Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 56.71 - Interruption of serviceA public utility may temporarily interrupt service when necessary to effect repairs or maintenance; to eliminate an imminent threat to life, health, safety or substantial property damage; or for reasons of local, State or National emergency.
(1)Interruption with prior notice. When the public utility knows in advance of the circumstances requiring the service interruption, prior notice of the cause and expected duration of the interruption shall be given to customers and occupants who may be affected.(2)Interruption without prior notice. When service is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, notice of the cause and expected duration of the interruption shall be given as soon as possible to customers and occupants who may be affected.(3)Notification procedures. When customers and occupants are to be notified under this section, the public utility shall take reasonable steps, such as personal contact, phone contact and use of the mass media, to notify affected customers and occupants of the cause and expected duration of the interruption.(4)Permissible duration. Service may be interrupted for only the periods of time as are necessary to protect the health and safety of the public, to protect property or to remedy the situation which necessitated the interruption. Service shall be resumed as soon as possible thereafter.The provisions of this § 56.71 adopted June 16, 1978, effective 6/17/1978, 8 Pa.B. 1655; amended April 8, 1983, effective 4/9/1983, 13 Pa.B. 1250; amended October 7, 2011, effective 10/8/2011, 41 Pa.B. 5473.The provisions of this § 56.71 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 331, 501, 504, 1301, 1305, 1401-1419, 1501 and 1504.
This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 56.93 (relating to personal contact); 52 Pa. Code § 65.5 (relating to interruptions of service); and 52 Pa. Code § 69.1601 (relating to general).