(B) Disconnection of
service for tampering or unauthorized reconnection.
(1) An electric utility may disconnect
service for safety reasons without prior notice to a customer in either of the
following circumstances:
(a) The electric
service meter, metering equipment, or associated property was damaged,
interfered or tampered with, displaced, or bypassed.
(b) A person not authorized by the electric
utility has reconnected service.
(2) Each electric utility that has
disconnected service under this paragraph shall tag or seal the customer's
meter and hand deliver a written notice to the customer or consumer at the
service location. If no adult customer or consumer is present, each electric
utility shall attach written notice to a conspicuous place on the premises.
When an electric utility reasonably believes that tagging or sealing the meter,
hand delivering a notice, or posting a notice may jeopardize employee safety,
it shall promptly mail the notice, return receipt requested, to the customer or
occupant. The notice shall clearly display each of the following items:
(a) An explanation that service was
disconnected because one of the following circumstances was found:
(i) The meter, metering equipment and/or
electric utility property was tampered with.
(ii) A person not authorized by the electric
utility reconnected the customer's service.
(b) The electric utility's telephone number
of the electric utility's office.
(c) A statement that the customer may contest
the disconnection by contacting an electric utility representative at the
telephone number provided.
(d) A
statement that, if the customer does not contest the disconnection, the
electric utility is not required to restore service until the customer has
provided satisfactory assurances that such tampering or unauthorized
reconnection has ceased and has paid or made satisfactory arrangements to pay
the electric utility an amount that the electric utility calculates for
unmetered service, any defaulted amount, any damage to the electric utility's
equipment or meter, any security deposit (consistent with rule
4901:1-10-14
of the Administrative Code), and any tariffed reconnection and investigation
charges.
(e) A statement that the
staff is available to render assistance, and the commission's current address,
toll-free and TTY numbers of the commission's call center, and the commission's
website.
(3) If the
customer meets with the electric utility to contest the disconnection, the
electric utility shall timely mail or deliver its decision to the customer. If
the electric utility's decision is that service can be reconnected, the
electric utility may notify the customer by telephone to arrange for
reconnection.