed without additional notice when:
(i) A customer tenders payment which is
						subsequently dishonored under
						13 Pa.C.S. §
														3502
						(relating to dishonor).
(ii) A
						customer tenders payment with an access device, as defined in
						18 Pa.C.S. §
														4106(d) (relating to access
						device fraud), which is unauthorized, revoked or canceled.
(iii) A customer tenders payment
						electronically that is subsequently dishonored, revoked, canceled or is
						otherwise not authorized and which has not been cured or otherwise paid in full
						within 3 business days of the public utility's dishonored payment notice to the
						customer under § 56.93(a).
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.95 - Deferred termination when no prior contact

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
During the months of December through March, unless
						  personal contact has been made with the customer or responsible adult by
						  personally visiting the customer's residence, a public utility shall, 48 hours
						  prior to the scheduled date of termination, post a notice of the proposed
						  termination at the service location.
The provisions of this §
														56.95 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.11 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.81 (relating to authorized
							 termination of service); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.91 (relating to general notice
							 provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.100 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.117 (relating to termination
							 upon expiration of medical certification); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.164 (relating to termination
							 pending resolution of the dispute); and 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56 Appendix C
							 (relating to defintions ( §
							 56.231)).
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.96 - Post-termination notice

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When service is actually terminated, notice that
						  reflects the requirements in §
												56.91 (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 conspicuously posted or delivered to a responsible adult
						  person or occupant at the residence of the customer and at the affected
						  premises.
The provisions of this §
														56.96 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.2 (relating to definitions); 52
							 Pa. Code §
														56.11 (relating to billing
							 frequency); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.81 (relating to authorized
							 termination of service); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.91 (relating to general notice
							 provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.117 (relating to termination
							 upon expiration of medical certification); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (relating to right of
							 public utility to petition the Commission); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.164 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.97 - 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:
(1) The reasons for the proposed
						termination.
(2) All 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
						arrangement.
(iii) Paying what is
						past-due on the most recent previous company negotiated or Commission payment
						arrangement.
(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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.98 - Immediate termination for unauthorized use, fraud, tampering or tariff violations

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) A
						public utility may immediately terminate service for any of the following
						actions by the customer:
(1) Unauthorized use
						of the service delivered on or about the affected dwelling.
(2) Fraud or material misrepresentation of
						the customer's identity for the purpose of obtaining service.
(3) Tampering with meters or other public
						utility equipment.
(4) Violating
						tariff provisions on file with the Commission which endanger the safety of a
						person or the integrity of the public utility's delivery system.
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.99 - 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 §
														56.99 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.81 (relating to authorized
							 termination of service); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.100 - Winter termination procedures

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Water distribution
						utilities.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, during the
						period of December 1 through March 31, water distribution utilities subject to
						this subchapter may not terminate heat related service between December 1 and
						March 31 except as provided in this section or §
												56.98 (relating to immediate
						termination for unauthorized use, fraud, tampering or tariff
						violations).
(b)
Electric
						distribution and natural gas distribution utilities.
Unless otherwise
						authorized by the Commission, during the period of December 1 through March 31,
						an electric distribution utility or natural gas distribution utility may not
						terminate service to customers with household incomes at or below 250% of the
						Federal poverty level except as provided in this section or in § 56.98.
						The Commission will not prohibit an electric distribution utility or natural
						gas distribution utility from terminating service in accordance with this
						section to customers with household incomes exceeding 250% of the Federal
						poverty level.
(c)
City
						natural gas distribution utility.
In addition to the winter
						termination authority in subsection (b), a city natural gas distribution
						operation may terminate service after January 1 and before April 1 to a
						customer whose household income exceeds 150% of the Federal poverty level but
						does not exceed 250% of the Federal poverty level, and starting January 1, has
						not paid at least 50% of charges for each of the prior 2 months unless the
						customer has done one of the following:
(1)
						Proven in accordance with Commission rules, that the household contains one or
						more persons who are 65 years of age or older.
(2) Proven in accordance with Commission
						rules, that the household contains one or more persons 12 years of age or
						younger.
(3) Obtained a medical
						certification, in accordance with Commission rules.
(4) Paid to the city natural gas distribution
						operation an amount representing at least 15% of the customer's monthly
						household income for each of the last 2 months.
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › NOTICE PROCEDURES PRIOR TO TERMINATION › Section 56.101 - Reserved

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
The provisions of this §
														56.101 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504-506,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1501 and
							 1504; reserved under the
							 Public Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.111 - 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, physician
						  assistant, or nurse practitioner has certified that the customer or an
						  applicant seeking restoration of service under §
												56.191 (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 shall obtain a letter from a licensed physician,
						  physician assistant or nurse practitioner 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 specified in this
						  section.
The provisions of this §
														56.111 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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.112 - 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 where it was
						  suspended.
The provisions of this §
														56.112 amended under the Public
							 Utiltiy Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.114 (relating to length of
							 postponement; renewals); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.115 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.113 - Medical certifications

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Medical certifications must be in writing. Public
						  utilities may develop a medical certificate form. The public utility's medical
						  certificate may not be 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. A medical
						  certificate 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 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) The
						signature of the certifying physician, nurse practitioner or physician
						assistant.
The provisions of this §
														56.113 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501,
							 1504 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.2 (relating to definitions);
							 and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.114 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.114 - 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 §
												§
												56.112 and
						56.113 (relating to postponement
						of termination pending receipt of certificate; and medical certifications) and
						this section if the customer has met the obligation under §
												56.116 (relating to duty of
						customer to pay bills). In instances when a customer has not met the obligation
						in §
												56.116 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 §
												56.118(3)
						(relating to right of public utility to petition the Commission). The public
						utility shall apply the dispute procedures in §
												§
												56.151 and
						56.152 (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 §
														56.114 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504-506,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.115 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.115 - Restoration of service

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When service is required to be restored under this
						  section and §
												§
												56.114,
						  56.116-56.118 and
						  56.191, 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 §
														56.115 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.116 - Duty of customer to pay bills

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Whenever service is restored or termination postponed
						  under the medical emergency procedures, the customer shall retain a duty to
						  make payment on all current undisputed bills or budget billing amount as
						  determined under §
												56.12(8)
						  (relating to meter reading; estimated billing; customer
						  readings).
The provisions of this §
														56.116 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															501,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1509.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.114 (relating to length of
							 postponement; renewals); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.115 (relating to restoration of
							 service); and 52 Pa. Code §
														56.118 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.117 - Termination upon expiration of medical certification

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When the initial and renewal certifications have
						  expired, the original ground for termination shall be revived and the public
						  utility may terminate service without additional written notice, if notice
						  previously has been mailed or delivered within the past 60 days under §
												56.91 (relating to general notice
						  provisions and contents of termination notice). The public utility shall comply
						  with §
												§ 56.93-56.96.
The provisions of this §
														56.117 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.115 (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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › EMERGENCY PROVISIONS › Section 56.118 - Right of public utility to petition the Commission

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a) A public utility may petition the
						Commission for waiver from the medical certification procedures for the
						following purposes:
(1)
Contest the
						validity of a certification
. To request an investigation and hearing
						by the Commission or its designee when the public utility wishes to contest the
						validity of the certification.
(2)
Terminate service prior to expiration of certification
. To
						request permission to terminate service for the failure of the customer to make
						payments on current undisputed bills.
(3)
Contest the renewal of a
						certification
. To request permission to terminate service, under this
						section and §
													§
													56.81-56.83 and
						56.91-56.99 when the customer has not
						met the duty under §
													56.116 (relating to duty of
						customer to pay bills), provided that the public utility has informed the
						customer of that duty under § 56.116.
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 E - TERMINATION OF SERVICE › THIRD-PARTY NOTIFICATION › Section 56.131 - Third-party notification

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Each public utility shall permit its customers to
						  designate a consenting individual or agency which is to be sent, by the public
						  utility, a duplicate copy of reminder notices, past due notices, delinquent
						  account notices or termination notices of whatever kind issued by that public
						  utility. When contact with a third party is made, the public utility shall
						  advise the third party of the pending action and the efforts which shall be
						  taken to avoid termination. A public utility shall institute and maintain a
						  program:
(1) To allow customers to
						designate third parties to receive copies of a customer's or group of
						customers' notices of termination of service.
(2) To advise customers at least annually of
						the availability of a third-party notification program and to encourage its use
						thereof. The public utility shall emphasize that the third party is not
						responsible for the payment of the customer's bills.
(3) To solicit community groups to accept
						third-party notices to assist in preventing unnecessary terminations and
						protecting the public health and safety.
(4) To make available a standard enrollment
						form in compliance with the form in Appendix E (relating to third-party
						notification).
The provisions of this §
														56.131 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56 Appendix
							 C (relating to definitions ( §
							 56.231)).
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › GENERAL PROVISIONS › Section 56.140 - Follow-up response to inquiry

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
When a customer is waiting for a follow-up response to
						  an initial inquiry under §
												56.2 (relating to definitions),
						  termination or threatening termination of service for the subject matter
						  relating to the inquiry in question shall be prohibited until the follow-up
						  response and, when applicable, subsequent dispute resolution is completed by
						  the public utility.
The provisions of this §
														56.140 issued under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 504-506,
							 1301 and
							 1501; amended under the
							 Public Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › GENERAL PROVISIONS › Section 56.141 - Dispute procedures

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A notice of dispute, including termination disputes,
						  must proceed, according to this section:
(1)
Attempted resolution.
If, at any time prior to the actual termination of service, a customer advises
						the public utility that the customer disputes any matter covered by this
						chapter, including, but not limited to, credit determinations, deposit
						requirements, the accuracy of public utility metering or billing or the proper
						party to be charged, the public utility shall attempt to resolve the dispute in
						accordance with §
												56.151 (relating to general
						rule).
(2)
Termination
						stayed.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, when a
						termination dispute or complaint has been properly filed in accordance with
						this subchapter, termination shall be prohibited until resolution of the
						dispute or complaint. However, the disputing party shall pay undisputed
						portions of the bill.
The provisions of this §
														56.141 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts); 52 Pa. Code §
														62.224 (relating to POR programs);
							 and 52 Pa. Code §
														111.13 (relating to customer
							 complaints).
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › GENERAL PROVISIONS › Section 56.142 - Time for filing an informal complaint

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
To be timely filed, an informal complaint-which may not
						  include disputes under §
												§
												56.35 and
						  56.191 (relating to payment of
						  outstanding balance; and payment and timing)-shall be filed prior to the day on
						  which the public utility arrives to terminate service. If the public utility
						  arrives to terminate service and posts a deferred termination notice in lieu of
						  termination or otherwise fails to terminate service, the time for filing an
						  informal complaint shall be extended until the end of the business day prior to
						  the public utility again arriving to terminate service.
The provisions of this §
														56.142 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504-506,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts).
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › GENERAL PROVISIONS › Section 56.143 - Effect of failure to timely file an informal complaint

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Failure to timely file an informal complaint, except
						  for good cause, shall constitute a waiver of applicable rights to retain
						  service without complying with the termination notice or conference report of
						  the public utility.
The provisions of this §
														56.143 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															1401-1419.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.16 (relating to transfer of
							 accounts).
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY DISPUTE PROCEDURES › Section 56.151 - General rule

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
Upon initiation of a dispute covered by this section,
						  the public utility shall:
(1) Not
						issue a termination notice based on the disputed subject matter.
(2) Investigate the matter using methods
						reasonable under the circumstances, which may include telephone or personal
						conferences, or both, with the customer or occupant.
(3) Make a diligent attempt to negotiate a
						reasonable payment arrangement if the customer or occupant is eligible for a
						payment arrangement and claims a temporary inability to pay an undisputed bill.
						Factors which shall be considered in the negotiation of a payment arrangement
						include, but are not limited to:
(i) The size
						of the unpaid balance.
(ii) The
						ability of the customer to pay.
(iii) The payment history of the
						customer.
(iv) The length of time
						over which the bill accumulated.
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY DISPUTE PROCEDURES › Section 56.152 - Contents of the public utility company report

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
A public utility company report must include the
						  following:
(1) A statement of the
						claim or dispute of the customer and a copy thereof if the claim or notice of
						dispute was made in writing.
(2)
						The position of the public utility regarding that claim.
(3) A statement that service will not be
						terminated pending completion of the dispute process, including both informal
						and formal complaints, so long as there is compliance with all requirements of
						the Commission.
(4) A statement
						that if the complaining party does not agree with the public utility company
						report, an informal complaint shall be filed with the Commission to ensure the
						preservation of all of the complaining party's rights.
(5) The office where payment may be made or
						information obtained listing the appropriate telephone number and address of
						the public utility.
(6) A full and
						complete explanation of procedures for filing an informal complaint with the
						Commission (see §
												56.162 (relating to informal
						complaint filing procedures)). If a written report is not requested by the
						complaining party or is not deemed necessary by the public utility, the public
						utility shall provide the information in §
												56.162(1), (2) and
						(5). In addition, the public utility shall
						always provide the telephone number and address of the office of the Commission
						where an informal complaint may be filed.
(7) If the matter in dispute involves a
						billing dispute, the public utility company report must include the following:
(i) An itemized statement of the account of
						the complaining customer specifying the amount of credit, if any, and the
						proper amount due.
(ii) The date on
						or after which the account will become delinquent unless a payment arrangement
						is entered into or an informal complaint is filed with the Commission. This
						date may not be earlier than the due date of the bill or 15 days after the
						issuance of a public utility company report, whichever is later.
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › INFORMAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES › Section 56.161 - Reserved

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.100 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.165 (relating to conference
							 procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														57.257 (relating to disputes
							 concerning advanced metering); and 52 Pa. Code §
														69.265 (relating to CAP design
							 elements).
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › INFORMAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES › Section 56.162 - Informal complaint filing procedures

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
An informal complaint may be filed orally or in writing
						  and must include the following information:
(1) The name and address of the complainant
						and, if different, the address at which service is provided.
(2) The telephone number of the
						complainant.
(3) The account number
						of the complainant, if applicable.
(4) The name of the public utility.
(5) A brief statement of the
						dispute.
(6) Whether the dispute
						formerly has been the subject of a public utility company investigation and
						report. The complainant shall affirm having first contacted the public utility
						for the purpose of resolving the problem about which the complainant wishes to
						file a complaint. If the complainant has not contacted the public utility, the
						Commission shall direct the complainant to the public utility.
(7) Whether the dispute formerly has been the
						subject of a Commission informal or formal complaint.
(8) The date, if any, of proposed
						termination.
(9) The relief
						sought.
The provisions of this §
														56.162 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															501,
							 504-506,
							 1301,
							 1401-1419 and
							 1501.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														3.111 (relating to form and
							 content of informal complaints); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.100 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.152 (relating to contents of
							 the public utility company report); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.165 (relating to conference
							 procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														57.257 (relating to disputes
							 concerning advanced metering); and 52 Pa. Code §
														69.265 (relating to CAP design
							 elements).
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 F - DISPUTES; TERMINATION DISPUTES; INFORMAL AND FORMAL COMPLAINTS › INFORMAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES › Section 56.164 - Termination pending resolution of the dispute

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
In any case alleging unauthorized use of public utility
						  service, as defined in §
												56.2 (relating to definitions), or
						  the customer's failure to pay undisputed bills as required under §
												56.181 (relating to duties of
						  parties; disputing party's duty to pay undisputed portion of bills; public
						  utility's duty to pay interest whenever overpayment found), a public utility
						  may terminate service after giving proper notice in accordance with §
												§
												56.91-56.98, whether or not a dispute is
						  pending.
The provisions of this §
														56.164 amended under the Public
							 Utility Code,
							 66 Pa.C.S. §
															§
															331,
							 501,
							 504,
							 1301,
							 1305,
							 1401-1419,
							 1501 and
							 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code §
														56.100 (relating to winter
							 termination procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														56.165 (relating to conference
							 procedures); 52 Pa. Code §
														57.257 (relating to disputes
							 concerning advanced metering); and 52 Pa. Code §
														69.265 (relating to CAP design
							 elements).