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{"sheet":"General Protections","index":0,"n_rows":27,"n_cols":5,"rows_kept":27,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions"]
["New Orleans Code of Ordinances"]
["Ch. 158, Art. VIII, Div. 2, Sec. 158-1045","Right to safe and reliable service in accordance to industry standards.","Sept. 20, 2007"]
[null,"For residential customers, the right to choose to pay a deposit or obtain a satisfactory credit score in lieu of a deposit on a nondiscriminatory basis. For commercial and industrial customers, the right to choose to pay a deposit or to obtain an irrevocable bank letter of credit or surety bond from a bank or surety company acceptable to the utility."]
[null,"The right to earn interest on any deposit at a rate ordered from time to time by the council."]
[null,"For residential customers, the right to have any deposit returned after 24 months if customer has paid its bills on time for the preceding 12 months or, at any time, if customer discontinues receiving service from the utility and does not have an outstanding balance with the utility."]
[null,"The right to have customer information, including payment history and consumption patterns, kept confidential."]
[null,"The right to receive written notice from the utility at least five days prior to the disconnection of service due to nonpayment. During the five-day period, customer may either make payment or request alternate payment arrangements to avoid disconnection."]
[null,"The right to not have service disconnected when: (1) the temperature for the day is forecast to remain at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or the night-time temperature is forecast to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or (2) if the high temperature for that day is forecast to be 100 degrees F or higher, or (3) if the National Weather Service issues an Excessive heat warning (or such term that reflects a heat index of 115 degrees F or higher) for Orleans Parish for the day. 1 [] Once the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning, the utility is prohibited from reinstating normal disconnect policies for the remainder of the day, regardless of whether the excessive heat warning is subsequently lifted during the day.*",null,"As of June 18, 2001, the National Weather Service (NWS) made a temporary change in terminology used to identify heat events. What had previously been referred to as a \"heat advisory\" is currently referred to as \"excessive heat warning\". (Under the new terminology, \"heat advisory\" is a lower-level bulletin than was previously used.) Accordingly, the company shall adhere to the restrictions on suspension of residential service under the new term \"excessive heat warning\" until such time as the NWS either makes the change permanent or reverts back to the old terminology."]
[null,"The right to have a special medical designation which prohibits service from being disconnected for 30 days if customer is on life support or has another life-sustaining medical treatment system which requires electricity or natural gas. Customer has the right and obligation to provide the utilities written medical certification from a licensed physician as to customer's condition to receive this special designation."]
[null,"The right to not have service disconnected on a weekend, holiday, day before a holiday or Friday after 1:00 p.m."]
[null,"The right to have same-day service for reconnection as long as payment is received by the utility or one of its duly authorized quick pay centers before 7:00 p.m. on the day of the requested reconnection."]
[null,"The right to have a meter that is regularly maintained and accurate. The maintenance and assurance of accuracy is the responsibility of the utility."]
[null,"The right to have the utility test customer's meter as provided for in the customer service regulations."]
[null,"The right to be charged only for actual usage of electricity and gas service based on accurate metering or an estimation process consistent with prudent utility practices as defined in the customer service regulations."]
[null,"The right to have complaints relative to accuracy resolved prior to disconnection so long as during the pendency of the complaint, customer pays the amount currently chargeable for monthly or seasonal period(s) (as appropriate) at issue at customer's level of usage for the corresponding monthly or seasonal period(s) during the prior year, or, in the event such usage is not available, the average usage for the customer class for the corresponding monthly or seasonal period(s), unless the customer and the utility mutually agree to an alternative payment arrangement."]
[null,"The right to not have late fees charged on the portion of a bill that is the subject of a complaint as provided for in the customer service regulations."]
[null,"The right to participate in the customer complaint and dispute resolution process set forth herein."]
["Court Rulings"]
["Richards v. Baton Rouge Water Co., 2013-0873 (La. App. 1 Cir. 3/21/14), 142 So. 3d 1027, 1033","Claims of inadequate service that cause damages in some way are not within LPSC's jurisdiction, but rather with the courts. ","Oct. 2, 2002 and affirmed on March 21, 2014","Issues that can be resolved by the Commission require exhaustion of administrative remedies before court resolution."]
["LPSC"]
["General Order (Docket No. R-29900)","A customer or applicant that has been determined to be a victim of family violence as defined in the La. R.S. 46:2121.1 by treating medical personnel, by law enforcement personnel, by the office of a District Attorney, by the office of the Attorney General, or by a designated representative of a family violence program established under the La. R.S. 46:2122, et seq. shall be exempt from the utilities initial credit and/or deposit requirements as established in that utility's tariff. This determination shall be evidenced by submission of a certification letter to the utility. The certification letter must be printed on the letterhead of the certifying agency or accompanied by a letter on agency letterhead identifying the certifying individual. The certification letter expires after ninety (90) days.","2007-02-28","La. R.S. 46:2121.1: (1)  \"Family or household members\" means spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, and foster children.  \"Family or household members\" also means grandparents or their grandchildren.\n(2)  \"Family violence\" means any assault, battery, or other physical abuse which occurs between family or household members, who reside together or who formerly resided together.\n(3)  \"Victim of family violence\" means the family or household member abused and his or her children who might be in danger if left in the domicile."]
["LPSC Energy Emergency Deferred Billing","Customers may have their bill reduced, but the reduction is a temporary \"deferment,\" the total amount of which must be paid back at some point per the particular utility's approve policy.\nEligible Customers Include: 1) Those persons whose income does not exceed one hundred and fifty percent of the poverty level as established by the Federal Government and who are sixty five years of age or older, 2) Those persons who receive either a) food stamps or b) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), 3) Those persons whose sole income consists of Social Security Payments, 4) As determined by the Commission or other vital government entities who provide services, the absence of which could result in imminent peril to the public health, safety, and welfare, 5) Those who need life sustaining, electrically operated equipment, or life-sustaining medical treatment that requires electricity in order to live.","N/A"]
["Louisiana Revised Statutes"]
["La. R.S. 46:193","Each residential consumer shall receive utility relief in accordance with the provisions of Title III of P.L. 96-223, the \"Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980.\"1  The secretary of the department responsible for implementation of Title III of P.L. 96-223, as designated by the governor, shall have authority to promulgate rules and regulations and take such actions as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Section. ",null,"Home Energy Assistance Act of 1980 has been REPEALED","Talk to Logan about this issue"]
["La. R.S. 29:317","A.  No provider of natural gas shall stop gas from entering the residential premises of any residential consumer who is on active duty for nonpayment for gas supplied to the premises.\nB.  Upon return of a residential consumer from active duty, the provider shall offer the residential consumer a period equal to at least the period of service on active duty to pay any arrearages incurred during the period of service.  The provider shall inform the residential consumer that, if the period the company offers presents a hardship to the consumer, the consumer may request a longer period to pay the arrearages.  If the provider is a public utility as defined in R.S. 45:1161, the consumer may request the assistance of the Public Service Commission to obtain a longer period.  No late payment fees or interest shall be charged to the residential consumer during the period of active duty or the repayment period.\nC.  If a provider that is a public utility determines that amounts owed by a residential consumer who is on active duty are uncollectible, the provider may file an application with the Public Service Commission for approval of authority to recover the amounts.  The recovery shall be through a rider on the base rates of customers of the provider or through other means as may be approved by the commission, provided that any amount approved to be recovered through a rider or other means shall not be considered by the commission in any subsequent rate determination.","2005-06-29"]
["La. R.S. 29:318","A. No provider of electricity shall cease to provide electricity to the residential premises of any residential consumer who is on active duty for nonpayment of electricity provided to the premises.\nB.  Upon return of a residential consumer from active duty, the provider shall offer the consumer a period equal to at least the period of service on active duty to pay any arrearages incurred during the period of service.  The provider shall inform the consumer that, if the period the provider offers presents a hardship to the consumer, the consumer may request a longer period to pay the arrearages.  If the provider is a public utility as defined in R.S. 45:1161, the consumer may request the assistance of the Public Service Commission to obtain a longer period.  No late payment fees or interest shall be charged to the residential consumer during the period of service or the repayment period.\nC.  If a provider that is a public utility determines that amounts owed by a residential consumer who is on active duty are uncollectible, the provider may file an application with the Public Service Commission for approval of authority to recover the amounts.  The recovery shall be through a rider on the base rates of customers of the provider or through other means as may be approved by the commission, provided that any amount approved to be recovered through a rider or other means shall not be considered by the commission in any subsequent rate determination.","2005-06-29"]

{"sheet":"Comparison","index":1,"n_rows":16,"n_cols":8,"rows_kept":16,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
[null,"Louisiana","Texas","Arkansas","Mississippi","Alabama","Georgia","Oklahoma"]
["Weather","√","√","√","√","×","√","√"]
["Critical Medical Condition","√","√","√","√","×","√","√"]
["Elderly","×","×","√","×","×","√","√"]
["Handicapped","×","√","√","×","×","×","√"]
["Service Disconnection Restrictions","√","√","√","√","×","×","×"]
["Veterans","×","√","×","×","×","×","×"]
["Active Duty","√","×","×","×","×","×","×"]
["Payment Plans","×","√","√","√","×","×","√"]
["Social Service Payment Customers","×","√","√","√","×","×","√"]
["Tenant Rights","×","×","√","×","×","×","×"]
["Notice of Alternate Payment Plan","×","√","×","×","×","×","×"]
["Domestic Abuse","√","×","×","×","×","×","×"]
["Attorney General Consumer Advocacy Division","×","×","√","×","×","×","×"]
["Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program","×","√","×","×","×","×","×"]
["Service Limiters","×","×","×","×","×","×","√"]

{"sheet":"COVID Specific Protections","index":2,"n_rows":5,"n_cols":4,"rows_kept":5,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions"]
["Louisiana Public Service Commission "]
["Louisiana Pub. Serv. Comm'n, Ex Parte, No. 22-2020, 2020 WL 2115712, at *1 (Apr. 29, 2020)","Prohibits/suspends the disconnection of customers of Commission-jurisdictional public utilities for non-payment, with exceptions only when public safety concerns unrelated to non-payment require disconnection.* ","2020-04-29","While the 3/13/20 E.O. is hereby terminated and superseded by this Special Order, the prohibitions against disconnection/suspension of services for non-payment, except when the public health warrants such disconnection, shall remain in place until the State of Louisiana enters “Phase II” of the Opening Up America Again guidelines, or unless terminated earlier by the Commission. Commencing with the first billing cycle following “Phase II,” all Public Utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission may commence disconnection procedures, according to the protocols outlined in Commission General Orders dated February 20, 1973, July 12, 1976, and October 11, 2019, for non-payment of outstanding principal balances on bills rendered after that date.\nThis Order does not eliminate the requirement that ratepayers continue to pay their utility bills during this suspension. Customers should continue paying their bills if they are able, and should understand they will ultimately be responsible for the charges incurred during this suspension of disconnection period."]
[null,"All public utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission shall notify delinquent customers of the following: 1) the termination of the disconnect prohibition when Phase II protocols are implemented; 2) the delinquent customer's outstanding principal balance and their obligation to pay their outstanding balance; and 3) the existence of a payment plan and other utility-specific options that allow a delinquent customer to pay outstanding principal balances."]
[null,"Utilities shall continue to work with and provide payment plan options, levelized billing options, etc. to those customers who have outstanding principal balances on bills rendered prior to Phase II, and those rendered subsequent to Phase II. While no specific timelines for payment plans are established herein, utilities are encouraged to provide reasonable, customer-specific payment arrangements and options."]

{"sheet":"Arkansas","index":3,"n_rows":13,"n_cols":5,"rows_kept":13,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions","Link"]
["Arkansas Public Service Commission "]
[null,"Third Party Notice: A residential customer may name a consenting person or agency to receive a copy of all shut-off notices. A utility shall mail 1 copy of all shut-off notices to the customer and 1 to the other person or agency. ","Created 11-24-36; Amended 11-08-78; Amended 11-14-80; Amended 4-21-81; Amended 7-22-85",null,"https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/rulesRegs/Arkansas%20Register/2002/jul_2002/126.03.02-004.pdf"]
[null,"Cold Weather Rule: Electric and gas utilities may not suspend residential service on a day when the National Weather Service forecasts that a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower will occur at any time during the following 24 hour period. The utility must obtain the most current forecast for the customer's weather zone from the National Weather Service reports on the morning of the day that the customer's shut-off is scheduled. "]
[null,"Customers Who Are 65 years or Older or Handicapped: (A)At least 72 hours before suspending service to an identified elderly or handicapped account, a utility must make 2 attempts at different times of day to contact the customer, an adult at the premises, or someone previously designated by the customer, either in person or by telephone. (B) When an identified elderly or handicapped customer tells a utility they cannot pay a bill on time, or upon contacting an identified elderly or handicapped customer\nunder Subsection B. of this Rule, the utility shall offer to:\n(1) Arrange a delayed payment agreement, or, for\nelectric and gas utilities, arrange for levelized\nbilling ;\n(2) Explain the right to third party notice before\n(3) Provide the names of federal, state, and local bill\nsuspension of service; and,\npayment assistance agencies.  ",null,"Further rules in link above"]
[null,"Serious Medical Condition: Each utility must honor a physician's certificate which attests to the fact that a residential utility customer or any other permanent resident of the household has a serious medical condition. The certificate must clearly state that the suspension of utility service would give rise to a substantial risk of death or gravely impair the health of the customer or another permanent household resident. ",null,"When sufficiently notified, a utility shall postpone suspension for 30 days. The 30 days may be continued if medical certificate is renewed. (Further rules in link above)"]
[null,"Tenant Rights: (A) Each utility shall file with the Commission procedures for identifying accounts where service is provided at an address different from the mailing address of the bill. The procedures may include requiring landlords to identify themselves as landlords and to identify their tenants by name, address, and account number. Without that identification, the utility shall not be required to treat a customer as a tenant unless it has actual knowledge or information that reliably indicates that the person to whom service is provided is a tenant. (B) The utility shall not suspend service to an identified account for non-payment until it sends a suspension notice to the landlord. If no response is received from the landlord within 7 days from the mail date, the utility shall take the following actions:\n(1) Post a suspension notice in conspicuous locations such as near mail boxes, building entrances, exits, and other areas of common usage or mail a suspension notice to all tenants at least 14 days before suspending service;\n(2) Wait at least 30 days after the due date of the landlord's bill before suspending service; and,\n(3) Allow any tenant to apply for service in the tenant's name if separate metering is feasible. "]
[null,"Social Service Agency Guarantee of Payment: When a social service agency agrees orally or in writing to pay at least 1/4 of an overdue bill, the utility shall continue service, or restore service suspended for non-payment, if the customer qualifies for and agrees to pay any remaining overdue amounts and any additional deposit under a delayed payment agreement. The agency payment shall be considered the down payment for the delayed payment agreement. The utility may verify any notice received from any agency. ",null,"(Further rules in link above)"]
[null,"Hot Weather Rule: An electric or gas utility shall not suspend residential service to an elderly or handicapped customer on a day when the National Weather Service forecasts that a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will occur at any time during the following 24-hour period. For gas utilities, hot weather protection shall be limited to elderly or handicapped air conditioning customers only. "]
[null,"Suspension Requirements: (1) A utility may suspend service only during normal utility business office hours. However, no suspension shall occur during the last hour of the utility's normal business office hours. (2) A utility may not suspend service on a day, or on a day immediately before a day, when the utility does not have employees available who may authorize and reconnect service at the normal business day charge. (3) If a utility issues more than 1 shut-off notice before suspending service, it may not suspend service before the close of business on the last day to pay as printed on the most recent shut-off notice unless Rule 6.04.B. applies. (4) A utility must suspend service within 30 days after the last day to pay, as printed on the most recent shut-off notice, unless suspension is delayed under other Commission Rules, or the reason for the suspension has been eliminated. "]
[null,"Delayed Payment Agreement and Extension Agreement: (A) When a customer informs the utility that he is having difficulty paying a bill, the utility shall explain that delayed payment agreements are available both by telephone and in person through the utility's business offices. The utility shall then inform the customer of his rights and obligations under this Rule. (B) If a utility has met all of the requirements of Subsection A. and a customer requests a payment extension of less than 30 calendar days from the payment due date, the utility may offer to enter an extension agreement instead of a delayed payment agreement. All extensions shall be documented. The utility shall inform the customer of the utility's right under Rule 6.04.B. to suspend service without advance written notice if the customer fails to keep the terms of the extension agreement. ",null,"A utility may not limit the number of delayed payment agreements a customer may enter into if the customer qualifies under all other conditions of this Rule. (Further rules on who qualifies in link above"]
["Attorney General's Consumer Utility Rate Advocacy Division"]
[null,"Represents customes in front of Public Service Commission and FERC"]

{"sheet":"Texas","index":4,"n_rows":12,"n_cols":6,"rows_kept":12,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions","Link"]
["Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel"]
[null,"Critical Care: Critical Care status is only for consumers who need electricity, because they are on life support equipment. Once granted, this status is good for two years. A Critical Care consumer who is unable to pay their bill and is in danger of being disconnected must do the following to maintain service:\n(1) Have their doctor contact their retail electric provider (REP) both verbally and in writing to confirm the Critical Care status.\n(2) Enter into a deferred payment plan with the REP.\nAs long as the consumer has followed the instructions above, the REP will not disconnect their service for 63 days. At the end of the 63 days, the consumer must begin the process again if they are still unable to pay their bill. If a consumer does not pursue the 63-day protection and is going to be disconnected, the REP must send written (or email if agreed) notice of disconnection at least 21 days prior to the disconnection, to both the consumer and the consumer's secondary contact. The transmission and distribution utility (TDU) will also contact the consumer and their secondary contact by phone. If the TDU cannot reach the customer or secondary contact by phone, the TDU will visit the premises. If there is no one on the premises, the TDU will leave a door hanger.",null,"This designation does not relieve the consumer of their duty to pay their utility bill. ","https://www.opuc.texas.gov/customerprotection.html","Relevant Note: Texas has every regulation regarding utilities listed on a single, easily accessible, page. https://powertochoose.org/agency/rulesnlaws/subrules/electric/Electric.aspx"]
[null,"Chronic Condition: This type of status does not protect against disconnection for non-pay. Chronic Condition status is for the following consumers:\n(1) Consumers who have a serious medical condition and need electricity for air conditioning or heating to prevent them from becoming more ill.\n(2) Consumers that need electricity for medical equipment to prevent them from becoming more ill.\nChronic Condition status is good for 90 days. If a Chronic Condition consumer does not pay their electric bill, the customer's REP must send written (or email if agreed) notice of disconnection at least 21 days prior to the disconnection, to both the consumer and the consumer's secondary contact.",null,"This designation does not relieve the consumer of their duty to pay their utility bill. "]
[null,"Notice of alternate payment programs or payment assistance: When a customer contacts an electric utility and indicates inability to pay a bill or a need for assistance with the bill payment, the electric utility shall inform the customer of all alternative payment and payment assistance programs available from the electric utility, such as deferred payment plans, disconnection moratoriums for the ill, payment assistance program for veterans severely burned in combat, or energy assistance programs, as applicable, and of the eligibility requirements and procedure for applying for each.","2014-01-09",null,"https://powertochoose.org/agency/rulesnlaws/subrules/electric/25.28/25.28.pdf"]
[null,"Recovery of costs associated with burned veteran payment assistance program: An electric utility shall be allowed to recover a cost or expense of the bill payment assistance program established for military veterans when a medical doctor has certified that the veteran has significantly decreased ability to regulate the body temperature because of severe burns received in combat","2014-01-09"]
[null,"Disconnection on holidays or weekends: (1) A REP having disconnection authority under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not request disconnection of a customer’s electric service for nonpayment on a holiday or weekend, or the day immediately preceding a holiday or weekend, unless the REP’s personnel are available on those days to take payments, make payment arrangements with the customer, and request reconnection of service. (2) Unless a dangerous condition exists or the customer requests disconnection, a TDU shall not disconnect a customer’s electric service on a holiday or weekend, or the day immediately preceding a holiday or weekend, unless the personnel of the TDU are available to reconnect service on all of those days.","2013-12-11"]
[null,"Disconnection of energy assistance clients: (1) A REP having disconnection authority under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not authorize a disconnection for nonpayment of electric service to a delinquent residential customer for a billing period in which the REP receives a pledge, letter of intent, purchase order, or other notification that the energy assistance provider is forwarding sufficient payment to continue service provided that such pledge, letter of intent, purchase order, or other notification is received by the due date stated on the disconnection notice, and the customer, by the due date on the disconnection notice, either pays or makes payment arrangements to pay any outstanding debt not covered by the energy assistance provider. (2) If an energy assistance provider has requested monthly usage data pursuant to §25.472(b)(4) of this title (relating to Privacy of Customer Information), the REP shall extend the final due date on the disconnection notice, day for day, from the date the usage data was requested until it is provided. (3) A REP shall allow at least 45 days for an energy assistance provider to honor a pledge, letter of intent, purchase order, or other notification before submitting the disconnection request to the TDU. (4) A REP may request disconnection of service to a customer if payment from the energy assistance provider’s pledge is not received within the time frame agreed to by the REP and the energy assistance provider, or if t","2013-12-11"]
[null,"Disconnection during extreme weather: A REP having disconnection authority under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not authorize a disconnection for nonpayment of electric service for any customer in a county in which an extreme weather emergency occurs. A REP shall offer residential customers a deferred payment plan upon request by the customer that complies with the requirements of §25.480 of this title (relating to Bill Payment and Adjustments) for bills that become due during the weather emergency. (1) The term “extreme weather emergency” shall mean a day when: (A) the previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours anywhere in the county, according to the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) reports; or (B) the NWS issues a heat advisory for a county, or when such advisory has been issued on any one of the preceding two calendar days in a county. (2) A TDU shall notify the commission of an extreme weather emergency in a method prescribed by the commission, on each day that the TDU has determined that an extreme weather emergency has been issued for a county in its service area. The initial notice shall include the county in which the extreme weather emergency occurred and the name and telephone number of the utility contact person.","2013-12-11"]
[null,"Your REP may not authroize disconnection of your electric service of the premise for any of the following reasons:\n(1) For non-payment of any disputed charges until your REP or the PUC determines the accuracy of the charges and you have been notified of this determination.\n",null,null,"https://www.opuc.texas.gov/consumer%20rights.html#discoelec"]
["Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs"]
["Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program","The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program. CEAP is designed to assist low income households in meeting their immediate energy needs and to encourage consumers to control energy costs for years to come through energy education. The CEAP involves integration of all LIHEAP-funded programs, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to clients and eliminating duplication of services.\nMakes payments to: (A) households in which one or more individuals are receiving--\n(i) assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social\nSecurity Act;\n(ii) supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act;\n(iii) food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; or\n(iv) payments under section 415, 521, 541, or 542 of title 38, United States Code, or\nunder section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of\n1978; or\n(B) households with incomes which do not exceed an amount equal to 150 percent of the\npoverty level for such State; or\n(i) an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income;",null,"Except that a State may not exclude a household from eligibility in a Federal fiscal year solely on the basis of household income if such income is less than 110 percent of the poverty level for such State, but the State may give priority to those households with the highest home energy costs or needs in relation to household income.","https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/community-affairs/ceap/docs/20-LIHEAP-State-Plan.pdf"]

{"sheet":"Mississippi","index":5,"n_rows":8,"n_cols":5,"rows_kept":8,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions","Link"]
["Chapter 6; Rule 6; Section 115","CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS: Each utility shall make a full and prompt investigation of all complaints made to it by its customers, either directly or through the Commission. It shall keep a record of all complaints received, which record shall show the name and address of the complainant, the date and character of the complaint, the adjustment or disposal made thereof, and the date of such adjustment or disposal. For purposes of this rule, the word \"complaint\" shall be construed to mean an objection to the application and/or computation of charges, facilities or service of a utility made during office hours to an employee on duty.",null,null,"https://sos.ms.gov/ACProposed/00017589b.pdf"]
["Chapter 8; Rule 8; Section 100.2","Holidays and Weekends: No utility shall discontinue service for nonpayment of bills to a residential customer on any Saturday or Sunday or any holiday observed by the utility unless the utility is open to accept payment (including, but not limited to, a money order) and restore service on those days."]
["Chapter 8; Rule 8; Section 105.1","Delinquent Account Payment and Negotiation: A customer shall have the privilege of paying any delinquent account at any time prior to the actual disconnection or turning off of service. Residential customers shall have the right to negotiate with any electrical or natural gas company a delayed payment plan to avoid discontinuation of service for a delinquent account in accordance with the utility’s terms and conditions."]
["Chapter 8; Rule 8; Section 105.2","Low Income Assistance Program:  No utility shall discontinue service to a residential customer for failure to pay a delinquent account if the residential customer has been approved for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits in an amount equal to the delinquent balance, payable within thirty (30) days, and the notice of the approval has been given to the utility provider."]
["Chapter 8; Rule 8; Section 120","MID-WINTER UTILITY SERVICE CUTOFFS FOR ELECTRIC AND GAS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS: For the months of December, January, February and March of each year, residential customers who are unable to pay the full amount of their utility bill because of extreme financial difficulty may qualify for mid-winter rule which prohibits disconnection of service in those cases where the customer has complied with the following: 1. The customer shall inform the utility of the customer's inability to pay the utility bill in full due to extreme financial difficulty and shall, prior to the cutoff time provided in the notice of cutoff (if such notice has been given), deliver to the local office of the utility a copy of the most recent bill along with a signed statement by the customer clearly identifying the service location involved and certifying the existence of the extreme financial difficulty claimed. 2. Upon receipt of the above, the utility shall be prohibited from disconnecting the customer's service during the months of December, January, February and March if the customer agrees to the following extended payment plan:",null,"3 step payment plan given in rules"]
["Chapter 8; Rule 8; Section 125.1","LIFE THREATENING SITUATION: a. No utility shall discontinue service to any residential customer for a period of sixty (60) days for nonpayment when the utility receives written notice from a medical doctor licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi, or any adjoining state, certifying that discontinuance of service would create a life threatening situation for the customer or other permanent resident of the customer’s household. b. All public utilities subject to this rule shall provide and make available to their customers at all offices appropriate forms for use by the customer in certifying the life threatening situation. The utility shall issue a receipt to the customer acknowledging receipt of the written notice pursuant to this rule"]
["Chapter 8; Rule 8; Section 125.3","EXEMPTIONS FOR TEMPERATURE: a. No utility shall discontinue electrical or natural gas service to a residential customer for nonpayment of bills if, as of 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled disconnection day, a freeze warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the county of the scheduled disconnection. b. No utility shall discontinue electrical service to a residential customer for nonpayment of bills if, as of 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled disconnection day, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the county of the scheduled disconnection.**"]

{"sheet":"Alabama","index":6,"n_rows":2,"n_cols":5,"rows_kept":2,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions","Link"]
[null,"Might not have any? Bad practice: charge customers for reconnection if the utility was disconnected for non-payment.",null,null,"https://www.alabamapower.com/content/dam/alabamapower/Rates/APCRulesRegulations.pdf"]

{"sheet":"Georgia","index":7,"n_rows":5,"n_cols":5,"rows_kept":5,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions","Link"]
["Georgia Public Service Commission: Residential Electric Utility Service Disconnection"]
[null,"Seasonal Holds: (1) Winter - A utility shall not discontinue gas or electric service to a residential customer between November 15th and March 15th if the forecasted local temperature is below 32°F for a 24-hour period beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the date of the proposed disconnection.  The consumer must agree in writing to pay the past due balance including customer charges in equal installments beginning with the first billing period after March 15th and ending before October 15th.   Consumer must also agree in writing to pay all bills for current service by the due date. \n(2) Summer - A utility shall not discontinue electric service to a residential customer if, prior to 8:00 A.M. on the date of the scheduled disconnection, a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, or is forecasted to be in effect by the National Weather Service, for the county in which the meter scheduled for disconnection is located.",null,null,"http://www.psc.state.ga.us/consumer_corner/disconnection/electricdisconn.htm"]
[null,"Serious Illness: Service shall not be disconnected for nonpayment of a bill to a residential customer who has a serious illness which would be aggravated by the disconnection - provided that the customer: (1) Notifies the company of this condition in writing.  You may also notify the company orally, but you must send the company a written notice within 10 days of the oral notification.\n(2) Within 10 days of providing initial notice to the company, a written statement from a physician, county board of health, hospital or clinic identifying the illness, its expected duration, and certifying that the illness would be aggravated by such disconnection must be received by the company."]
[null,"Senior Citizen Discounts: Senior citizen discount rates provide savings for those who qualify. Customers who are at least 65 years old with a total household income of not more than $14,355 annually, are eligible to receive a $14.00 discount on their Georgia Power or Savannah Electric power bill. Natural gas customers in Atlanta Gas Light Company's delivery area may receive up to a $14.00 discount. Call your gas or electric service provider for more information.",null,null,"http://www.psc.state.ga.us/consumer_corner/cc_advisory/payassist.asp"]

{"sheet":"Oklahoma","index":8,"n_rows":7,"n_cols":5,"rows_kept":7,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Law/Rule","Protection","Date Enacted","Conditions","Link"]
["OAC 165:35-21-10(c )","Severe weather: (1) If the NWS issues a local forecast predicting the temperature will drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for any time period during the following twenty-four (24) hours, the utility shall suspend its disconnection of service if the electric service is used for heating purposes. The utility must obtain the most recent local forecast for the customer's location from the NWS reports between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the day that the customer's shut-off is scheduled. If the NWS issues an updated forecast on the day of disconnection, then such updated forecast shall be used in place of the earlier obtained forecast. (2) If the NWS issues a local forecast predicting the heat index will be 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher on the day of disconnection, or if the actual heat index is 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the utility shall suspend its disconnection of service activity if the electric service is used for cooling purposes. The utility must obtain the most recent local forecast for the customer's location from the NWS reports between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the day that the customer's shut-off is scheduled. If the NWS issues an updated forecast on the day of disconnection, then such updated forecast shall be used in place of the earlier obtained forecast. (3) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a utility from establishing a higher temperature threshold for residential heating purposes below which it will not discontinue utility service or from establishing a lower temperature threshold for residential cooling purposes above which it will not discontinue utility service. The utility may continue to disconnect utility service for unauthorized use of the utility's measuring equipment or tampering with wires, pipes, meters, or any other utility equipment or obtaining service without contract.","Last Amended 7-25-19",null,"https://www.occeweb.com/rules/CH35072519.pdf"]
[null,"Financial assistance delay: When a residential consumer has applied for and is awaiting financial assistance, including social security income, from a federal, state, or local social service agency, and the utility has initiated written notice of disconnection, it shall delay disconnection of service for a period of at least twenty (20) calendar days from the date when such notice was either delivered or mailed to the premises where service is rendered, provided: (1) The reason for disconnection is for nonpayment of the utility bill. (2) The consumer has notified the utility that the consumer has applied for and is awaiting financial assistance. (3) Verification from the involved agency must be provided in a form as prescribed by the utility upon its request. (4) If the expected financial assistance is less than the amount owed for services, the utility may require the consumer to enter into a deferred payment agreement as prescribed pursuant to (e) of this Section. (5) Under no condition is the utility required to furnish service to the consumer unless there is a reasonable expectation of payment for such service except where other rules of this Commission apply. ","Last Amended 7-25-19"]
[null,"Deferred payment agreement: The utility shall be required to offer a deferred payment agreement before disconnecting service when a residential consumer is unable to pay an account in full. The utility shall not disconnect service for nonpayment of a bill if the consumer enters into a deferred payment agreement with the utility. The utility shall mail, or by electronic notification to customers who make an affirmative election to receive electronic notification of such, a confirmation of the terms of the deferred payment agreement if it is made orally. A deferred payment agreement may be entered into by the consumer up to, but not including, the day of disconnection. Except where payment assistance for the total amount of the bill is pending, the utility may require a reasonable partial payment in accordance with paragraph one (1) of this subsection, at the time the deferred payment agreement is made. (1) Deferred payment agreement means a just and reasonable","Last Amended 7-25-19","Additional rules in link"]
[null,"Life-threatening situation: (1) For purposes of this Section, a life-threatening situation is defined as one where the consumer or other permanent resident of the household is dependent upon equipment that is prescribed by a physician, operates on electricity, and is needed to sustain the person's life. Examples of life-sustaining equipment would be: kidney dialysis machine, iron lung, oxygen concentrators and certain other oxygen machines, cardiac monitory, heating and air conditioning equipment, or any other equipment that is prescribed by a licensed medical doctor. If the life-sustaining equipment without a battery backup is prescribed by a licensed\nmedical doctor, then it shall be considered life-sustaining equipment. The following are not considered to be life-sustaining equipment: hot water heater, refrigerator, range/stove, nebulizers that are battery-driven or hand-driven or self-contained, battery-driven sleep apnea monitors, battery-driven cardiac monitors. (2) When a consumer to whom service is provided is unable to pay the account in full, the utility shall suspend discontinuance of service, or reconnect if disconnected, if the consumer notifies the utility that disconnection of service will give rise to a life-threatening condition for the consumer or other permanent resident of the household should electric service be terminated, and within thirty (30) calendar days of the initial notification, the consumer shall return the Medical Certificate described in (3) of this subsection. ","Last Amended 7-25-19"]
["OCA 165:35-21-11","Commission notification procedure for the elderly and/or consumers with disabilities: (a) At any time prior to disconnection of service, the notification procedure shall be available to those elderly and/or consumers with disabilities who have notified the utility that they wish to be included in the following notification procedure: (1) For those who have registered with the utility as elderly and/or consumer with disabilities, the utility shall delay disconnection of service for five (5) additional business days upon request of the Commission's CSD. (2) Elderly and/or consumers with disabilities are those consumers who have notified the utility in writing that they: (A) Have a permanent impairment which substantially limits the disabled consumer's ability to pay for utility service; or (B) Are sixty-five (65) years of age or older. (b) The utility shall notify the consumer or other person responsible for the bill, during the initial application for service, annually thereafter, and at any time disconnection is imminent, of this additional notification procedure. (c) The utility may require verification of the consumer's qualifications","Last Amended 7-25-19"]
["OCA 165:35-21-14","Service limiters and other restrictions on utility service: (a) If a utility has met all of the conditions delineated in this Subchapter and the consumer is now subject to disconnection of service, the utility may, with the consumer’s permission, place a service limiter on the consumer's meter to restrict usage in lieu of disconnecting the consumer's service. (b) If the consumer has consented and a limiter is placed on the consumer's meter, the utility will leave proper notification that a limiter has been placed on the electric meter and information on how to reset the limiter if an overload should occur. (c) Any costs incurred by the utility in placing or removing this limiter shall not be passed on directly to that consumer, unless specifically outlined in the utility's terms and conditions of service.","1988-05-23"]

{"sheet":"Relevant LA Case Law","index":9,"n_rows":3,"n_cols":3,"rows_kept":3,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Case Citation","Facts","Ruling"]
["Sawyer v. Cent. Louisiana Elec. Co., 136 So. 2d 153 (La. Ct. App. 1961).","Couple left on vacation to California before paying utility bill. When they returned, electricity had been turned off with their house sustaining damages from the shut off. The couple brought a suit for damages claiming they did not have notice of the shutoff. Electric company claimed they mailed the notice, but the owners, nor thei neighbor collecting their mail, had received the letter. ","Company was able to sufficiently prove that the notice was mailed. Court ruled that personal delivery is not needed, and mailing of a notice is sufficient notice to alert owners of potential shutoff. "]
["Louisiana Power & Light Co. v. Louisiana Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 343 So. 2d 1040 (La. 1977).","Not particularly relevant","\"The orders of the commission are entitled to great weight and are not to be overturned on judicial review, unless shown to be arbitrary, capricious, or abusive of the commission's authority. Louisiana Oilfield Carriers Ass'n, Inc. v. Louisiana Public Service Commission, 281 So.2d 698 (La.1973) and many decisions therein cited. As there noted, a person attacking a commission order bears the burden of demonstrating that it is defective, since the order is presumed to be valid. See also Monochem, Inc. v. Louisiana Public Service Commission, 253 La. 1047, 221 So.2d 504 (1969).\""]

{"sheet":"Entergy NO Price List","index":10,"n_rows":82,"n_cols":3,"rows_kept":82,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[]}
["Company","Charge","Cost"]
["Entergy Louisiana (NOLA)"]
["Residential Costs:"]
[null,"Residential Initial Deposit"]
[null,"Electric and Gas",150.0]
[null,"Electric Only",150.0]
[null,"Gas Only",100.0]
[null,"Residential Net Monthly Bill (Electric)"]
[null,"Customer Charge",8.07]
[null,"Energy Charge: Summer (May-Oct.)","$0.07956 CR"]
[null,"Energy Charge: Winter (Nov. - Apr.)","Up to 800kWh: $0.07956 CR\nOver 800kWh: $0.06317 CR"]
[null,"Late Fee","(Net Monthly Bill) + 5%"]
[null,"Suspended Service Reconnection Charge"]
[null,"Electric Reconnection Only",14.45]
[null,"Electric and Gas Reconnection",24.98]
[null,"Temporary Service Connection Charges"]
[null,"Readily Available Distribution Lines",75.0]
[null,"Unavailable Distribution Lines","Cost of install and removal"]
[null,"Meter Test Charge"]
[null,"Customer requested, and meter outside range of accurate registration",0.0]
[null,"Customer requested, and meter within range of accurate registration",33.35]
[null,"Customer requested during 12 months of meter installation",0.0]
[null,"Customer request (2+ times) during 12 months of meter installation and outside range of accurate registration",0.0]
[null,"Customer request (2+ times) during 12 months of meter installation and within range of accurate registration",33.35]
[null,"Insufficient Fund Charge"]
[null,"Financial Institution Rejects Payment: Electric Only",20.0]
[null,"Financial Institution Rejects Payment: Gas Only",20.0]
[null,"Financial Institution Rejects Payment: Electric and Gas",20.0]
[null,"Facility Relocation Charge"]
[null,"Light pole, street light, and other facility relocation for customer convenience","Actual cost of relocation"]
[null,"Unauthorized Use of Services"]
[null,"Unauthorized Use/Service Diversion","$314.00 + Calculated use of services"]
[null,"Meter Seal"]
[null,"Meter Seal",25.0]
[null,"Residential Gas Service"]
[null,"Customer Charge",12.32]
[null,"Commodity Charge: Basic Rate (Summer and Winter)","$0.266 CR"]
[null,"Commodity Charge: Basic Rate w/ Gas Air Conditioning (Summer: May-Oct.)","$0.266 per ccf for first 60 ccf\n$0.2161 per ccf for all additional"]
[null,"Commodity Charge: Basic Rate w/ Gas Air Conditioning (Winter: Nov.- April)","$0.266 per ccf for all"]
[null,"Suspended Service Reconnection Charge"]
[null,"Gas Reconnection Only",14.39]
[null,"Electric and Gas Reconnection",24.98]
[null,"Outdoor Directional Security Lighting Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill","Extensive list based on lamp type and fixture type (See link in cell B43)"]
[null,"Outdoor Night Watchman Service (Closed New Applications 4/1/08)"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill","$7.90 per lamp per month + $3.02 per pole extension"]
[null,"High Pressure Sodium Vapor Outdoor Night Watchman Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill","$10.50 per 100 watt lamp + $3.02 per pole extension"]
[null,"Premium Lighting Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill","Will be developed on each service and include total cost to install, operate, maintain and recover such systems."]
[null,"Retail Rate Adder Rider"]
[null,"Minimum Bill","Bill shall be divided by 1, minus 5% for New Orleans Street Use."]
["Commercial Costs:"]
[null,"Small Electric Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Demand Charge","$16.63 for first 3 kW\n$6.80 per kW for next 17 kW\n$8.85 per kW anything else"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Energy Charge","$0.08204 per kWh for first 1000kWh\n$0.05302 per kWh for next 4000kWh\n$0.04826 per kWh for all additional"]
[null,"Late Fee","Net Monthly Bill + 5%"]
[null,"Master-Metered Non-Residential Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Demand Charge","$1,242.70 for first 100kW\n$8.50 per Kw for all additional"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Energy Charge","$0.04275 per kWh for first 40,000 kWh\n$0.02811 per kWh for next 400 kWh\n$0.02642 per kWh for all additional"]
[null,"Late Fee","Net Monthly Bill + 5%"]
[null,"Large Electric Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Demand Charge","$678.31 for first 50 kW\n$11.45 per kW for next 50 kW\n$10.71 per kW for next 100 kW\n$10.27 per kW for all additional"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Energy Charge","$0.06781 per kWh for first 5000 kWh\n$0.03661 per kWh for next 10000 kWh\n$0.03537 per kWh for next 15,000 kWh\n$0.03502 per kWh for all additional"]
[null,"Late Fee","Net Monthly Bill + 2%"]
[null,"Large Electric High Load Factor Service"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Demand Charge","$689.38 for the first 50 kW\n$11.64 per kWfor the next 50 kW\n$10.91 per kW for the next 100 kW\n$10.42 per kW for all additional"]
[null,"Net Monthly Bill: Energy Charge","$0.06891 per kWh for first 5000 kWh\n$0.03719 per kWh for next 10000 kWh\n$0.03595 per kWh for next 15000 kWh\n$0.03564 per kWh for additional 400 kWh\n$0.02949 per kWh for all additional"]
[null,"Late Fee","Net Monthly Bill + 2%"]
[null,"Small General Gas Service"]
[null,"Customer Charge",26.1]
[null,"Commodity Charge: Basic Rate (Summer and Winter)","$0.2956 per ccf for first 550 ccf\n$0.2201 per ccf for all additional ccf"]
[null,"Commodity Charge: Basic Rate w/ Gas Air Conditioning (Summer: May-Oct.)","$0.2956 per ccf for first 150ccf\n$0.2201 per ccf for all additional"]
[null,"Commodity Charge: Basic Rate w/ Gas Air Conditioning (Winter: Nov.- April)","$0.2956 per ccf for first 550 ccf\n$0.2201 per ccf for all additional ccf"]
[null,"Large General Gas Service"]
[null,"Customer Charge",128.0]
[null,"Commodity Charge","$2.4335 per mcf for all gac used"]
[null,"Late Fee","Net Monthly Bill + 2%"]
[null,"Miscellaneous Electric Services"]
[null,"Suspended Service Reconnection Charge:\nElectric Only",14.45]
[null,"Suspended Service Reconnection Charge:\nElectric and Gas",24.98]
[null,"Temporary Service Connection Charges: Distribution Lines Available",75.0]