(A) Each electric cooperative must establish written procedures for termination of service due to nonpayment for a special needs account member at any time and for all residential members during weather conditions marked by extremely cold or hot temperatures. Each electric cooperative must submit its procedures to the Office of Regulatory Staff by November 1, 2006. Any subsequent revisions must be submitted semiannually by March first or September first. (B) The procedures for termination must include the following: (1) notification procedures so that the member is made aware of an impending termination and the time within which he must make arrangements for payment prior to termination; (2) arrangements for a payment arrangement plan to enable a residential member, who has a satisfactory payment history as determined by the electric cooperative, to pay by installments where the member is unable to pay the full amount due for electric service; (3) a procedure to advise members who are unable to pay the full amount due or who are not approved for a payment arrangement plan that they may contact local social service agencies to determine the availability of public or private who are unable to pay the full amount due or who are not approved for a payment arrangement plan that they may contact local social service agencies to determine the availability of public or private assistance with the payment of electric bills; (4) a schedule of termination that takes into account the availability of the acceptance of payment and the reconnection of service; and (5) the standards for determining weather conditions marked by extremely cold or hot temperatures. HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 313, Section 3, eff June 1, 2006.
South Carolina Legal Code