SECTION 165:40-3-23. Fraudulent use or sale of electricity

(a)   In the event fraudulent use or sale of electricity or evidence of attempting fraudulent use or sale of electricity is discovered, or where the cooperative/utility's regulating or measuring equipment or other property has been tampered with, electric purchase may be discontinued by the cooperative/utility without advance notice to the producer.

(b)   Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, purchase from the producer will not be resumed until such producer shall have paid all bills including:

(1)   The charge for the estimated amount of electricity fraudulently consumed or sold.

(2)   The cost of replacement or repair of any damaged meter or associated equipment.

(3)   The cost of installation of system protection facilities, or of relocation of the meter, if determined necessary by the cooperative/utility.

(4)   All reconnection charges.

(c)   If it has been shown to the satisfaction of the cooperative/utility that the producer or applicant for purchase had no connection with, or knowledge of, such fraudulent use or sale of electricity or such tampering, electric purchase may be resumed after the condition causing or permitting the fraudulent usage or sale has been corrected and such producer or applicant for purchase has paid for any unmetered service received.