S.C. Code Regs. § § 103-342

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 103-342 - Reasons For Denial or Discontinuance of Service

Unless otherwise stated, a customer shall be allowed a reasonable time in which to correct any discrepancy which may cause discontinued service. Service may be denied or discontinued for any of the following reasons:

a. Without notice in the event of a condition determined by the electrical utility to be hazardous or dangerous.

b. Without notice in the event of customer's use of equipment in such a manner as to adversely affect the electrical utility's service to others.

c. Without notice in the event of unauthorized or fraudulent use, excluding tampering, of the electrical utility's service, i.e.:

1. Misrepresentation of the customer's identity.

2. For reconnection of service by customer who has had service discontinued for violation of and/or noncompliance with the commission's regulation 103-342, et seq.

d. Tampering.

After the customer has applied for and/or received service from the electrical utility, he shall make every reasonable effort to prevent tampering with the meter and service drop serving his premises. A customer shall notify the electrical utility, as soon as possible, of any tampering with, damage to, or removal of any equipment.

Tampering with meters or with conductors carrying unmetered current and unauthorized breaking of electrical utility's seals is prohibited by law and shall not be tolerated by the electrical utility. Such meter tampering shall include but shall not be limited to, unassigned meters, altered meters, upside down meters, or the attachment to a meter or distribution wire of a device, mechanism or wire which would permit the use of unmetered electricity. Should the electrical utility find that the meter, conductors, or seals have been tampered with, the electrical utility shall give notice to the customer of possible discontinuance of service. Service may be continued or reconnected consistent with the following:

1. A customer can stop discontinuance of service or have service reconnected by paying a reasonable charge for an inspection (to insure proper operating conditions), a reasonable reconnect fee, and charges to compensate for any damage to the electrical utility's facilities.

2. A customer's bill may be adjusted to reflect normal usage should any tampering reflect other than normal meter readings and the customer's bill may include the establishment of a deposit in accordance with the commission's regulation 103-332 et seq.

Nothing herein shall prevent the electrical utility from instituting appropriate legal actions for violations and/or noncompliance with the commission's regulations.

e. For failure of the customer to fulfill his contractual obligations for service and/or facilities subject to regulation by the commission.

f. For failure of the customer to permit the electrical utility reasonable access to its equipment.

g. For nonpayment of bill for service rendered provided that the electrical utility has made reasonable efforts to effect collection and has complied with the provisions of regulation 103-352.

h. For failure of the customer to provide the electrical utility with a deposit as authorized by regulation 103-331.

i. For failure of the customer to furnish permits, certificates, and rights-of-way, as necessary to obtain service, or in the event such permissions are withdrawn or terminated.

j. For failure of the customer to comply with reasonable restrictions on the electrical utility's service, provided that notice has been given to the customer and that written notice has been furnished to the commission and the ORS.

k. No electrical utility shall be required to furnish its service or to continue its service to any applicant who, at the time of such application, is indebted or any member of his household is indebted, under an undisputed bill to such electrical utility for service previously furnished such applicant or furnished any other member of the applicant's household. However, for the purposes of this regulation, the electrical utility may not consider any indebtedness which was incurred by the applicant or any member of his household more than six years prior to the time of application.

l. The electrical utility may terminate a customer's service should the customer be in arrears on an account for service at another premise.

m. For the reason that the customer's use of the electrical utility's service conflicts with, or violates orders, ordinances or laws of the State or any subdivision thereof, or of the commission.

S.C. Code Regs. § 103-342

Amended by State Register Volume 5, eff May 22, 1981; State Register Volume 14, Issue No. 3, eff March 23, 1990; State Register Volume 18, Issue No. 3, eff March 25, 1994; State Register 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 2008.