1. (a) If, after the issuance of the initial termination notice and prior to the actual termination of service, a customer or occupant contacts the public utility concerning a proposed termination, a public utility shall fully explain:

   1. (1) The reasons for the proposed termination.

   2. (2) All available methods for avoiding a termination, including the following:

      1. (i) Tendering payment in full or otherwise eliminating the grounds for termination.
      2. (ii) Entering a payment arrangement.
      3. (iii) Paying what is past-due on the most recent previous company negotiated or Commission payment arrangement.
   3. (3) Information about the public utility’s universal service programs, including the customer assistance program. Refer the customer or applicant to the universal service program of the public utility to determine eligibility for a program and to apply for enrollment in a program.
   4. (4) The medical emergency procedures.

2. (b) The public utility shall exercise good faith and fair judgment in attempting to enter a reasonable payment arrangement or otherwise equitably resolve the matter. Factors to be taken into account when attempting to enter into a reasonable payment arrangement include the size of the unpaid balance, the ability of the customer to pay, the payment history of the customer and the length of time over which the bill accumulated. Payment arrangements for heating customers shall be based upon budget billing as determined under § 56.12(8) (relating to meter reading; estimated billing; customer readings). If a payment arrangement is not established, the company shall further explain the following:

   1. (1) The right of the customer to file a dispute with the public utility and, thereafter, an informal complaint with the Commission.
   2. (2) The procedures for resolving disputes and informal complaints, including the address and telephone number of the Commission: Public Utility Commission, Box 3265, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-3265, (800) 692-7380.
   3. (3) The duty of the customer to pay any portion of a bill which the customer does not dispute.

Authority

The provisions of this § 56.97 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 331, 501, 504—506, 1301, 1305, 1401—1419, 1501, 1504 and 1509.

Source

The provisions of this § 56.97 adopted June 16, 1978, effective June 17, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 1655; amended September 22, 1978, effective September 23, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 2632; amended April 8, 1983, effective April 9, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 1250; amended July 17, 1998, effective August 17, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 3379; amended October 7, 2011, effective October 8, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 5473; amended May 31, 2019, effective June 1, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 2815. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (358981) to (358982).

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 56.11 (relating to billing frequency); 52 Pa. Code § 56.16 (relating to transfer of accounts); 52 Pa. Code § 56.17 (relating to advance payments); 52 Pa. Code § 56.72 (relating to discontinuance of service); 52 Pa. Code § 56.81 (relating to authorized termination of service); 52 Pa. Code § 56.91 (relating to general notice provisions and contents of termination notice); 52 Pa. Code § 56.118 (relating to right of public utility to petition the Commission); 52 Pa. Code § 56.164 (relating to termination pending resolution of the dispute); and 52 Pa. Code § 62.2 (relating to definitions).