04 N.C. Admin. Code 11 R18-07 - DISCONNECTION; BILLING PROCEDURE; METER READING
(a) No
charge for connection or disconnection, charge for late payment, or similar
charge in addition to the rate specified in Rule R18-6 shall be
allowed.
(b) A returned check
charge as provided for in Rule R18-6(d) shall be allowed.
(c) No provider may disconnect water or sewer
service for nonpayment.
(d) Bills
shall be rendered at least monthly.
(e) The date after which a bill for water or
sewer utility service is due, or the past due after date, shall be disclosed on
the bill and shall not be less than 25 days after the billing date.
(f) A provider shall not bill for or attempt
to collect for excess usage resulting from a plumbing malfunction or other
condition which is not known to the lessee or which has been reported to the
provider.
(g) Every provider shall
provide to each lessee at the time the lease agreement is signed, and shall
maintain in its business office, in public view, near the place where payments
are received, the following:
(1) A copy of the
rates, rules and regulations of the provider applicable to the premises served
from that office.
(2) A copy of
these rules and regulations.
(3) A
statement advising lessees that they should first contact the provider's office
with any questions they may have regarding bills or complaints about service,
and that in cases of dispute, they may contact the Commission either by calling
the Public Staff - North Carolina Utilities Commission, Consumer Services
Division, at (866) 380-9816 (toll-free) or 919-733-9277, or by appearing in
person or writing the Public Staff - North Carolina Utilities Commission,
Consumer Services Division, 4326 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
27699-4300.
(h) Each
provider shall adopt some means of informing its lessees as to the method of
reading meters. Information on bills shall be governed by Chapter 7, Rule R7-23
and Chapter 10, Rule R10-19. Additionally, the bill shall contain a toll-free
phone number for contacting the provider or the agent regarding service or
billing matters. Adjustment of bills for meter error shall be governed by
Chapter 7, Rule R7-25. Testing of water meters shall be governed by Chapter 7,
Rules R7-28 through R7-33.
Notes
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