In Board Order No. 39/09, the Public Utilities Board (Board) has approved the Conditions Precedent to be followed by municipalities with respect to the disconnection of service for non-payment including such matters as notice and the right to appeal such action to the Public Utilities Board.
Generally, the Conditions Precedent set out the Purpose, Scope, Policy and Procedures utilities should follow with respect to service disconnections, and include a right of customers to appeal a disconnection and involve the Board.
Disconnection, in accordance with the steps outlined in the following policy and procedures may occur if a customer is in arrears, full payment or payment arrangements suitable to the utility have not been made, and if so, such disconnections must occur in conformance with these conditions precedent.
Reconnection, in accordance with the following policy and procedures will occur as soon as it is reasonably possible after the account returns to good standing. This Policy and Procedure does not apply to disconnection practices for routine maintenance of the utility including emergencies.
Late Payment Charges
The Public Utilities Board, in its Board Order 105/04, approved this general Order regarding late payment charges. This Order is applicable to all municipalities with water and/or wastewater utilities with rates regulated by the board. This Order provides the following:
“A late payment charge of 1.25 % shall be charged on the dollar amount owing after the billing due date. The due date will be at least fourteen days after the mailing of the bills”
Board Order No. 39/09 - Review and Variance of Order 127/08, and the Establishment of Revised Conditions Precedent Concerning the Disconnection of Water and/or Wastewater Services for Non-Payment of Accounts.
Boaod Order No. 127/08 - The Public Utilities Board Act - General Order - Service Disconnections by Water and/or Wastewater Utilities.
Board Order No. 105/04 - The Public Utilities Board Act - Water and Wastewater Utilities - General Order - Late Payment Charges