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MEPUC Issues A Notice Of The Rulemaking And A Request For Comments To Consider Proposed Amendments To The ME PUC’s Consumer Protection Standards For Electric And Gas Transmission And Distribution Utilities (Chapter 815).
The MEPUC issued a notice of the rulemaking and a request for comments in this matter.
Comments on the proposed rulemaking are due by 2/28/24.
As background, the Commission-initiated rulemaking proceeding to consider proposed amendments to the MEPUC’s Consumer Protection Standards for Electric and Gas Transmission and Distribution Utilities (Chapter 815). The proposed amendments include substantial modifications intended to reduce the uncollectible accounts of utilities thereby reducing upward pressure on rates for all customers and amend the dispute resolution procedures. Specific amendments include the following:
- New definitions include “billing error,” “catch-up amount,” and “name swapping”;
- Adjustments to rules to prevent customers from avoiding payment of catch-up amounts after a disconnection;
- Utilities can require customers with one disconnection in a two-year period to pay a deposit, rather than two disconnections;
- Utilities will be required to perform an actual meter reading “on a monthly basis” rather than “once a month”;
- Utilities may not issue disconnection notices during the Winter Disconnection Period; and
- CASD’s authority to exercise discretion in its informal investigations is clarified.
Request For Comments (01/08/2024)
2023-00323 (12/12/2023)
