reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-338 - Deposit Credit

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Where a customer has been required to make a guarantee
				  deposit, this shall not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay the
				  service bills when due. Where such deposit has been made and service has been
				  discontinued for reason of non-payment of bill, or otherwise, an electrical
				  utility shall apply the deposit of such customer toward the discharge of such
				  account and shall, as soon thereafter as practicable, refund the customer any
				  excess of the deposit. If, however, the customer whose service has been
				  disconnected for non-payment, pays the full amount billed within seventy-two
				  hours after service has been disconnected and applies for reconnection, the
				  electrical utility may not charge an additional deposit except under the
				  provisions of regulation 103-332.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-339 - Customer Billing

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The electrical utility shall bill each customer as promptly
				  as possible following the reading of the meter and render a receipt of payment
				  upon request.
1. New Service. Meters
				shall be read at the initiation and termination of any service and billing
				shall be based thereon.
2. Bill
				Forms. The bill shall show:
a. The reading of
				the meter at the beginning and at the end of the period for which the bill is
				rendered.
b. The date on which the
				meter was read, and the date of billing and the latest date on which it may be
				paid without incurring a penalty, and the method of calculating such
				penalty.
c. The number and kind of
				units metered.
d. The applicable
				rate schedule, or identification of the applicable rate schedule. If the actual
				rates are not shown, the bill shall carry a statement to the effect that the
				applicable rate schedule will be furnished on request.
e. Any estimated usage shall be clearly
				marked with the word "estimate" or "estimated bill".
f. Any conversions from meter reading units
				to billing units or any information necessary to determine billing units from
				recording or other devices, or any other factors used in determining the bill.
				In lieu of such information on the bill, a statement must be on the bill
				advising that such information can be obtained by contacting the electrical
				utility's local office.
g. Amount
				for electrical usage (base rate).
h. Amount of South Carolina Sales Tax
				(dollars and cents).
i. Total
				amount due.
j. Number of days for
				which bill is rendered or beginning and ending dates for the billing
				period.
k. The telephone number and
				email address of the Office of Regulatory Staff.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-340 - Adjustment of Bills

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
If it is found that an electrical utility has directly or
				  indirectly, by any device whatsoever, demanded, charged, collected or received
				  from any customer a greater or lesser compensation for any service rendered or
				  to be rendered by such electrical utility than that prescribed in the schedules
				  of such electrical utility applicable thereto, then filed in the manner
				  provided in Chapter 27 of Title 58 of the South Carolina Code of Laws; or if it
				  is found that any customer has received or accepted any service from an
				  electrical utility for a compensation greater or lesser than that prescribed in
				  such schedules; or if, for any reason, billing error has resulted in a greater
				  or lesser charge than that incurred by the customer for the actual service
				  rendered, then the method of adjustment for such overcharge or undercharge
				  shall be as provided by the following:
1. Fast or Slow Meters. If the overcharge or
				undercharge is the result of a fast or slow meter, then the method of
				compensation shall be as follows:
a. In case
				of a disputed account, involving the accuracy of a meter, such meter shall be
				tested upon request of the customer, as specified in 103-370(2).
b. In the event that the meter so tested is
				found to have an error in registration of more than two (2) per cent, the bills
				will be increased or decreased accordingly, but in no case shall such a
				correction be made for more than sixty (60) days.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-341 - Applications for Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Method.
				Applications for service may be oral or in writing.
2. Obligation. The applicant shall, at the
				option of the electrical utility, be required to sign a service agreement or a
				contract. In the absence of such service agreement or contract, the accepted
				application shall constitute a contract between the electrical utility and the
				applicant, obligating the applicant to pay for service in accordance with the
				electrical utility's tariff or rate schedule currently on file with the
				commission and the ORS, and to comply with the commission's and the electrical
				utility's rules and regulations governing service supplied by the electrical
				utility.
3. Termination. When a
				customer desires to have his service terminated, he must notify the electrical
				utility; such notification may be oral or in writing. The electrical utility
				shall be allowed a reasonable period of time after the receipt of such a notice
				to take a final reading of the meter and to discontinue service.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-342 - Reasons For Denial or Discontinuance of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Unless otherwise stated, a customer shall be allowed a
				  reasonable time in which to correct any discrepancy which may cause
				  discontinued service. Service may be denied or discontinued for any of the
				  following reasons:
a. Without notice
				in the event of a condition determined by the electrical utility to be
				hazardous or dangerous.
b. Without
				notice in the event of customer's use of equipment in such a manner as to
				adversely affect the electrical utility's service to others.
c. Without notice in the event of
				unauthorized or fraudulent use, excluding tampering, of the electrical
				utility's service, i.e.:
1. Misrepresentation
				of the customer's identity.
2. For
				reconnection of service by customer who has had service discontinued for
				violation of and/or noncompliance with the commission's regulation 103-342, et
				seq.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-343 - Insufficient Reasons for Denying Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The following shall not constitute cause for refusal of
				  service to a present or prospective customer:
a. Nonpayment for services by a previous
				occupant of the premises to be served, unless such previous occupant shall
				benefit from such new service.
b.
				Failure to pay for merchandise purchased from the electrical utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-344 - Right of Access

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Authorized agents of the electrical utility shall have the
				  right of access to premises supplied with electric service, at reasonable
				  hours, for the purpose of reading meters, maintenance, repair, and for any
				  other purpose which is proper and necessary in the conduct of the electrical
				  utility's business. Such agents shall, upon request of a customer, produce
				  proper identification and inform the customer of the purpose of necessary
				  access to the occupied premises.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-345 - Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Complaints
				concerning the charges, practices, facilities, or service of the electrical
				utility shall be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and professionally. The
				electrical utility shall keep such records of customer complaints to include
				the name and address of the complainant, the date and character of the
				complaint, and the adjustment or disposal made thereof as will enable it to
				review and analyze its procedures and actions.
B. When the ORS has notified the electrical
				utility that a complaint has been received concerning a specific account, the
				electrical utility shall refrain from discontinuing the service of that account
				until the ORS's investigation is completed and the results have been received
				by the electrical utility. Service shall not be discontinued if the complainant
				requests in writing a hearing before the commission within fifteen days of the
				ORS mailing the results of the ORS investigation, along with a copy of
				regulation 103-345, to the complainant. If the complainant does not file the
				complaint with the commission within fifteen days, service can be
				discontinued.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-346 - Rates for Service, Rate Schedules, Rules and Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Copies of all schedules of rates for service, forms of
				  contracts for service, charges for service connections and of all rules and
				  regulations covering the relations of customer and electrical utility, shall be
				  provided to the ORS and the commission by each electrical utility and approved
				  by the commission in the office of the commission. Complete schedule, contract
				  forms, rules and regulations, etc., as filed with and approved by the
				  commission, shall also be on file in the local offices of the electrical
				  utility and shall be available for inspection by the public.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-347 - System Which Electrical Utility Must Maintain

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each electrical utility, unless specifically relieved by the
				  commission from such obligation, shall operate and maintain in a safe,
				  efficient and proper condition all of the facilities and equipment used in
				  connection with the regulation, measurement and electric service to any
				  customer up to and including the point of delivery into the facilities owned by
				  that customer.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-348 - System Extensions

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each electrical utility shall be obligated to comply with all
				  requests for service in accordance with its schedules of rates and service
				  rules and regulations on file with the commission and the ORS within areas
				  assigned to it by the commission and within three-hundred feet of its lines as
				  they existed on the date of assignment.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-349 - Replacement of Meters

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Whenever a customer requests the replacement of an electric
				  meter on his premises, such request shall be treated as a request for the test
				  on such meter, and, as such, shall fall under the provisions of regulation
				  103-373.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-350 - Service Entrance Changes

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Whenever a customer requests the electrical utility to
				  relocate the electrical utility's service entrance, the electrical utility may
				  require reasonable charges to cover the cost incurred to be paid prior to
				  relocation.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-351 - Temporary Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
When the electrical utility renders temporary service to a
				  customer, it may require that the customer bear all the cost of installing and
				  removing the service in excess of any salvage realized.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 4 - CUSTOMER RELATIONS › Section 103-352 - Procedures for Termination of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Prior to the termination of electric service pursuant to
				  R.103-342 e.-m., the following
				  procedures shall be employed by the electrical utility.
a. Not less than ten (10) days prior to
				termination of service, the electrical utility shall mail a notice of
				termination to the affected customer. The notice of termination of service
				shall include, as a minimum, the following information:
1. Address, telephone number and working
				hours of the person(s) to be contacted by the customer for the arrangement of a
				personal interview with an employee of the electrical utility with the
				authority to accept full payment or make other payment arrangements.
2. The total amount owed by the customer for
				electrical services rendered, the date and amount of the last payment and the
				date by which the customer must either pay in full the amount outstanding or
				make satisfactory arrangements for payment by installments of such
				amount.
3. Special Needs Customers.
a. A statement that service to a residential
				customer who qualifies as a special needs account customer shall only be
				terminated in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. Section
				58-27-2510 et. seq., as amended.
				All electrical utilities shall publish their procedures for termination of
				service on their websites.
b. The
				statement that service to a residential customer during the months of December
				through March will not be terminated where such customer, or a member of the
				customer's household at the premises to which service is rendered, can furnish
				to the utility, no less than (3) days prior to termination of service or to the
				terminating crew at time of termination, a certificate on a form provided by
				the utility and signed by a licensed physician, that termination of electric
				service would be especially dangerous to such person's health. Such certificate
				must be signed by the customer and state that such customer is unable to pay by
				installments. A certification shall expire on the thirty-first day from the
				date of execution by the physician. Such certification may be renewed no more
				than three (3) times for an additional thirty (30) day period each. Upon
				renewal of the certification, the electrical utility shall advise the customer
				that he may wish to call the local social service agency to determine what
				public or private assistance may be available to the
				customer.
4. The
				availability of investigation and review of any unresolved dispute by the ORS
				Staff and include the ORS's toll free telephone number.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-360 - Requirements for Good Engineering Practice

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The electric plant of an electrical utility shall be
				  constructed, installed, maintained and operated in accordance with good
				  engineering practice to assure, as far as reasonably possible, continuity of
				  service, uniformity in the quality of service, and the safety of persons and
				  property.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-361 - Acceptable Standards

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Unless otherwise specified by the commission, after hearing
				  if requested, the electrical utility shall use the applicable provisions of the
				  latest edition, Part 2, of the "National Electrical Safety Code", as minimum
				  standards of accepted good engineering practice.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 5 - ENGINEERING › Section 103-362 - Acceptable

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Part 2 of the "National Electrical Safety Code" (latest
				  edition), is considered by the commission to be an acceptable reference.
New additions to Part 2 of the National Electrical Safety
				  Code shall become effective six months after the date of final approval by the
				  American National Standards Institute unless a request for a hearing has been
				  granted by the commission.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTIONS AND TESTS › Section 103-370 - Electrical Utility Inspection and Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each electrical utility shall make such tests as are
				  prescribed under these rules with such frequency and in such manner and at such
				  places as is herein provided or requested by the ORS or as may be approved or
				  ordered by the commission.
1. All
				electric meters shall be tested and calibrated under the applicable periodic or
				sample testing plan as prescribed by the American National Standards Institute
				(ANSI) Standard C12 - Code for Electricity Metering. Results from sample-tested
				meters shall be communicated to the ORS on an annual basis.
2. Meter Testing on Request of Customers.
A. Each electrical utility shall, at any time
				(when requested in writing by a customer) upon reasonable notice, test the
				accuracy of the meter in use by the customer.
B. No deposit or payment shall be required
				from the customer for such meter test except when a customer requests a meter
				test within one year after date of installation or the last previous test of a
				meter, in which case the customer shall be required upon request by the
				electrical utility to deposit the estimated cost of the test, but not to exceed
				$15.00 without approval of the commission. The amount so deposited with the
				electrical utility shall be refunded or credited to the customer, if the meter
				is found, when tested, to register more than 2% fast or slow, otherwise the
				deposit shall be retained by the electrical utility.
C. A customer may request to be present when
				the electrical utility conducts the test on the customer's meter, or if the
				customer desires, may send a representative appointed by the customer. The
				electrical utility shall honor such request.
D. A report giving the name of the customer
				requesting the test; the date of the request; the location of the premises
				where the meter has been installed; the type, make, size, and serial number of
				the meter; the date of removal; the date tested; and the result of the test
				shall be kept by the electrical utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTIONS AND TESTS › Section 103-371 - ORS Inspections and Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The ORS shall make tests of meters as follows:
a. Upon written request to the commission or
				ORS by a customer or an electrical utility, a test will be made of the
				customer's meter as soon as practicable.
b. On receipt of such request, the ORS shall
				notify the electrical utility, and the electrical utility shall not knowingly
				remove or adjust the meter until instructed by the ORS. The ORS shall supervise
				the test of the meter, using the standard approved by the commission with such
				standard being compared with the electrical utility's standard. The results of
				the test shall be made available to the customer.
c. The customer shall be notified of the test
				in sufficient time to allow the customer or the customer's representative to be
				present.
d. The ORS shall make a
				written report of the results of the test to the customer and to the electrical
				utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTIONS AND TESTS › Section 103-372 - Facilities and Equipment for Testing

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each electrical utility furnishing metered
				electric service shall, unless specifically excused by the commission, provide
				and have available such meter laboratory, standard meters, instruments and
				facilities as may be necessary to make the tests required by these rules or
				other orders of the commission or as requested by the ORS, together with such
				portable indicating electrical testing instruments, watt-hour testing meters,
				and facilities of suitable type and range for testing service watt-hour meters,
				voltmeters and other electrical equipment, used in its operation, as may be
				deemed necessary and satisfactory to the commission or the ORS.
B. All portable indicating electrical testing
				instruments such as voltmeters, ammeters and wattmeters, when in regular use
				for testing purposes, shall be checked against suitable reference standards
				whenever used in testing service meters of the electrical utility.
C. When the size of the electrical utility is
				such that it is more economical to contract for meter testing, such procedure
				is authorized provided the contract work is done by a recognized meter testing
				laboratory.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 6 - INSPECTIONS AND TESTS › Section 103-373 - Test Procedures and Accuracies

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Method of Determining Average Error of
				Meters.
A. Field testing the average error of
				a service watt-hour meter shall be determined as follows: The error at Light
				Load, here defined as approximately 10% of the rated capacity (Test Amperes) of
				the meter, shall be determined by taking the average of at least two errors
				determined from as many separate tests on the same Light Load, which error must
				agree within one-half percent (1/2 %).
In the same manner, the error at Full Load, here defined as
				  approximately the rated capacity (Test Amperes) of the meter, shall be
				  determined. The average error of the meter shall then be determined by taking
				  the average error at Light Load plus four times the error at Full Load (Test
				  Amperes) and dividing this sum by five, proper consideration being taken of the
				  sign of the two errors.
B.
				Meter Shop Testing--When an electronic test board is used, the average error of
				a watt-hour meter shall be determined as follows: The error at Light Load, here
				defined as approximately 10% of the rated capacity (Test Amperes) of the meter,
				shall be determined. The error at Full Load, here defined as approximately the
				rated capacity of the meter or Test Amperes, shall be determined. The average
				error of the meter shall then be determined by taking the error at Light Load
				plus four times the error at Full Load (Test Amperes) and dividing this sum by
				five, proper consideration being taken of the sign of the two errors.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-380 - Quality of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each electrical utility shall provide the best possible
				  service that can be reasonably expected from the facilities of that electrical
				  utility. When the quality or quantity of service falls below what can be
				  reasonably expected, the electrical utility shall, as soon as practicable,
				  provide the proper service.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-381 - Interruption of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each
				electrical utility shall make all reasonable efforts to avoid interruptions of
				service, but when interruptions occur, service shall be re-established within
				the shortest time practicable, consistent with safety of its employees,
				customers, and of the general public.
B. Planned interruptions shall be made at a
				time that will not cause unreasonable inconvenience to customers and shall be
				preceded by a reasonable attempt to give adequate notice to those who will be
				affected.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-382 - Restrictions on the Use of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. The electrical utility may impose
				reasonable restrictions on the use of electric service during periods of
				shortage of supply, excessive demand or other difficulty which jeopardizes the
				supply of service to any group of customers.
B. The electrical utility may impose
				reasonable restrictions on the use of electric service by customers who create
				conditions which prevent the electrical utility from supplying satisfactory
				service to that customer, or to other customers.
C. If an electrical utility finds that it is
				necessary to restrict the use of electric service, it shall notify its
				customers and give the commission written notice, except in emergencies, before
				such restriction becomes effective. Such notification shall specify:
1. The reason for restriction.
2. The nature and extent of the restriction,
				i.e., amount and time of use by certain classes of customers, etc.
3. The date such restriction is to go into
				effect.
4. The probable date of
				termination of such restriction.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 7 - STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF SERVICE › Section 103-383 - Special Tests

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The electrical utility shall conduct such special and regular
				  tests of its generating transmission and distribution plant as will enable the
				  electrical utility to provide the best service possible at the most reasonable
				  cost to the customers of the electrical utility.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-390 - Acceptable Standards

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
As criteria of accepted good safety practice of the
				  electrical utility, the commission shall use the applicable provisions of the
				  standards listed in regulation 103-361.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-391 - Protective Measures

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each
				electrical utility shall exercise reasonable care to reduce the hazards to
				which its employees, its customers and the general public may be
				subjected.
B. The electrical
				utility shall give reasonable assistance to the ORS in the investigation of the
				cause of incidents and shall give reasonable assistance to the commission and
				the ORS in the determination of suitable means of preventing
				incidents.
C. Each electrical
				utility shall maintain a summary of all reportable incidents arising from its
				operations. (See regulation 103-315.)
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 3 - ELECTRIC SYSTEMS › Subarticle 8 - SAFETY › Section 103-392 - Safety Program

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each electrical utility shall adopt and execute a safety
				  program, fitted to the size and type of its operations. As a minimum, the
				  safety program should:
a. Require
				employees to use suitable tools and equipment in order that they may perform
				their work in a safe manner.
b.
				Instruct employees in safe methods of performing their work.
c. Instruct employees who, in the course of
				their work, are subject to the hazard of electrical shock, asphyxiation, or
				drowning, in accepted methods of artificial respiration.
d. Establish liaison with appropriate public
				officials, including fire and police officials in anticipation of a potential
				emergency.
e. Establish an
				educational program to enable customers and the general public to recognize and
				report an electrical emergency to the appropriate officials.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-400 - Authorization of Rules

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Section
				58-5-210
				of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, provides: "That the Public Service
				Commission is hereby, to the extent granted, vested with power and jurisdiction
				to supervise and regulate the rates and service of every 'Public Utility' in
				this State as defined in this Act, together with the power, after hearing, to
				ascertain and fix such just and reasonable standards, classifications,
				regulations, practices and measurements of service to be furnished, imposed,
				observed and followed by every public utility in this State, and the State
				hereby asserts its rights to regulate the rates and services of every 'Public
				Utility' as herein defined."
In accordance with the above provisions, the Public Service
				  Commission has adopted the following Rules and Regulations and fixed the
				  following standards for gas service. All previous rules or standards are hereby
				  revoked, annulled, and superseded.
B. The adoption of these rules shall in no
				way preclude the Public Service Commission from altering, amending or revoking
				them in whole or in part, or from requiring any other or additional service,
				equipment, facility or standard, either upon complaint or upon its own motion,
				or upon the application of any utility.
Furthermore, these rules shall not in any way relieve the
				  commission, the Office of Regulatory Staff, or the utilities of any duties
				  under the laws of this State.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-401 - Application of Rules

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1.
				Jurisdiction. These rules shall apply to any person, firm, partnership,
				association, establishment, or corporation which is now or may hereafter become
				engaged as a public utility in the business of furnishing gas to any gas
				customer within the State of South Carolina, except where municipalities or
				agents thereof, and/or any gas authorities are specifically exempted by
				statute.
2. Purpose. The rules are
				intended to define good practice. They are intended to insure adequate and
				reasonable service. The utilities shall assist the commission in the
				implementation of these rules and regulations.
3. Waiver of Rules. In any case where
				compliance with any of these rules and regulations introduces unusual
				difficulty or where circumstances indicate that a waiver of one or more rules
				or regulations is otherwise appropriate, such rules or regulations may be
				waived by the commission upon a finding by the commission that such waiver is
				not contrary to the public interest.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-403 - Authorization for Rates and Charges

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. All rates, tolls and charges proposed to
				be put into effect by any gas utility shall be first approved by the commission
				before they shall become effective, unless they are exempt from such approval
				by statute, Order of this commission, or other provision of law.
B. No schedule of rates, tolls, or charges
				under jurisdiction of the commission, differing from the approved tariffs or
				rates, shall be changed until after proposed change has been approved by the
				commission.
C. No rates, tolls,
				charges, nor service of any gas utility shall be deemed approved nor consented
				to by mere filing of schedules or other evidence thereof in the offices of the
				commission, unless such proposed adjustment is made in accordance with tariff
				provisions which have previously been approved by the commission.
D. All contracts between any industrial
				customer and any gas utility which establish or adjust rates for that
				industrial customer may become effective as of the dates of the contracts
				unless disapproved or modified by the commission in the public interest. Such
				contracts shall be provided to the ORS and filed with the commission within
				seven (7) days of execution.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-404 - Territory and Certificates

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. No
				public utility supplying gas to the public shall hereafter begin the
				construction or operation of any gas facility, or of any extension thereof,
				without first obtaining from the commission a certificate that public
				convenience and necessity requires or will require such construction or
				operation; such certificate to be granted only after notice to ORS, other
				interested gas utilities and to the public, and after due hearing; provided,
				however, that this regulation shall not be construed to require any such gas
				utility to secure a certificate for any extension within any municipality or
				district within which it has heretofore lawfully commenced operations, or for
				an extension within or to territory already served by it, necessary in the
				ordinary course of its business, or for an extension into territory contiguous
				to that already occupied by it and not receiving similar service from another
				gas utility; but if any gas utility in constructing or extending its lines,
				plant or facilities unreasonably interferes, or is about to unreasonably
				interfere, with the service or system of any other gas utility, the commission
				may make such order and prescribe such terms and conditions in harmony with
				this regulation as are just and reasonable.
B. The term "public utilities supplying gas
				to the public" shall include all utilities supplying gas to the public,
				including natural gas and manufactured gas when such manufactured gas is used
				to supplement flowing gas supply.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 1 - GENERAL › Section 103-405 - Utility Rules and Regulations

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility shall adopt such rules, regulations,
				  practices, service requirements, terms and conditions, etc. as may be necessary
				  in the operation of gas service to its customers which shall be provided to the
				  ORS and filed with and subject to review and order of the commission, unless
				  otherwise specified.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-410 - Location of Records and Reports

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
All records required by these rules or necessary for the
				  administration thereof, shall be kept, at the discretion of the utility, either
				  within this State or in an accessible cloud-based or other electronic records
				  retention system. These records shall be available for examination by the ORS
				  or its authorized representatives at all reasonable hours.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-411 - Retention of Records

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Retention
				Period. Unless otherwise specified by the commission or by regulations
				governing specified activities, all records required by these rules and
				regulations shall be preserved for two years.
2. Test and Inspection Records. A complete
				record shall be kept of all tests and inspections made under these rules as to
				the quality or condition of service which it renders.
3. Contents of Test Records. All records of
				tests shall contain complete information concerning the test, including the
				date, hour, and place where the test was made; the name of the person making
				the test and the result.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-412 - Data to be Filed with the Commission and Provided to the ORS

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1. Annual Report.
				Each gas utility operating in this State shall make an annual report to the
				commission and ORS giving such information as the commission may direct. This
				Annual Report shall include the same information included in FERC Form 2; thus,
				the gas utility can file its FERC Form 2 with the commission and the ORS or an
				Annual Report with the equivalent information.
2. Current Information and Documents. The gas
				utilities shall file with the commission and provide to the ORS the following
				documents and information.
2.1. Tariff. A
				copy of the gas utility's tariff which shall include:
A. A copy of each schedule of rates for
				service, together with applicable riders.
B. A copy of the gas utility's rules or terms
				and conditions, describing the gas utility's policies and practices in
				rendering jurisdictional gas service. These rules shall include:
1. The minimum and maximum heating value of
				the gas in BTU's per cubic foot.
2.
				A list of the classes of items which the gas utility furnishes and maintains on
				the customer's premises, such as service pipe, meters, regulators, vents and
				shutoff valves.
3. A statement
				indicating the minimum number of days allowed for payment of the gross amount
				of the customer's bill before service will be discontinued for
				non-payment.
4. A statement
				indicating the volumetric measurement base to which all sales of gas at other
				than standard delivery pressure are corrected.
C. Tariffs must be filed with the office of
				the Chief Clerk of the commission and, on that same day, provided to the
				Executive Director of the ORS.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-413 - Inspection of Gas Systems

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each
				gas system shall, upon request of the commission or ORS, provide to the ORS a
				statement regarding the condition and adequacy of its plant, equipment,
				facilities and service in such form as the commission or ORS may
				require.
B. Each gas system shall
				keep sufficient records to give evidence of compliance with its inspection
				program.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-414 - Interruption of Service

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility shall keep a record of any condition
				  resulting in any interruption of service affecting its entire system or major
				  division thereof, or any major community or any important division, consisting
				  of at least fifty customers, of a community, including a statement of the time,
				  duration and cause of such interruption. The commission and ORS are to be
				  notified by telephone of any such interruption as soon as practicable after it
				  comes to the attention of the gas utility and a complete written report made to
				  the commission and ORS after restoration of service, if such interruption is
				  more than six hours in duration.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-415 - Incidents

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Each gas system
				shall, as soon as possible, report to the ORS each incident occurring wherein
				there exist either: (a) serious injury or death of any person; (b) property
				damage in excess of $5,000, in the gas system's commercially reasonable
				estimation, including the gas system's cost of lost gas exiting the gas
				system's lines to a customer's meter and the expense to make repairs to its
				facilities or property; or (c) an event that is significant in the judgment of
				the gas system.
B. Each gas system
				shall establish and follow procedures for analyzing, reporting and minimizing
				the possibilities of any future incidents.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-417 - Meter History

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Each gas utility shall maintain records of the following
				  data, where applicable, for each billing meter for so long as such meter is in
				  possession of the gas utility and for at least twelve months thereafter.
a. Date of purchase.
b. The complete identification--manufacturer,
				number, type, size, capacity, multiplier, and constants.
c. The current and last previous locations,
				and the dates of installation at and removal from service at such
				locations.
d. Repairs.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 2 - RECORDS AND REPORTS › Section 103-418 - Meter Test Records and Reports

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A.
				Each gas utility shall maintain records of at least the last two tests made of
				any billing meter. The record of the meter test made at time of the meter's
				retirement shall be maintained for a minimum of two years. Test records shall
				include the following:
1. The date and reason
				for the test.
2. The reading of the
				billing meter before making any test.
3. The accuracy "as found" at check and open
				rated flow (up to 10,000 cfh).
4.
				The accuracy "as left" at check and open rated flow (up to 10,000
				cfh).
5. In the event test of the
				meter is made by using a test meter or a flow prover, the gas utility shall
				retain all data taken at the time of the test in sufficiently complete form to
				permit the convenient form to permit the convenient checking of the test
				methods and the calculations.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-420 - Meter Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
1.
				General. Service shall be measured by meters furnished by the gas utility
				unless otherwise authorized by the commission, and such meters shall maintain
				the degree of accuracy as set forth in regulation 103-423.
2. Measurement. Where applicable, each gas
				meter shall indicate clearly the unit of gas registered by such meter. Where
				gas is metered under high pressure, or where the quantity is determined by
				calculation from recording devices, the gas utility shall, when requested,
				supply the customer with such information as will make clear the method by
				which the quantity is determined.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-421 - Meter Reading

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Unless extenuating circumstances prevent, meters shall be
				  read and bills rendered on a monthly basis of not less than twenty-eight days
				  nor more than thirty-four days.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-422 - Meter Reading Data

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
The meter reading data maintained by the gas utility shall
				  include:
a. Customer's name and
				service address.
b. Identifying
				number and/or description of the meter(s).
c. Meter Readings.
d. If the reading has been
				estimated.
e. Location of meter on
				premises, or special reading instructions, if applicable.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-423 - Meter Accuracy and Condition

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. Every
				gas meter, whether new, repaired, or removed from service, shall be in good
				order before being installed for the use of any customer and shall be correct
				to within the limits prescribed in regulation 103-475(5).
B. Care shall be taken to insure that every
				gas meter being transported or stored to install or test for the use of any
				customer is handled in a manner that will not impair the performance of such
				meter.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-424 - Meter Seal

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
Immediately after the pre-installation tests or field tests
				  of a billing meter or other billing device, a seal or locking device shall be
				  affixed or other means provided, where practical, designed to discourage or
				  reveal tampering or theft of gas.
South Carolina Code of Regulations › Chapter 103 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Article 4 - GAS SYSTEMS › Subarticle 3 - METERS › Section 103-425 - Configuration and Location of Meter

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 6, June 28, 2024
A. No customer's meter shall be configured
				and/or installed in any location where it may reasonably be expected to be
				exposed to damage, impairment or in any unduly dirty or inaccessible
				location.
B. Outdoor meters shall
				be used where practicable.
C. Each
				customer shall provide and maintain at the customer's expense a suitable and
				convenient place, agreeable to the gas system, for the location of meters,
				where the meter will be readily accessible at any reasonable hour for the
				purpose of reading, testing, repairing, etc., and such other appliances owned
				by the gas system and placed on the premises of the customers shall be placed
				as to be readily accessible at such times as are necessary, and the authorized
				agent of the gas system shall have authority to visit such meters and
				appurtenances at such times as are necessary in the conduct of the business of
				the gas system.