SF 2798

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; requiring certain gas utilities to prepare and implement
service reconnection plans; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 216B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [216B.096] EARLY IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Scope. new text end

new text begin For the purpose of this section, "utility" means a public utility
with more than 300,000 residential natural gas customers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Submission and approval of reconnection plan. new text end

new text begin By August 1 each year,
a utility must submit a residential reconnection plan to the commission for approval. The
plan must specify the methods by which all residential customers remaining without gas
service who have been disconnected within the past 12 months will be contacted prior
to October 15 and informed of available payment options, including budget billing or
deferred payment agreements. At a minimum, the plan must specify that if written or
telephone contact does not result in a response from an adult member of the customer's
household by October 15, two subsequent personal visits must be made between October
15 and November 1.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Additional requirements. new text end

new text begin If any contact results in a determination that the
disconnected dwelling is occupied, a utility shall:
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new text begin (1) immediately restore service; and
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new text begin (2) negotiate a payment agreement that considers the financial circumstances of
the household.
new text end

new text begin A record must be made of all contacts and attempted contacts.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report to commission. new text end

new text begin By November 15 each year, each utility shall file a
report with the commission specifying the number of dwellings assumed to be occupied
where service remains disconnected as of October 15 and November 1 and the reason
service has not been reconnected to those dwellings.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end