Section 15-310. GROUNDS FOR DISCONNECTION

 

310.1A Utility may disconnect service for any of the following reasons:

 

(a)The Customer does not pay;

 

(b)The Customer does not enter into a DPA or breaches an applicable   DPA;

 

(c)Service is being used but no occupant or other person has applied for Customer status at the location; 

 

(d)There is unauthorized use, diversion or interference with utility service on or about the customer’s premises;

 

(e)The Customer fails to allow access to the premises to inspect, service, install, replace, read, or remove a Meter or remote recording device or allow access to other equipment, when the Utility has requested access in writing;

 

(f)There is an unsafe condition or an adverse effect on the integrity of an energy or telecommunications delivery system or violation of a government statute, regulation or Commission-approved Tariff provision;

 

(g)The Utility has reason to believe that there is fraud or that the Customer has misrepresented his or her identity in order to obtain Utility service;

(h)Application for utility service was made in the name of an individual who is not an occupant of the dwelling unit without disclosure of the individual’s actual address and without written authorization by such individual;

(i)Application for utility service was made in the name of a third party without disclosing that fact or without bona fide authority from the third party;

 

(j)Application was made by an individual for the purpose of assisting another occupant of a dwelling unit to avoid payment of that occupant’s prior outstanding bill;

 

(k)Application was made by an individual who cannot legally enter into or contract for service, such as an un-emancipated minor; or

 

(l)Failure to comply with an order of the Commission.

 

310.2A Natural Gas or Electric Utility shall not initiate Disconnection of service or disconnect service without the consent of the Customer in the following circumstances:

(a)The amount overdue stated on the Disconnection notice includes an unpaid amount owed from a different Account, unless the amount was properly transferred to the Customer's Account balance; or an amount owed from Estimated Bills, unless the Utility has attempted reasonable alternatives to obtain a reading of the Meter; or

 

(b)Failure of a Customer to pay for merchandise, appliances or nonresidential Utility services. 

 

310.3Disconnection of natural gas or electric utility service for non-payment of

bills, failure to post a cash Security Deposit, or failure to comply with the terms of a DPA where natural gas or electricity is used as the primary source of heating the residence is prohibited:

 

(a)On any day when the National Weather Service forecast for the following 24 hours for the District of Columbia forecasts that the temperature will be thirty-two (32°) degrees Fahrenheit or below; or

 

(b)On any day preceding a holiday or a weekend when the National Weather Service forecast indicated that the temperature will be thirty-two (32°) degrees Fahrenheit or below during the holiday or weekend.

 

authority

The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (“Commission”) pursuant to D.C. Official Code, 2001 Ed. § 2-505 and § 34-802.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 25 DCR 10381, 10405 (June 1, 1979); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 10014 (September 26, 2008); as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 12494 (December 12, 2008).

EditorNote

Formerly 15 DCMR § 310, "Grounds for Termination."