S.C. Code Regs. § § 103-442

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

Section 103-442 - 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 gas utility to be hazardous or dangerous.

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

c. Without notice in the event of unauthorized or fraudulent use of gas utility service e.g.:

1. Misrepresentation of the customer's identity.

2. For reconnection of service by customer who has had service discontinued for violation of and/or non-compliance with the commission's regulation 103-442 et seq.

d. Tampering.

After the customer has applied for and/or received service from the gas utility, he shall make every reasonable effort to prevent tampering with the meter and service lines serving his premises. A customer shall notify the gas utility, as soon as possible, of any tampering with, damage to, or removal of any equipment. Tampering with meters or with lines carrying unmetered gas and unauthorized breaking of utility's seals is prohibited by law and shall not be tolerated by the utility. Such meter tampering shall include but shall not be limited to, unassigned meters, or altered meters. Should the utility find that the meter, service line, or seals have been tampered with, the gas 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 damages to the 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 103-432 et seq.

Nothing herein shall prevent the gas utility from instituting appropriate legal actions for violations of and/or non-compliances with the commission's regulation 103-442 et seq.

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 gas utility reasonable access to its equipment.

g. For nonpayment of bill for service rendered provided that the gas utility has made reasonable efforts to effect collection and has complied with the provisions of regulation 103-452.

h. For failure of the customer to provide the gas utility with a deposit as authorized by regulation 103-431.

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permits, certificates, and rights-of-way, as necessary in obtaining service, or in the event such permissions are withdrawn or terminated.

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

k. No gas 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 gas 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 gas 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 gas utility may terminate a customer's service should the customer be in arrears on an account for service at another premises.

S.C. Code Regs. § 103-442

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 Volume 32, Issue No. 5, eff May 23, 2008.