Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.140

Current through Vol. 24-21, December 1, 2024

Section R. 460.140 - Form of notice

Rule 40.

(1) A notice of shut off of service shall contain all of the following information:

(a) The name and address of the customer, and the address at which service is provided, if different.

(b) A clear and concise statement of the reason for the proposed shut off of service.

(c) The date on or after which the utility may shut off service, unless the customer takes appropriate action.

(d) That the residential and small nonresidential customer may have the right to enter into a payment plan with the utility for an amount owed to the utility that is not in dispute and that the customer is presently unable to pay in full.

(e) That the residential and small nonresidential customer may have the right to enter into a settlement agreement with the utility if the claim is for an amount that is in dispute.

(f) That the customer has the right to file a complaint disputing the claim of the utility before the proposed date of the shut off of service.

(g) That the customer has the right to request a hearing before a hearing officer if the customer disputes the reasonableness of the payment plan or settlement agreement offered by the utility or if the complaint cannot be otherwise resolved and that the customer must pay to the utility that portion of the bill that is not in dispute within 10 business days of the date that the customer requests a hearing.

(h) That the customer has the right to represent himself or herself, to be represented by counsel, or to be assisted by other persons of his or her choice in the complaint process.

(i) That the utility will not shut off service pending the resolution of a complaint that is filed with the utility or the commission pursuant to these rules.

(j) The telephone number and address of the utility where the customer may make inquiry, enter into a payment plan or settlement agreement, or file a complaint.

(k) That the utility may require a deposit and restoration charge if the utility shuts off service for nonpayment of a delinquent account or for unauthorized use of utility service.

(2) For residential customers a notice of shut off of service shall also contain all of the following information:

(a) A combination utility shall include all of the following information on disconnection notices for eligible low-income customers whose natural gas and electric services are combined:

(i) The amounts for both natural gas and electric service, listed separately.

(ii) That the customer has the option of choosing 1 of his or her services to retain with the appropriate payment.

(iii) That the customer may have the option to enter into a payment plan for both natural gas and electric service, or to retain either natural gas or electric service as chosen by the customer.

(b) That the customer should contact a social services agency immediately if the customer believes he or she might be eligible for an energy assistance program or other emergency economic assistance and should inform the utility of any efforts being made to obtain payment assistance.

(c) That customers who believe they may be eligible for assistance from an energy assistance program should determine if assistance is available before enrolling in a payment plan because many agencies may not provide assistance if shut off is avoided by signing a settlement agreement.

(d) That during the heating season the utility will postpone shut off of service if a customer is an eligible low-income customer that enters into a winter protection payment plan with the utility and the customer provides documentation that the customer is actively seeking emergency assistance from an energy assistance program.

(e) The energy assistance telephone line number at the department of health and human services or an operating 2-1-1 system telephone number.

(f) That the utility will postpone the shut off of service if a certified medical emergency exists at the customer's residence and the customer informs and provides documentation to the utility of that medical emergency.

(g) That the customer should contact the utility for information about a shutoff protection program.

Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.140

2007 AACS; 2017 MR 22, Eff. 12/11/2017