SECTION 165:35-21-30. Disconnection of service without notice

  Notwithstanding any other Section regarding disconnection of service, a utility may at any time disconnect service without notice and without delaying disconnection of service as prescribed in other Sections of this Part, if:

(1)   It reasonably believes that such action is necessary to correct a condition that poses a health or safety hazard to the consumer, the general public, or the equipment of the utility. Prior to or immediately upon disconnection of service, the utility shall make a good faith effort to notify the consumer of the reason for disconnection either by telephone, electronic notification, personal contact, or notice left at the premises.

(2)   For the purpose of essential repair, maintenance, or testing of utility equipment, the utility shall make such efforts as are reasonable under the circumstances to minimize the adverse effects of disconnection of service and to inform affected consumers prior to disconnection of service.

(3)   The utility may disconnect for unauthorized use of electricity accomplished through bypassing of the utility's measuring equipment or tampering with wires, pipes, meters, or any other utility equipment or obtaining service without a contract. Prior to or immediately upon disconnection of service, the utility shall make a good faith effort to notify the consumer of the reason for disconnection either by telephone, electronic notification, personal contact, or notice left at the premises. If service is disconnected under this paragraph, the utility may require the consumer to pay the following applicable charges before service is restored:

(A)   The applicable charges for reconnecting service prescribed in the utility's approved tariffs.

(B)   The amount due for unmetered or unpaid usage, if such usage can be determined exactly. If the exact usage cannot be determined, the utility may compute and charge for the previous six (6) months an estimated usage based on historical usage from the previous two (2) years billing period or billing information; and/or

(C)   The cost associated with the testing, repair, or replacement of any damaged equipment.

(4)   The utility may disconnect for failure by consumer to post deposit, when the deposit has been required as a condition of service. Prior to or immediately upon disconnection of service, the utility shall make a good faith effort to notify the consumer of the reason for disconnection either by telephone, by personal contact, or by notice left at the premises. If service is disconnected under this paragraph, the utility may require the consumer to pay applicable charges before service is restored.

[Source: Amended at 12 Ok Reg 2115, eff 7-1-95; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2237, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 1030, eff 9-12-14]