Explanation For Denial Of Service To Applicant (Rule 301)

01. Explanation to Applicant. If the utility intends to deny service to an applicant under Rule 302, the utility will notify the applicant verbally or in writing why the utility will deny service. The utility will advise the applicant what action(s) the applicant will take to receive service, and that if there is a dispute, the applicant may file an informal or formal complaint with the Commission. (7-1-24) 02. Written Notice. If service is currently being provided to the premises occupied by an applicant, the utility will provide written notice of its refusal to serve pursuant to Rule 312. (7-1-24) 302. GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OR TERMINATION OF SERVICE WITH PRIOR NOTICE (RULE 302). 01. Reasons for Denial or Termination of Service. A utility may deny or terminate service to a customer or applicant without the customer’s or applicant’s permission, but only after adequate notice has been given in accordance with these rules, for one (1) or more of the following reasons: (7-1-24) a. With respect to undisputed past due bills the customer or applicant: (7-1-24) i. Failed to pay; (7-1-24) ii. Paid with a dishonored check; or (7-1-24) iii. Made an electronic payment drawn on an account with insufficient funds. (7-1-24) b. The customer or applicant failed to make a security deposit or an installment payment on a deposit where it is required. (7-1-24) c. The customer or applicant failed to abide by the terms of a payment arrangement. (7-1-24) d. The utility has determined that information provided by the customer or applicant is materially false or materially misrepresents the customer's or applicant's true status. (7-1-24) e. The customer or applicant denied or willfully prevented the utility’s access to the meter. (7-1-24) f. The utility determines that the customer is willfully wasting or interfering with service to the customer or other customers through improper equipment or otherwise. (7-1-24) g. The applicant or customer is a minor not competent to contract as described in Sections 29-101 and 32-101, Idaho Code. (7-1-24) 02. No Obligation to Connect Service. Nothing in this rule requires the utility to connect service for a customer or applicant who owes money on an existing account or from a previous account if the unpaid bill is for service provided within the past four (4) years. (7-1-24) 303. GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OR TERMINATION OF SERVICE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE (RULE 303). A utility may deny or terminate service without prior notice to the customer or applicant and without the customer’s or applicant’s permission for one (1) or more of the following reasons: (7-1-24) 01. Dangerous Conditions. A condition immediately dangerous or hazardous to life, physical safety, or property exists, or if necessary to prevent a violation of federal, state or local safety or health codes. (7-1-24) 02. Order to Terminate Service. The utility is ordered to terminate service by any court, the Commission, or any other duly authorized public authority. (7-1-24) IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 31.21.01 Idaho Public Utilities Commission Utility Customer Relations Rules Section 304 Page 12 03. Illegal Use of Service. The service is obtained, diverted or used without the authorization or knowledge of the utility. (7-1-24) 04. Unable to Contact Customer. The utility has tried diligently to meet the notice requirements of Rule 304, but has been unsuccessful in its attempts to contact the customer affected. (7-1-24) 304. REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS BEFORE TERMINATION OF SERVICE (RULE 304). 01. Initial Notice. If the utility intends to terminate service to a customer under Rule 302, the utility will send to the customer written notice of termination mailed at least seven (7) calendar days before the proposed date of termination. Written notice may be provided by electronic mail (i.e. e-mail) if the customer is billed electronically and separately consents in writing to receiving electronic notification. This written notice will contain the information required by Rule 305. (7-1-24) 02. Final Notice. The utility shall mail a final written notice to the customer at least three (3) calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, before the proposed date of termination. When the utility mails a written notice at least twenty-four (24) hours before the proposed date of termination, the utility must diligently attempt to contact the customer affected, either in person or by telephone, to advise the customer of the proposed action and steps to take to avoid or delay termination. This final notice will contain the same information required by Rule 305. (7-1-25) 03. Additional Notice. If service is not terminated within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the proposed termination date as specified in a written notice the utility will again provide notice under Subsections 304.01 and 304.02 if it still intends to terminate service. (7-1-24) 04. Failure to Pay. No additional notice of termination is required if, upon receipt of a termination notice, the customer: (7-1-24) a. Makes a payment arrangement and subsequently fails to keep that arrangement; (7-1-24) b. Tenders payment with a dishonored check; or (7-1-24) c. Makes an electronic payment drawn on an account with insufficient funds. (7-1-24)