S.C. Code Regs. § § 103-735.1

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 103-735.1 - Procedures for Termination of Service

(A) Service may be terminated for non-payment of a bill, provided that the water utility has made a reasonable attempt to effect collection and has given the customer written notice, sent by regular mail to the customer's billing address, that the customer has ten days in which to make settlement on the customer's account or have the customer's service disconnected. Service will be terminated only on Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., unless provisions have been made to have someone available to accept payment and reconnect service.

(B) Service may be terminated for non-payment of any connection charge properly imposed by the utility and owed by the customer provided that the utility has made a reasonable attempt to effect collection and has given the customer 30 days written notice, sent by certified mail to the customer's billing address, with a copy forwarded to the ORS. A connection charge owed by a third party or a previous occupant or owner of premises is not deemed to be owed by the current customer, and that current customer's service may not be disconnected under such circumstances. At the expiration of the 30 day period, the utility shall post a second notice by certified mail to the customer advising that in not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days, the customer's service may be disconnected at any time without further notice. The utility must inform the customer in the notice that the customer can contact the ORS if the customer disputes the discontinuance of service.

(C) Upon termination of service, the water utility shall deliver a final written notice, such as a door hanger, at the customer's premises. The notice shall notify the customer that service has been disconnected and shall provide contact information for the utility, Office of Regulatory Staff, and instructions for reestablishing service. The water utility shall maintain records of the efforts made to contact the customers pursuant to section 103-735.1. Termination of service may be delayed in case of inclement weather, emergencies, or operational conflicts.

(D) The water utility shall provide a copy of the termination notice to any third party identified by the customer upon establishment of the service account or at any time thereafter.

S.C. Code Regs. § 103-735.1

Added by State Register Volume 18, Issue No. 3, eff March 25, 1994; State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 5, eff May 25, 2007; State Register Volume 48, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/24/2024.