§ 56.286. Written procedures.
A public utility shall establish written procedures for determining the credit status of an applicant. A public utility employee processing applications or determining the credit status of applicants shall be supplied with or have ready access to a copy of the written procedures of the public utility. The written procedures must specify that there are separate procedures and standards for victims with a protection from abuse order or a court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this Commonwealth which provides clear evidence of domestic violence. The procedures must also specify that any applicant that is, based upon household income, confirmed to be eligible for a customer assistance program is not required to pay a deposit. A copy of these procedures shall be maintained on file in each of the business offices of the public utility and made available, upon request, for inspection by members of the public and the Commission and be included on the public utility’s web site.
(1) Reasons for denial of credit. If credit is denied, the public utility shall inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial within 3 business days of the denial. This information may be provided electronically to the applicant with the applicant’s consent. If the public utility is requiring payment of an unpaid balance in accordance with § 56.285 (relating to payment of outstanding balance), the public utility shall specify in writing the amount of the unpaid balance, the dates during which the balance accrued, and the location and customer name at which the balance accrued. The statement must inform the applicant of the right to furnish a third-party guarantor in accordance with § 56.283 (relating to cash deposits; third-party guarantors) and the right to contact the Commission. The statement must include information informing victims of domestic violence with a protection from abuse order or a court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this Commonwealth which provides clear evidence of domestic violence that more lenient credit and liability standards may be available. The statement must also inform the applicant that if he or she is, based upon household income, confirmed to be eligible for a customer assistance program, a deposit is not required. The public utility shall inform the applicant or customer of the procedures and documentation necessary to qualify for an exemption from a security deposit requirement.
(2) Informing applicants of procedures. Public utility personnel shall fully explain the credit and deposit procedures of the public utility to each customer or applicant for service.
(3) Third-party requests for service. Requests from third parties to establish public utility service on behalf of an applicant will not be honored until the public utility has verified the legitimacy of the request. Verification may be accomplished by any means appropriate to confirm that the applicant consents to service being established or that the third-party is authorized to act on the applicant’s behalf.
Authority The provisions of this § 56.286 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 1301, 1401—1419, 1501 and 1509.
Source The provisions of this § 56.286 amended May 31, 2019, effective June 1, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 2815. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (359036) to (359037).
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