Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-27.9

Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024

Rule 199-27.9 - Customer contribution fund

(1)Applicability and purpose. This rule applies to each electric cooperative and municipal electric utility, as defined in Iowa Code sections 476.1A and 476.1B. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 476.66, each electric cooperative or municipal electric utility shall maintain a program plan to assist the electric cooperative's or municipal electric utility's low-income customers with weatherization and to supplement assistance received under the federal low-income home energy assistance program for the payment of winter heating bills.

(2)Notification. Each electric cooperative or municipal electric utility shall notify all customers of the customer contribution fund at least twice a year. The method of notice which will ensure the most comprehensive notification to the electric cooperative's or municipal electric utility's customers shall be employed. Upon commencement of service and at least once a year, the notice shall be mailed or personally delivered to all customers, or provided by electronic means to those customers who have consented to receiving electronic notices. The other required notice may be published in a local newspaper(s) of general circulation within the service territory of the electric cooperative or municipal electric utility. A utility serving fewer than 6,000 customers may publish its semiannual notices locally in a free newspaper, utility newsletter or shopper's guide instead of a newspaper. At a minimum, the notice shall include:

a. A description of the availability and the purpose of the fund.

b. A customer authorization form. This form shall include a monthly billing option and any other methods of contribution.

(3)Methods of contribution. The electric cooperative or municipal electric utility shall provide for contributions as monthly pledges, as well as one-time or periodic contributions. A pledge by a customer or other party shall not be construed to be a binding contract between the electric cooperative or municipal electric utility and the pledger. The pledge amount shall not be subject to delayed payment charges by the electric cooperative or municipal electric utility. Each electric cooperative or municipal electric utility may allow persons or organizations to contribute matching funds.

(4)Annual report. On or before September 30 of each year, each electric cooperative or municipal electric utility shall file with the board a report of all the customer contribution fund activity for the previous fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The report shall be in a form provided by the board and shall contain an accounting of the total revenues collected and all distributions of the fund. The electric cooperative or municipal electric utility shall report all utility expenses directly related to the customer contribution fund.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-27.9

Adopted by IAB August 25, 2021/Volume XLIV, Number 4, effective 9/29/2021