1. (a)

   1. (1) Electric and gas utilities must provide levelized billing plans for qualifying residential customers.
   2. (2) When a customer applies for the plan, the utility shall explain the plan and give the explanation to the customer in writing.

2. (b)

   1. (1) A levelized billing plan is not a delayed payment agreement.

   2. (2) If a customer on a levelized billing plan becomes delinquent, a utility may:

      1. (A) Remove the customer from the levelized billing plan; and
      2. (B) If the customer qualifies, offer the customer a delayed payment agreement.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Utilities shall file levelized billing plans as a tariff for Arkansas Public Service Commission approval.

   2. (2) A plan must meet the following standards:

      1. (A) Applicants must be told about levelized billing plans when they apply for service;
      2. (B) Qualifying customers may enter the plan at any time;
      3. (C)

4. (i) A utility may charge an Arkansas Public Service Commission-approved processing fee if a customer withdraws from a plan more than one (1) time in twelve (12) months.

   1. (ii) The amount of the processing fee shall be set forth in the utility’s tariffed schedule of fees and charges;

      1. (D) When a customer withdraws from a levelized billing plan, the customer shall have the option of paying the account balance in full or, if qualified, under a delayed payment agreement;
      2. (E) When a levelized billing customer terminates utility service, the utility shall refund any net credit by check; and

      3. (F)

         1. (i) When a levelized billing customer withdraws from the plan, the utility shall refund any credit within thirty (30) days.
         2. (ii) The utility may refund an overpayment by billing credit unless the customer requests otherwise.

Codification Notes: This section was promulgated as Rule 5.10 of the General Service Rules prior to codification in the Code of Arkansas Rules.