Okla. Admin. Code § 165:45-11-18

Current through Vol. 42, No. 7, December 16, 2024

Section 165:45-11-18 - Exceptions to Section regarding discontinuance of service

Notwithstanding any other Section regarding disconnection of service, a utility may at any time disconnect service without notice and without delaying disconnection of service as prescribed in other Sections of this Part, if:

(1) It reasonably believes that such action is necessary to correct a condition that poses a health or safety hazard to the consumer, the general public, or the equipment of the utility. Prior to or immediately upon disconnection of service, the utility shall make a good faith effort to notify the consumer of the reason for disconnection either by telephone, electronic notification to customers who make an affirmative election to receive electronic notification of such information, by personal contact, or notice left at the premises.

(2) For the purpose of essential repair, maintenance, or testing of utility equipment, the utility shall make such efforts as are reasonable under the circumstances to minimize the adverse effects of disconnection of service and to inform affected consumers prior to disconnection of service.

(3) The utility may disconnect for unauthorized use of gas accomplished through bypassing of the utility's measuring equipment or tampering with pipes, meters, or any other utility equipment or obtaining service without a contract. Prior to or immediately upon disconnection of service, the utility shall make a good faith effort to notify the consumer of the reason for disconnection either by telephone, electronic notification to customers who make an affirmative election to receive electronic notification of such information, personal contact, or notice left at the premises. If service is disconnected under this paragraph, the utility may require the consumer to pay the following applicable charges before service is restored:

(A) The applicable charges for reconnecting service prescribed in the utility's approved tariffs.

(B) The amount due for unmetered or unpaid usage, when such usage can be determined exactly. If the exact usage cannot be determined, the utility may compute the charge for the estimated usage based on historical usage from the date the consumer became an occupant or user or began unauthorized use.

(C) The cost associated with the disconnection, testing, repair, or replacement of any damaged equipment.

Okla. Admin. Code § 165:45-11-18

Amended at 12 Ok Reg 2129, eff 7-1-95; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 1808, eff 7-1-05

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 31, Issue 24, September 2, 2014, eff. 9/12/2014