OAR 860-037-0510. Notice and Approval Requirements Relating to the Sale, Transfer, Merger, Termination, Abandonment, or Disposal of a Wastewater Utility

(1) Approval Requirements: (a) Each wastewater utility must file an application to obtain Commission approval prior to the sale, transfer, or merger of the utility. Application requirements are found in OAR 860-037-0515; (b) Each wastewater utility must file an application to obtain Commission approval prior to terminating, abandoning, or otherwise disposing of the wastewater utility, excluding sales, transfers, or mergers. (2) Notice Requirements: Each wastewater utility shall provide written notification to customers and the Commission of any sale, transfer, merger, termination, abandonment, or disposal of the utility 60 days prior to the closing date of the transaction. The notice shall include the following information: (a) Name, address, and telephone number of the wastewater utility; (b) Purpose of notice; (c) Filing date; (d) Proposed effective date of the transaction. (e) Name, address, and telephone number of potential buyer; (f) Reason(s) for sale, transfer, or merger, termination, abandonment or disposal of the wastewater system; (g) Effect of the transaction upon customers; and (h) The Commission’s Consumer Services Section toll free number: 1-800-522-2404 or TTY 711; mailing address: Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Consumer Services Section, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088; and street address: Public Utility Commission of Oregon, 201 High Street SE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301. (i) In case of termination, abandonment, or disposal of utility, the utility shall also provide an explanation of any alternative water service option(s) to customers. (3) A draft copy of the customer notice must be mailed to the Commission for Utility Division staff review seven business days prior to a customer mailing.