1. (a) When an emergency condition, as described in (b) below, exists and when it is necessary under the circumstances to do so, the distribution utility may disconnect the customer-generator’s net-metered facility and electric service.

2. (b) An emergency condition shall have occurred when the interconnection represents a condition which:

   1. (1) Is likely to result in imminent significant disruption of service to the distribution utility’s customers;
   2. (2) Is imminently likely to endanger life or property;
   3. (3) Constitutes emergency or pre-emergency conditions on the utility system;
   4. (4) Constitutes a hazardous condition; or
   5. (5) Reveals that a protective device tampering has occurred on the customer-generator’s facility.

3. (c) The distribution utility may open the disconnect switch or disconnect the customer-generator’s service, as applicable, after notice to the customer-generator has been delivered and a reasonable time to correct the condition, consistent with the conditions, has elapsed, if:

   1. (1) The customer-generator has failed to make available records of required verification tests, and, in the case of a non-inverter-interfaced facility, maintenance of its protective devices;

   2. (2) The customer-generator’s net-metered facility impedes:

      1. a. The normal use of distribution utility equipment or equipment belonging to other distribution utility customers in a negative manner; or
      2. b. The normal quality of service of other customers in a negative manner; or
   3. (3) The customer-generator’s net-metered facility has been modified so that it is not in compliance with Puc 900.

4. (d) When the customer-generator has corrected the problem and restored the net-metered facility to compliance with Puc 900 and notifies the distribution utility of such compliance, the utility shall:

   1. (1) Within 2 business days provide:

      1. a. Written verification to the customer-generator of such compliance; or
      2. b. Written notice to the customer-generator of the specifics of any continued non­compliance; and
   2. (2) When the system is in compliance, reconnect, or allow re-connection, as soon as possible under the circumstances.
5. (e) The customer-generator may reconnect the net-metered facility to the electric distribution system in coordination with the distribution utility, upon receipt of verification as provided in (d) above, if the customer-generator, upon the utility’s request or otherwise, disconnected itself from the distribution system.

6. (f) If the distribution utility disconnects the customer-generator’s net-metered facility as a result of one of the emergency conditions described in (b) above, it shall notify the customer-generator of the disconnection:

   1. (1) Within 24 hours of the disconnection; or
   2. (2) As soon as possible in circumstances where a widespread emergency or other significant extenuating circumstances preclude utility personnel contacting the customer-generator within the 24-hour period.
7. (g) If the emergency referred to in (a) above was not caused by the net-metered facility, then the distribution utility shall reconnect the facility upon cessation of the emergency.

8. (h) Notwithstanding any special notification and reconnection requirements for customer-generators established by this part, the distribution utility shall not be required to provide for special notification or reconnection for a customer-generator that differs from its usual and regular policies and protocols in a disconnection situation, if:

   1. (1) The disconnection is not for reasons associated with the net-metered facility; and
   2. (2) The distribution utility does not open the customer-generator’s disconnect switch or pull the customer-generator’s meter.
9. (i) If the emergency referred to in (a) above was caused by the net-metered facility, then the distribution utility shall communicate the nature of the problem to the customer-generator within 5 days, and attempt to resolve the issue with the customer-generator.
10. (j) Within 30 days of the disconnection referred to in (h) above, the distribution utility shall file a disconnection petition with the commission if the distribution utility and the customer-generator have not reached a mutually agreed-upon resolution.

11. (k) Non-emergency disconnections of the net-metered facility by a distribution utility shall follow the same process as emergency disconnections of such systems, except that the utility shall:

    1. (1) Provide the customer-generator no less than 5 business days’ prior notice of the disconnection; and
    2. (2) Describe in detail in the notice to the customer-generator the reasons for the disconnection.
12. (l) If the net-metered facility is not the reason for the disconnection, the distribution utility shall reconnect the system as soon as the activity, such as line maintenance, necessitating the disconnection, ceases.
13. (m) When a utility disconnects a customer-generator’s net-metered facility, the customer-generator may file a complaint with the commission at any time after disconnection.
14. (n) If a disconnection complaint is filed with the commission, the commission shall hold a hearing on the matter within 30 days and rule on whether the net-metered facility has violated a condition necessary for it to operate.
15. (o) In any hearing referred to in (n) above, the disconnecting utility shall have the burden of proof.
16. (p) A customer-generator shall not re-close a disconnect device which has been opened and tagged by its distribution utility, or attempt to re-install a pulled meter without the prior permission of the distribution utility, or in the event of a dispute, the commission.
17. (q) A customer-generator shall be allowed to disconnect the net-metered facility from the distribution utility without prior notice in order to self-generate, but shall notify the distribution utility as soon as practical following disconnection.

Source. #7424, eff 1-12-01; ss by #9353, INTERIM, eff 1-12-09, EXPIRED: 7-11-09 New. #9515, eff 7-18-09; ss by #9998, eff 9-20-11; ss by #13080, eff 9-14-20