SECTION 165:65-11-16. Reconnection of service

(a)   A utility shall reconnect service upon the consumer's request as soon as the reason for disconnection of service has been eliminated. The utility shall give precedence to reconnection of service when disconnection was the fault of the utility; the utility shall reconnect service in the normal course of its reconnection workload, as soon as possible but no later than twenty-four (24) hours, after the consumer eliminates the reason for disconnection and requests reconnection, when disconnection of service was the fault of the consumer. If the reason for disconnection is unauthorized use of water accomplished through bypassing the utility's measuring equipment or tampering with the pipes, meters, or other utility equipment, the utility may, prior to reconnecting service, require a reasonable payment for estimated service rendered or may refuse to reconnect service until ordered by the Commission. A utility may require payment of a reconnection charge when disconnection of service was the fault of the consumer, if such a charge is provided in the utility's tariffs.

(b)   When the disconnection of service was for nonpayment of service, and disconnection took place on a Friday morning, service shall be restored as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours from when the consumer eliminates the reason for disconnection and requests reconnection, subject to an intervening Act of God.

(c)   Once the customer has remedied the disconnection problem, the company shall provide a written statement to the customer of the recommended procedures the customer should undertake to insure the customer has safe and reliable water.

(d)   Reconnection or continuance of service under this Section shall not in any way relieve the consumer of the consumer's liability incurred for utility service.

[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 2167, eff 7-1-95; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2380, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 2322, eff 7-15-03]