(a) Account identification.
- (1) Each utility shall file with the Arkansas Public Service Commission procedures for identifying accounts where service is provided at an address different from the mailing address of the bill.
- (2) The procedures may include requiring landlords to identify themselves as landlords and to identify their tenants by name, address, and account number.
- (3) Without that identification, the utility shall not be required to treat a customer as a tenant unless it has actual knowledge or information that reliably indicates that the person to whom service is provided is a tenant.
(b) Suspension procedures.
- (1) The utility shall not suspend service to an identified account for nonpayment until it sends a suspension notice to the landlord.
(2) If no response is received from the landlord within seven (7) days from the mail date, the utility shall take the following actions:
- (A) Post a suspension notice in conspicuous locations such as near mailboxes, building entrances, exits, and other areas of common usage or mail a suspension notice to all tenants at least fourteen (14) days before suspending service;
- (B) Wait at least thirty (30) days after the due date of the landlord’s bill before suspending service; and
- (C) Allow any tenant to apply for service in the tenant’s name if separate metering is feasible.
- (c) Payment liability. A utility shall not recover from a tenant or condition service to a tenant on the payment of any amounts owed by the landlord to the utility.
Codification Notes: This section was promulgated as Rule 6.19 of the General Service Rules prior to codification in the Code of Arkansas Rules.