Section 460.1626. Manner of shutoff for service provided with remote shutoff and restoration capability.

(1) For an involuntary shutoff of service using remote shutoff and restoration capability, at least 1 day before shutoff of service, the utility shall make at least 2 attempts to contact the customer by telephone, if a telephone number is available to the utility, to advise the customer of the pending shutoff and what steps the customer must take to avoid shutoff. The utility shall either document all attempts to contact the customer or shall document that automated procedures are in place that will make at least 2 attempts to contact the customer by telephone. If the telephone number is not available, the customer has no telephone, or the telephone contacts are not made, then the utility shall either leave a  notice  at  the  premises advising the customer that service will be shutoff on or after the next business day or send  notice  by  first-class mail  postmarked   at  least   5 business days before shutoff of  service  is  scheduled.   The

notice  shall conspicuously state that the disconnection of service will be  done  remotely and that a utility representative will not  return  to  the premises  before disconnection.

(2)  The utility shall document all attempts to contact the customer.

(3)     If the utility contacts the customer or other responsible person at  the customer's premises by telephone on the day service is to be shut off, the utility shall inform the customer or other  responsible   person  that shutoff of service is imminent and the steps that are necessary to avoid shutoff. Unless the customer presents evidence that reasonably demonstrates that the claim is satisfied or is in dispute, or the customer makes  payment, the utility may shut off service.

(4)   If the utility mailed the notice of shutoff to the customer as provided in subrule (1) of this rule, and if telephone contact with the customer cannot be made, then no further customer contact is required on the day service is to be shut off and the utility may shut off service.

History: 2008 AACS.