General Terms and Conditions

1.1 The following General Terms, Conditions, Rules, and Regulations for Electric Service (General Terms) have been adopted by the Board of Directors of Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) in accordance with the PUD’s Mission: to provide quality services at the lowest practical cost. These General Terms apply to every Customer receiving Electric Service or other services from the PUD. It is the intent and purpose of these General Terms to provide a helpful guide to Customers and Employees, to achieve efficient and safe Electrical Service, and to ensure that Customers receive fair and equitable treatment. These General Terms are subject to periodic revision by the Board of Directors to meet the spirit and intent of the PUD’s Mission.

1.2 The PUD shall supply Electrical Service within the boundaries established for the PUD under authority granted by the People of the State of Oregon and the Oregon Legislature, according to the constitution Article XI, Section 12.

1.3 It is the policy of the PUD that the utility needs of all Customers will be safely and reliably met without discrimination and in accordance with sound business and utility principles and that Electric Services pricing will be based on providing the lowest reasonable cost-based rates to all similarly situated Customers. The PUD will follow prudent utility and business practices and all utility work and services will be done in accordance with all state and federal rules and regulations.

1.4 The PUD reserves the right to refuse to connect or may disconnect Electric Service for any violation of the General Terms or other rules, including, without limitation, failure to pay Electric Service charges when due, violation of contract provisions, fraud, dangerous or emergency conditions, theft or illegal diversion of Energy, unauthorized use, or to protect PUD Employees, Customers, the public safety, PUD property, or the property of others.

1.5 The failure by the PUD to enforce any of the terms of a Rate Schedule or these General Terms shall not be deemed a waiver of its right to do so. The Board of Directors may expressly waive the applicability of any of the General Terms for good cause shown.

Wherever used in these General Terms, the PUD’s electric Rate Schedules, or in any application or agreement for Electric Service, the following terms shall have the meanings given below, unless otherwise stated:

2.1  Actual Cost: The amount charged by the PUD for the cost of materials, labor, overhead, transportation, equipment, acquisition and clearing of right-of-way, permits, legal fees, and any other costs incurred.

2.2  Billing Period: The interval between successive meter reading dates for cycle billing purposes, generally one month or approximately thirty (30) days, as established by the PUD.

2.3  Board of Directors (Board): The five-member governing body of the PUD. Board members are elected by the registered voters residing in the sub-divisions within the PUD’s political boundary.

2.4  Budget Payment Plan (Budget Pay Plan): A levelized payment plan designed for residential Customers which makes their payments the same amount each month throughout the annual Budget Pay Plan period. A Customer’s Budget Pay Plan may be amended from time to time to correct over/under outstanding balances.

2.5  Commercial Customer: Any person seeking Electric Service for a property to be used in whole or part for a business and not a property to be occupied by the owner solely as his or her residence or a property to be used solely as a single-family dwelling unit.

2.6  Customer: Any individual, partnership, corporation, organization, governmental agency, political subdivision, municipality, or other entity supplied with Electric Service by the PUD. Each meter location where a Customer receives Electric Service or other services shall be considered a separate Customer for purposes of applying these General Terms.

2.7  Customer Assistance Committee: A committee comprised of one Board member, one PUD staff member, one PUD-appointed record keeper, and one at-large Customer to assist in the resolution of Customer disputes or complaints.

2.8  Customer Data: Any data about the Customer including information the Customer provides the PUD (such as name, address, Social Security number, driver’s license number, date of birth, telephone number, and income); information about the PUD services provided to the Customer (such as account number, account balances, meter readings, and energy usage); information others give the PUD about the Customer (such as credit worthiness from credit reports); and information from visits to the PUD website (such as data from web forms, site visit data, and data from web “cookies”).

2.9  Demand: The maximum power delivered during the billing period measured in kilowatts (kW) averaged over an interval as described in the applicable rate schedule.

2.10  Electric Service: The availability of electric Energy at the Point of Delivery for use by the Customer, regardless of whether any Energy is actually used.

2.11  Employee: Employee, contractors, or others acting on behalf of the PUD.

2.12  Energy: Electric Energy measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

2.13  Estimated Cost of Service (Estimate): An estimate, based on prior reasonable construction experience, current material, labor, equipment, overhead, and transportation costs to be incurred by the PUD to provide new or upgraded Electric Service to a new or existing Customer.

2.14  Franchise Fee: The charge levied by a municipality or other governmental authority for PUD use of the municipality’s streets and rights-of-way. All or a portion of these Franchise Fees may be passed on to Customers as a city tax.

2.15  Line Extension: The overhead or underground electric facilities required to connect the PUD’s existing power line to a Customer’s Point of Delivery. The cost of the Line Extension shall include all poles, primary wiring, secondary wiring, transformer(s), meter(s), right-of-way acquisition, clearing, trenching and backfilling, and any other one-time cost items associated with providing Electric Service to the Customer.

2.16  NEC: National Electrical Code

2.17  NESC: National Electrical Safety Code

2.18  Net Metering: The difference between the Energy supplied to a Customer by the PUD and the Energy generated by an eligible Customer’s Net Metering Facility that flows back to the PUD’s Energy grid in excess of the Customer’s Energy requirements.

2.19  Net Metering Facility: An eligible electric generating facility meeting all federal and state statutes and regulations, as well as all relevant PUD interconnection requirements to generate electric Energy.

2.20  Point of Delivery: The interconnection point at which the PUD’s Electric Service is attached to the Customer’s electric system without regard to voltage, the location of the PUD’s meter, transformer or other apparatus, unless otherwise designated by a Special Contract.

2.21  Power Factor: The ratio of kilowatt-hours to kilovolt ampere-hours. Expressed as a percentage.

2.22  Premium Temporary Service: Temporary service with rates as established in Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees.

2.23  Pro Rata Share: An amount that is divided, assessed, or distributed in proportion to the length and cost of an original Line Extension, the portion of the original Line Extension utilized by the new connection, and the number of additional connections made to the original line after it was initially energized.

2.24  PUD: Columbia River People’s Utility District.

2.25  Rate Schedule: Rates and fees adopted by the Board from time to time that specify the applicability, character of service, monthly rate, monthly Base Charge, Energy and Demand usage rates, adjustments, and other charges and conditions.

2.26  Secondary Service Line: Wire running from PUD electrical facilities at a service voltage, usually six hundred (600) volts or less.

2.27  Service Line: Wire between the PUD’s electrical facilities and the Point of Delivery at the Customer’s building, meter base, meter pole, or other structure. Usually six hundred (600) volts or less.

2.28  Special Contract for Electric Service (Special Contract): An agreement between the PUD and Customer which sets forth the specific arrangements for providing Electric Service to a Customer that may supplement or alter these General Terms. In the event there is a conflict between a Special Contract and these General Terms the Special Contract will control.

3.1  In case of conflict between any provisions of a Rate Schedule or Special Contract and these General Terms, the provisions stated in the Rate Schedule or Special Contract shall apply. In a case of conflict between any provisions of a Rate Schedule and a Special Contract, the provisions of the Special Contract shall apply.

3.2  The provision of these General Terms and any provisions of a Rate Schedule or Special Contract shall be interpreted and construed to be compatible to the extent practicable. It is the PUD’s intent that these General Terms comply, at all times, with applicable law. Should applicable law be amended or interpreted contrary to the express language of any provision, that provision shall be interpreted, to the extent possible, so as to be in compliance with applicable law. Further, should any provision of the General Terms be found invalid or without legal effect, that provision shall be disregarded without affecting the remainder of the General Terms.

3.3  The Rate Schedules and these General Terms may be revised, amended, supplemented, or otherwise changed from time to time. Such changes, when effective, shall be subject to these General Terms and effective as though originally incorporated herein.

4.1  The PUD may collect Customer Data and other information about its Customers to better serve them and to offer applicable products and services to meet their needs and expectations. Under no circumstances is Customer Data shared with a third party unless needed for the PUD’s operations or if required to be disclosed by law. Typical information is derived from individual Customer accounts, credit agencies, web hosting, and PUD Employee-Customer contact.

4.2  The only Employees who are authorized to have access to Customer Data are those who need it to do their jobs. This Customer Data is protected and kept confidential. The PUD shall maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal and state regulations to protect Customer Data and information.

4.3  The PUD may share Customer Data with other PUD departments and Employees in order to better serve the Customer, to maintain their account, or to inform the Customer about other PUD products or services.

4.4  The PUD may share Customer Data with other companies that perform services for the PUD. This includes firms that provide bill printing, mailing, third-party payment, marketing, or other services for the PUD, or firms that develop and maintain software for the PUD. The PUD shares information only as allowed under applicable federal and state laws. These companies are required to abide by the PUD’s Customer Information Confidentiality policies.

4.5  Customer Data may be disclosed as permitted or required by law, for example, to law enforcement officials in response to subpoenas, or to prevent fraud.

4.6  The PUD has implemented a program to identify, detect, prevent, mitigate, and update “Red Flags” that signal the possibility of identity theft in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003.

5.1  Electric Service by its nature is subject to periodic disruption. The PUD shall not be liable to any Customer or to any third party for direct, indirect, or consequential damages, lost profits, or claim of damage attributable to any interruption, fluctuation, outage, change in voltage, or other firm power disturbance, nor will any interruption constitute a breach of agreement for Electric Service. Should PUD’s power supply be insufficient for any reason to service its entire system or any portion thereof, the PUD may, at its option and in its discretion, allocate its power in the best interests of all its Customers without incurring liability to any particular Customer. The PUD further reserves the right to reduce the supply of power to its Customers due to curtailment or proration requirements of governmental regulations or power suppliers without incurring any liability.

5.2  The PUD shall not be liable for any injury, property damage, loss, or damage resulting from power outages for any reason, including from storm, lightning, system failure, trees, vehicle accidents, low voltage, voltage spikes (power surges), or single phasing.

5.3  The PUD may interrupt Electric Service to any Customer, without notification, for the protection of life or property, for making repairs, changes, or improvements in any part of its system for the general good of the service or safety of the public, or when in the PUD’s sole judgment such interruption will prevent or alleviate a condition that jeopardizes the integrity of the PUD system, or will generally aid in the restoration of service.

5.4  Customers should attempt to determine if an outage is due to their equipment before calling the PUD. If the PUD sends out an Employee at the Customer’s request, and the PUD determines that the Customer’s equipment is at fault, a fee may be charged for the trouble call in accordance with Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees.

6.1 As a condition of providing Electric Service, the PUD shall be granted all necessary permission, rights-of-way, and easements over the Customer’s property and the PUD or its agents shall have the right to enter upon the Customer’s property as reasonably required for the purposes of reading, testing, maintaining, or repairing meters; trimming trees or removing vegetation near PUD equipment; and inspecting, repairing, maintaining, removing, or replacing PUD equipment. If any PUD equipment is located within a locked enclosure or behind a locked gate, the PUD shall be furnished with a key for access, or may use reasonable means necessary to access PUD equipment.

6.2 Unrestrained animals present a serious safety threat to PUD Employees. Should a Customer’s animal inhibit or prohibit an Employee’s access to the premises, or interfere in any way with an Employee’s necessary work, the Customer shall be notified by mail of the problem and a mutually agreeable permanent solution must be arranged promptly. If a Customer does not comply with such a request, the PUD may disconnect service without further notice.

6.3 PUD equipment shall not be enclosed or obstructed by fences, landscaping, walls, or other structures in any manner that prohibits access to the PUD equipment, whether intended to secure the Customer’s property or premises, or otherwise. The PUD shall have the right to refuse to provide Electric Service to any premises where such conditions exist. Service may also be disconnected under Section 17 if the Customer does not remove upon request by the PUD any obstructions that are discovered by the PUD after Electric Service has been connected.

6.4 In the case where the PUD determines that any enclosed or obstructed PUD equipment presents a safety hazard or emergency condition, the PUD may immediately disconnect service to the premises under Section 17 until the safety hazard has been resolved to the satisfaction of the PUD. In such instances, the PUD shall, in its sole discretion, require the Customer at its expense to create a Point of Delivery location at the Customer’s property line where access to PUD equipment and facilities is available to Employees in the normal course of their work.

7.1 The Customer shall exercise due care and diligence to prevent damage, theft, or misuse of PUD equipment located on the Customer’s property including meters, test equipment, transformers, services, connections, and any other PUD-owned equipment. The Customer shall not place or permit the placement of any building, structure, trees, or shrubs within the PUD’s right-of-way, change the grade, or undertake other activity that might interfere with the proper operation and maintenance of PUD facilities. The Customer is responsible for contacting the PUD prior to performing any work near PUD equipment.

7.2 In its sole discretion, the PUD may determine that the Customer may be financially responsible for all PUD-owned equipment and facilities on Customer’s property. In the event any PUD equipment or facilities are misused, damaged, vandalized, or removed by the Customer, Customer’s guest, Customer’s agent, or any known or unknown third party, the Customer shall be responsible for reimbursing the PUD for the cost of any repairs or replacement. In its sole discretion, the PUD may determine that the financial responsibility shall continue even if the Customer terminates service so long as the Customer continues to own or possess the property, unless the Customer provides a written request to the PUD to remove its equipment or facilities.

• 7.2.1 In the event PUD equipment or facilities have been misused, damaged, vandalized, or removed where no electric account is established, the costs of repairs and/or replacement, according to Rate Schedule 90, will be considered the responsibility of the property owner and due in full prior to electric service being restored.
• 7.2.2 If electric service is reconnected without PUD authorization, the current Customer will be responsible for all inspection, repair, and replacement costs according to Rate Schedule 90. In addition, the Customer may be responsible for payment for all electric service used, which will be calculated based on the PUD’s applicable rate schedule in effect at the time of use. If there is not a current Customer on record, the property owner shall become the responsible party for all amounts due.

7.3 The Customer shall not place or permit the placement of any building or structure on top of the PUD’s underground facilities or underneath the PUD’s overhead facilities.

8.1  Except by express written agreement with the PUD, Energy may not be resold or redistributed by the Customer. In no case shall rates charged exceed the rates listed in the most current PUD Rate Schedules and charged by the PUD for similar service.

9.1 Each prospective Customer may apply for Electric Service either in person, on the PUD website, or by telephone. The PUD may, at its discretion, request an application for Electric Service be made in person with an acceptable form of valid photo identification. The delivery of Electric Service by the PUD and its acceptance by the Customer shall be deemed to constitute an agreement and acceptance of the PUD’s established Rate Schedules and General Terms.

9.2 For large Energy users or Customers with special Electric Service conditions, the PUD may require a Special Contract before service is energized. No Special Contract, or any modification thereof, shall be binding upon the PUD until executed by its Board or its designee.

9.3 All prerequisites required by the PUD of the Customer must be satisfied before the Electric Service will be energized.

9.4 All new or existing service equipment must comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), the National Electric Code (NEC), and PUD standards before the Electric Service will be energized.

9.5 Electric Service will not be connected (and existing Electric Service may be subject to disconnection) should a Customer owe a delinquent balance while residing at any PUD service address. Rotation of family members’ names or roommates’ names to avoid payment for service provided is not permitted. In such circumstances, all outstanding charges must be paid in full prior to connection or to avoid disconnection. New Customers may be required to provide proof of residence at a previous address.

10.1  Customers will receive Electric Service under the applicable Rate Schedules based on the PUD’s understanding of the Customer’s power supply requirements. The PUD reserves the right to immediately change the Rate Schedule under which a Customer receives Electric Service if the Customer’s power supply requirements change, are different than what the Customer reported to the PUD, or the Customer no longer meets the eligibility requirements for Electric Service for the Rate Schedule under which the Customer is currently receiving service. The PUD reserves the right to retroactively bill for up to two (2) years to collect underpayment in the event the Customer was served under the wrong Rate Schedule.

11.1  Subject to these General Terms, all Special Contracts, agreements for Electric Service, and agreements for Line Extensions entered into by the PUD shall be binding upon, and oblige, and inure to the benefit of, the successors and assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators of the Customer.

12.1  In its sole discretion, the PUD may require at any time a deposit as a guarantee of performance by the Customer. The amount of a deposit is included in Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees. Deposits collected may be refunded to the Customer’s account after the Customer establishes an appropriate credit history of twenty-four (24) consecutive months of satisfactory payment history beginning once the deposit is paid in full. The PUD periodically reviews Electric Accounts for satisfactory payment history; at any time a deposit or an additional deposit may be used to satisfy a past due amount on a Customer’s Electric Account if the payment history is not satisfactory. In such event the Customer may be required to provide an additional deposit.

12.2  All Customers who sign up for Electric Service may have their credit report reviewed. If the Customer’s credit report rating is acceptable, the deposit may be waived for residential accounts, which shall be determined in the PUD’s sole discretion. The deposit may be reduced for residential accounts if the Customer signs up for Bank Draft (automatic bank deduction from the Customer’s checking or savings account) or Auto Pay (automatic payments using a VISA, Mastercard, or other credit/debit card accepted by the PUD). Should a Customer refuse to provide a Social Security number for data verification, the Customer shall be required to sign up in person at the PUD office, show valid identification, and pay a deposit.

12.3  If a deposit is required, the Customer may be required to pay the deposit in full at the time of setting up Electric Service. Failure to pay the required deposit may result in immediate disconnection of Electric Service, or prevent reconnection of an Electric Service that has been disconnected, pursuant to Section 17.

12.4  Should the Customer terminate service, the deposit will be applied against the closing bill and/or refunded as appropriate. Deposit refunds shall be applied to the Customer’s account unless otherwise requested by the Customer. Refunds of closing balances or deposits will be refunded in a check payable to all listed Customer(s) on the account and shall be forwarded by U.S. mail to the Customer’s last mailing address as provided by the Customer. Any funds unclaimed by the Customer after termination of services shall be submitted to the State of Oregon as unclaimed property.

13.1  Meters shall, as nearly as possible, be read on the same cycle date each month, but because of weekends, holidays, and differences in the lengths of calendar months, a variation in reading and Billing Periods may occur.

13.2  The PUD reserves the right to bill for a lesser or longer period than the normal monthly interval. If it is not practical to obtain an actual meter reading, billing may be based on estimated readings and subject to later correction.

13.3  Billing statements shall be forwarded by U.S. mail to the Customer’s last mailing address as provided by the Customer. Customers signed up for paperless billing will receive an email notification when their bill is available for review on the PUD’s Account Online website.

13.4  If a meter has stopped registering, or otherwise fails to correctly register Energy usage, the PUD will render a bill based on an estimate of the amount of Energy supplied by using the best available information.

14.1 All bills shall become due and payable on or before fifteen (15) days from date of issuance unless otherwise specified on the bill.

14.2 To be eligible for the Budget Pay Plan, the Customer’s account must have a zero ($0) balance at the time of set up and have at least twelve (12) months of usage history. The monthly Budget Pay amount will be determined by averaging the actual amount of Energy used during the previous twelve (12) months. This Budget Pay amount shall be reviewed and recalculated periodically to keep Budget Pay payments in line with actual Customer usage. If one (1) payment is received late from a Customer on the Budget Pay Plan, the Customer may automatically be removed from the Budget Pay Plan.

14.3 Customers may make payments in the office, by mail, by telephone, online, or at any PUD payment drop box. Automated payment services are also available to assist Customers in making payments including, Bank Draft (automatic bank deduction from the Customer’s checking or savings account) and Auto Pay (automatic payments using a VISA, MasterCard, or other credit/debit card accepted by the PUD).

14.4 Financial assistance programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Community Action Team in St. Helens, Oregon, and the Neighbor’s GLOW (Give Light, Offer Warmth) Program, administered by the PUD, may provide financial assistance to qualified Customers who need help paying their Energy bills.

14.5 Customers submitting a medical certificate are not excused from paying their electric bills.

14.6 Time-Payment Agreement

• 14.6.1 In its sole discretion, the PUD may not disconnect residential service for nonpayment if a Customer enters into a written and signed time-payment agreement.
• 14.6.2 The amount to be entered into the time-payment agreement will be payable over a twelve (12) month period, with the first month due upon signing. Each month thereafter will be included and payable with the current charges due for utility service.
  • 14.6.2.1 The utility shall review the monthly installment plan periodically. If needed, the installment amount may be adjusted to bring the account into balance.
  • 14.6.2.2 If a Customer moves to a different service address within the PUD’s service territory, at any time during the period of a time-payment plan, the plan shall continue. However, the Customer must pay any past-due charges and all other applicable charges before the PUD provides service at the new address.
  • 14.6.2.3 If a Customer closes their PUD account, the balance of the agreement will be due in full within fifteen (15) days.

15.1 Except as provided in sections 15.5 and 15.6 of this rule, if the PUD determines that a current or former customer of the PUD was under-billed or over-billed for a service provided by the PUD under rate schedules or special contracts in effect when the service was provided:

• (a) The PUD may issue a bill to collect amounts previously under-billed during the twenty-four (24)-month period ending on the date on which the Customer or former Customer was last under-billed. The PUD will not bill for services provided more than two (2) years before the date the PUD discovered the under-billing.
• (b) The PUD will issue a refund or bill credit for amounts previously over-billed during the twenty-four (24)-month period ending on the date on which the Customer or former Customer was last over-billed. The PUD is not required to issue a refund or bill credit for amounts over-billed more than two (2) years before the date the PUD discovered the over-billing.

15.2 If the under-billing was the result of fraud, tampering, diversion, theft, misinformation, false identification, or other unlawful conduct on the part of the Customer or former Customer of the PUD, the PUD may collect full payment for any amount owed without limitation including interest, penalties, attorneys’ fees and collections costs.

15.3 When the PUD issues a bill to collect under-billed amounts, a current or former Customer of the PUD, may enter into a Time-Payment Agreement. If the PUD Customer is already on a time-payment plan, the PUD may offer to renegotiate the payment plan to include the under-billing error.

15.4 When the PUD requires payment for amounts previously under-billed, the PUD will provide a written notice that explains:

• (a) The circumstance and time period of the under-billing;
• (b) The corrected bill amount and the amount of the necessary adjustment;
• (c) The complaint process; and
• (d) The right of current or former Customers of the PUD to enter into a time-payment agreement with the PUD.

15.5 A billing adjustment is not required if an electric meter registers less than a two percent (2%) error under conditions of normal operation.

15.6 The PUD may waive rebilling or issuing a refund check when costs make such action uneconomical.

16.1  A late payment charge shall be applied to past due account balances as specified in Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees.

16.2  If a Customer’s check or payment is returned to the PUD unpaid because of insufficient funds or a closed bank account, the Customer shall be charged a NSF bank charge per returned item to cover the bank fees charged to the PUD and the handling of the returned item pursuant to Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees. If the PUD has two (2) checks from a Customer returned for any reason in any twelve (12) month period, the PUD may require that all future bills be paid in cash or credit card and a deposit may also be required from the Customer in the PUD’s sole discretion.

17.1  The PUD may disconnect Electric Service for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

• 17.1.1  If the provision of Electric Service to any Customer or facility is unlawful or otherwise prohibited by governmental, enforcement, or judicial action. If the PUD terminates under this section, all unpaid costs reasonably incurred by the PUD to provide service to the Customer shall become due and payable immediately upon the effective date of such termination. Further, the Customer shall indemnify and hold the PUD harmless for any and all costs related to the provision and termination of the electrical service, including the costs of defense in any governmental, enforcement, or judicial matter.
• 17.1.2  Failing to pay a deposit or to make payments in accordance with the terms of any deposit or payment arrangement.
• 17.1.3  Providing false identification or verification of identity.
• 17.1.4  Failing to pay for services rendered; tampering with PUD meters, connections, or other equipment; diverting service; or committing fraud or theft of Electric Service. Should any meter be found reconnected by someone other than authorized PUD personnel, Electric Service may be disconnected immediately without notification to the Customer.
• 17.1.5  The Customer’s facilities are deemed unsafe, or are in violation of state, municipal, or NESC codes, or the Customer’s metering equipment has not been properly relocated or inspected following a thirty (30) day written notice.
• 17.1.6  The Customer does not cooperate in providing the PUD reasonable access to the meter or other service equipment.
• 17.1.7  The Customer requests the PUD to disconnect service or close their account.
• 17.1.8  Failing to abide by the terms of any payment agreements or Special Contracts.
• 17.1.9  When dangerous, emergency, or high-risk conditions exist at the Customer’s premises.
• 17.1.10 Where the PUD has determined that the Customer is being served at an inappropriate level of service for the equipment installed or for the Customer’s current Electric Service usage.

17.2  Written notice will generally be given to the Customer at least fifteen (15) days before disconnection of Electric Service, except in cases of failure to establish credit, unauthorized use of Electric Service, theft or fraud, or unsafe conditions in which case the PUD may disconnect Electric Service without notice.

• 17.2.1  The PUD may present the fifteen (15)-day notice of disconnection on the Customer’s monthly billing statement, serve it in person, or send it by first-class mail to the last known address of the Customer. Notification is complete on the date of mailing or personal delivery.
• 17.2.2  At least five (5) business days before the proposed disconnection date, the PUD will make a reasonable attempt to telephone, mail, or deliver a final disconnection notice to the Customer. The final notice will inform the Customer that Electric Service will be disconnected on or after a specific date and will explain alternatives and payment assistance that might be available.
• 17.2.3  Immediately before disconnecting Electric Service, the PUD will make a good faith effort to contact the Customer. Meters with remote disconnect switches may be used to connect and disconnect Electric Service remotely from the PUD office. The PUD will attempt to contact Customers with remote disconnect switches instead of visiting the Customer’s service location prior to disconnection of Electric Service.
• 17.2.4  If contact is not made, the PUD will leave a notice in a conspicuous place informing the Customer that Electric Service has been disconnected and a collection fee will be charged in accordance with Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees. Customers with remote disconnect switches will not receive a notice at their physical service address upon disconnection of Electric Service.

17.3  To the extent reasonably possible, Electric Service will not usually be disconnected for nonpayment on or the day prior to a weekend or PUD recognized holiday.

18.1 Third-party notification will be available to all Customers. Under this program, the Customer identifies a third party whom the PUD may notify for billing purposes or if other issues arise. The third party can be any person or agency designated by the Customer. The person or agency will not be obligated to pay the Customer’s bill unless they have also signed as a guarantor for the Customer’s account.

19.1  If a Customer has been disconnected for nonpayment, payment in full of the total past-due amount and the current charges, and all reconnection fees as applicable under Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees, must be paid prior to restoration of Electric Service. In addition, a deposit as applicable under Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees may also be required before Electric Service will be restored. Requests to restore Electric Service, along with payment for reconnection of Electric Service received outside of the PUD’s service hours, as identified under Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees, will be assessed an after-hours reconnection charge if the PUD is able in its sole discretion to restore such service outside of the PUD’s service hours; otherwise, the Electric Service will be reconnected the next business day.

19.2  If the Customer has been disconnected for unauthorized use, theft, fraud, or illegal diversion of Energy, the Customer may also be billed for the estimated usage of the unmetered Energy, meter testing costs, investigation costs, late fees, interest, attorneys’ fees, and for any equipment damage. Payment in full for the above charges will be required before Electric Service is restored. In addition, Electric Service will not be restored until the meter base is inspected and approved by the County Electrical Inspector.

19.3  A charge for each trip to the Customer’s premises may be assessed for a physical disconnection, improper request for service, reconnection of Electric Service, or for the trouble call in accordance with Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees. Electric Services disconnected longer than twelve (12) months may not be restored until the meter base is inspected and approved by the County Electrical Inspector.

20.1  When a change in the responsibility for payment for Electric Service (such as a change of occupancy) occurs, notice of such change must be given to the PUD at least five (5) business days prior to the effective date of such change. Customers listed in PUD records will be held responsible for payment of all Electric Service supplied until such notice of change has been received by the PUD.  New Customers must meet all the eligibility requirements for service described in these General Terms.

20.2  Property owners or Landlords who wish to have the Electric Service to their rental units remain connected after the unit has been vacated may sign a Landlord Agreement with the PUD. Under the terms of a Landlord Agreement, the property owner or Landlord assumes responsibility for payment of all Electric Services from the date of the renter/tenant disconnection of Electric Service until a new renter/tenant requests Electric Service be connected in their name and the new Customer meets the eligibility requirements for service described in these General Terms. The PUD will assist an eviction process once the Court eviction order has been served.

21.1  Customers who wish to dispute a bill or lodge a complaint may request that the PUD review their bill, charges, or service concerns. This does not apply to insurance liability claims that have been denied.

21.2  In the event the Employee initially receiving the dispute/complaint is unable to reach a resolution with the Customer, the Customer may request that the dispute/complaint be referred to a supervisor or manager. All referred disputes/complaints shall be documented showing name, phone number, address of the Customer, date of incident, nature of dispute, and action taken to date.

21.3  Should the supervisor or manager be unable to resolve the dispute/complaint to the Customer’s satisfaction, the Customer may ask to initiate the Disputes, Complaints, and Appeals process which may result in an appeal to an ad-hoc Customer Assistance Committee.

21.4  Dispute, Complaints, and Appeals Process 

• 21.4.1  Should the Customer decide to take their dispute/complaint to the Customer Assistance Committee, the Customer will be asked to make a request for assistance in writing and to provide a summary of the dispute.
• 21.4.2  The role of the Customer Assistance Committee is to assist the Customer and the PUD in reaching a timely resolution of the dispute/complaint. The Committee will be comprised of:
  • 21.4.2.1  The member of the Board from the sub-division where the Customer’s service address is located.
  • 21.4.2.2  The PUD manager or supervisor of the department involved in the dispute/complaint.
  • 21.4.2.3  A PUD-appointed record keeper.
  • 21.4.2.4  One (1) Customer-At-Large from the same class of service as the Customer.

21.5  A dispute/complaint appeals hearing will be scheduled within ten (10) business days of receipt of the written request from the Customer to convene the Customer Assistance Committee. Attorneys and paralegals are excluded from appearing or participating in the Customer Assistance Committee hearing.

21.6  The recommendation and/or action from the Customer Assistance Committee will be reported to the Board at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Any Customer Assistance Committee resolution that deviates from Board policy shall be approved by the Board. The Customer is encouraged to attend the Board of Director’s meeting to hear the final resolution of the dispute/complaint.

22.1  Availability and Conditions of Electric Service

• 22.1.1  The PUD shall advise the Customer of the available phase and voltage for Electric Service. The availability of Electric Service for the equipment to be used shall be determined by the PUD before the Customer may proceed with the wiring or the installation of equipment.
• 22.1.2  The PUD shall not be held liable for any loss or damage to persons or property resulting from defects beyond the Point of Delivery, or the Customer’s installation of equipment for the delivery of Electric Service.
• 22.1.3  The Customer shall install, own, maintain, repair, and replace all wiring and equipment beyond the Point of Delivery. The Customer’s wiring shall conform to applicable municipal, county, and state requirements, and the PUD’s rules and regulations.
• 22.1.4  The Customer shall be responsible for informing the PUD of any changes to the Customer’s electric needs or usage patterns, the electric account’s billing address, and contact information. The Customer shall be responsible for all damages, including the costs to repair or replace equipment or facilities owned by PUD or its other customers, if such damages are directly or indirectly related to the Customer’s failure to update the Customer’s electric needs or usage patterns.
• 22.1.5  The PUD reserves the right to require an electrical inspection by the County Electrical Inspector when, in the PUD’s sole discretion, determine that the Customer’s equipment or wiring appears to be in a hazardous condition, or not in conformity with lawful codes and local regulations. The Customer shall be responsible for all damages, including the costs to repair or replace equipment or facilities owned by PUD or its other customers, if such damages are directly or indirectly related to the Customer’s failure to comply with lawful codes and local regulations.

22.2  Electric Service Installation and Equipment

• 22.2.1  The route of the Electric Service and the location of the Electric Service connection and metering equipment shall be determined by the PUD in its sole discretion.
• 22.2.2  For overhead Electric Service, the service entrance shall be so located that the Electric Service wires installed by the PUD will reach the service entrance by attachment at only one (1) location on the building and within two (2) feet of the weather head. The point of attachment for an overhead Electric Service on the building shall be of sufficient height to provide the required ground clearance for Electric Service drop conductors per the NESC. An Electric Service mast or other approved structure to terminate Electric Service conductors or reinforcement of the building for adequate anchoring shall be provided by the Customer.
• 22.2.3  For underground Electric Service, requirements for trenching, cable protection and backfill, and cable route shall be determined by the PUD in its sole discretion.
• 22.2.4  All current transformer cabinets, meter enclosures, meter bases, and conduits or raceways shall be furnished, paid for and installed by the Customer. The installation and equipment must meet or exceed PUD standards.
• 22.2.5  It shall be the Customer’s responsibility to provide suitable protective equipment to protect their equipment. Customers should install equipment to protect three phase motors from “single-phasing” and “under-voltage” conditions. Motors rated in excess of thirty-five (35) horsepower and frequently started motors rated in excess of ten (10) horsepower that typically start more than four (4) times per hour may require reduced voltage starters.
• 22.2.6  Customer-owned metering equipment may be allowed on PUD-owned poles carrying voltages of less than six hundred (600) volts.
• 22.2.7  PUD equipment will be sized to the Customer’s kVA requirement as determined by the PUD in its sole discretion, consistent with prudent utility practices.

23.1  These general line extension provisions apply to line extensions for all types of service.  For overhead or underground electric facilities required to connect the PUD’s existing power line to any Customer’s Point of Delivery, Customers must coordinate their service requirements with the PUD. The PUD requires a plot plan and load information in a form sufficient to permit the PUD to determine the route, design the line extension, and develop an Estimate for providing Electric Service. The PUD will determine the means of providing Electric Service. The Customer shall be responsible for the cost of the Line Extension which shall include all poles, primary wiring, secondary wiring, transformer(s), meter(s), right-of-way acquisition, clearing, trenching and backfilling, and any other one-time cost items associated with providing Electric Service to the Customer. The PUD shall own and maintain all installed electric facilities required to serve the Customer up to the Point of Delivery. The Customer shall install, own, and maintain all wiring and equipment consistent with industry and safety standards beyond the Point of Delivery. All work performed and equipment installed by the Customer must meet all applicable safety and electric codes, regulations, and PUD specifications.

23.2  To the extent practicable, PUD facilities shall be built along public rights-of-way in preference to private property routes, and any poles, transformers, sectionalizing cabinets, etc. shall be installed immediately adjacent to an all-season/all-weather road for future maintenance. PUD facilities shall not be routed under any buildings or other permanent structures.

23.3  The Customer shall execute and deliver to the PUD a valid easement, in a form acceptable to the PUD, governing the installation, replacement, removal, and maintenance of PUD facilities that are located on private property. All materials and facilities furnished by the PUD shall remain the property of the PUD, except where a separate agreement has been executed by the PUD.

23.4  The PUD may use the average estimated cost, rather than the Actual Cost, for an overhead or underground residential Electric Service.

23.5  A Customer’s usage pattern and load (“Load Characteristic”) will be established twelve (12) months after the installation of facilities used to serve the Customer. The Load Characteristic shall be determined by using the Customer’s peak load in a twelve (12) month period by using actual load data, measured from the time the PUD installs facilities to serve a Customer. A Customer’s Load Characteristic shall not exceed the Customer’s load data used to size PUD facilities under General Terms and Conditions Section 23 Line Extension Policies; otherwise the Customer may be subject to additional charges under Section 30 of the General Terms and Conditions to serve the Customer’s load.

23.6  A decrease in a Customer’s Load Characteristic for a sustained period of twelve (12) months shall establish a new Load Characteristic for the Customer, and the PUD will not reserve that excess capacity for the Customer except as provided below. If a Customer’s Load Characteristic decreases, the Customer may reserve capacity for future load by entering into a written Special Contract with the PUD.  If the Customer fails to enter into a Special Contract with the PUD to reserve the excess capacity for future load, the Customer shall not have any right to use that excess capacity and the excess capacity may be used to serve other customers. If a Customer desires to increase or change its Load Characteristic, the Customer will need to make such request under Section 30 of the General Terms and Conditions.

23.7  Residential Line Extensions

• 23.7.1  If, within five (5) years from the date of a Line Extension being energized, any additional Customers are added to the Line Extension, the new Customer(s) shall pay all costs associated with the new facilities to make the connection, plus a Pro Rata Share for the original Line Extension costs. Said Pro Rata Share of the contribution by the new Customer(s) shall be credited proportionately to those Customers having previously made payments towards the cost of the original Line Extension so that the original Customers do not subsidize service to new Customers. The following procedure shall be used for calculating the contribution:
  • 23.7.1.1  The total of the Actual Costs paid to the PUD when the original Line Extension was energized shall be the cost to be apportioned. Costs paid directly by the Customer to a contractor, such as trenching costs, will not be included.
  • 23.7.1.2  The length of line from the beginning of the original line to the point of attachment by the new Customer, calculated in feet, shall be used to determine the percentage of obligation to the new Customer.
  • 23.7.1.3  This obligation must be paid to the PUD for distribution to the original Customer(s) prior to the construction of the new Line Extension.
  • 23.7.1.4  The obligated amount shall be properly distributed to the original Customer(s).
• 23.7.2  The Customer will pay the Estimated Cost of Service prior to commencement of construction-related activities. The Customer shall provide and install, at no cost to the PUD and in accordance with PUD specifications, all necessary trenching, backfilling, compaction, site restoration, conduit, vaults, permitting, and any other requirements to complete construction for underground service. Ownership of the conduit/vault system will be provided to the PUD after final inspection and acceptance. The cost of inspection shall be the responsibility of the Customer.
• 23.7.3  The PUD may use the average estimated cost, rather than the Actual Cost, for an overhead or underground residential Electric Service.
• 23.7.4  For residential services greater than six hundred (600) amps, the Customer shall be responsible to provide, install, and maintain the underground conduit, service conductors, and connectors. The Customer will retain ownership of these facilities.

23.8  Commercial Line Extensions

• 23.8.1  If any materials are necessary, which are not part of the PUD’s standard inventory, or the Customer wishes to have spare equipment available at the PUD for emergency purposes, the Customer shall pay the cost of such equipment prior to commencement of construction activities.
• 23.8.2  The Customer is responsible for paying the Estimated Cost of Service to serve each commercial building prior to installation. The PUD will refund the Customer the difference, if the Actual Cost is less than the Estimated Cost of Service.
• 23.8.3  For services to marinas, floating homes, docks, and commercial services six hundred (600) amps and greater, the Customer is responsible to provide, install, and maintain the underground conduit, service conductors, and connectors. The Customer will retain ownership of these facilities.
• 23.8.4  If, within five (5) years from the date of a Line Extension being energized, any additional Customer(s) are added to the Line Extension, the new Customer(s) shall pay all costs associated with the new facilities to make the connection, plus a Pro Rata Share for the original Line Extension costs. Said Pro Rata Share of the contribution by the new Customer(s) shall be credited to those Customers having previously made payments towards the cost of the original Line Extension so that the original Customers do not subsidize service to new Customers. The following procedure shall be used for calculating the contribution:
  • 23.8.4.1  The total of the Actual Costs paid to the PUD when the original Line Extension was energized shall be the cost to be apportioned. Costs paid directly by the Customer to a contractor, such as trenching costs, will not be included in the costs to be apportioned.
  • 23.8.4.2  The length of the Line Extension from the beginning of the original Line Extension to the point of attachment by the new Customer, calculated in feet, shall be used to determine the percentage of obligation to the new Customer.
  • 23.8.4.3  This obligation must be paid to the PUD for distribution to the original Customer(s) prior to the construction of the new Line Extension.
  • 23.8.4.4  The obligated amount shall be properly distributed to the original Customer(s).
• 23.8.5  The Customer will pay the Estimated Cost of Service prior to commencement of construction related activities. If Actual Costs are less than the Estimated Cost of Service, the difference will be refunded to the Customer. The Customer shall provide and install, at no cost to the PUD and in accordance with PUD specifications, all necessary trenching, backfilling, compaction, site restoration, conduit, vaults, permitting, and any other requirements to complete construction for underground service. Ownership of the conduit/vault system will be provided to the PUD after final inspection and acceptance. The cost of inspection shall be the responsibility of the Customer.

23.9  Subdivisions, Apartment Buildings, and Manufactured Home Parks

• 23.9.1  The Customer shall provide and install, at no cost to the PUD and in accordance with PUD specifications, all necessary trenching, backfilling, compaction, site restoration, conduit, vaults, permitting, and any other requirements to complete construction for underground service. Ownership of the conduit/vault system will revert to the PUD after final inspection and acceptance. The cost of inspection will be borne by the Customer.
• 23.9.2  The Customer is responsible for paying the Estimate for the “back bone” system and any system improvements necessary to provide Electric Service prior to construction. If the Actual Cost is less than the Estimated Cost of Service, the difference will be refunded back to the Customer.

23.10  Industrial/Transmission and Primary Voltage Service

• 23.10.1  Line extensions for Industrial/Transmission and Primary Voltage Service will be provided by a Special Contract that assigns the cost responsibility for the Line Extension to the Special Contract customer.

24.1  For buildings of a temporary nature, the Customer is responsible for paying the Estimated Cost of Service and removal costs prior to installation. The PUD will refund the Customer the difference if the Actual Cost is less than the Estimated Cost of Service.

25.1  When Electric Service is discontinued and a request for reconnection is not made within the following twelve (12) months, the Customer shall be deemed to have abandoned service and forfeits any priority, rights to be served by, or interest in any electric facilities or equipment paid for by the Customer under the Line Extension rules. In its sole discretion, the PUD may remove its electric facilities or equipment, including but not limited to poles, conductors, transformers, and meter(s) without any liability or reimbursement to the Customer.

25.2  The Customer may continue to pay the monthly Base Charge in order to retain its right to be served by and be a priority in the PUD facilities as if the Electric Service was reconnected. Prior to connection, the PUD, in its sole discretion, may require the meter base to be inspected and approved by the County Electrical Inspector.

26.1 The modification, upgrade, relocation, or conversion of overhead facilities to underground, at the Customer’s request, will be reviewed by the PUD on a case by case basis. In the event the PUD is willing, in its sole discretion, to grant the Customer’s request, the Customer will be responsible for the cost for the new construction, the removal costs of the existing facilities, and the remaining life value of the existing facilities minus a depreciation credit based upon the age of the facilities being replaced. The Customer shall pay the Estimated Cost of Service before construction activities begin.

26.2 The Customer shall provide and install, at no cost to the PUD and in accordance with PUD specifications, all necessary trenching, backfilling, compaction, site restoration, conduit, vaults, permitting, and any other requirements to complete construction for underground service. All work performed by the Customer must meet all applicable codes, regulations, and PUD specifications. The cost of inspection shall be borne by the Customer.

26.3 The Customer will convert their Electric Service equipment to accept an underground service if applicable.

27.1  The PUD will install and maintain all meters and other equipment necessary for measuring the Energy used by the Customer. The PUD will maintain accurate records of all meter readings for billing purposes. The Energy delivered as evidenced by such record shall, in the absence of proven error, be prima-facie evidence of the use of such Electric Service by the Customer, and shall be the basis for computing all bills.

27.2  The PUD will make necessary periodic tests and inspections on its meters to ensure a high standard of accuracy. Additional meter accuracy tests may be requested by the Customer. If the meter registers are found to deviate by plus or minus two percent (2%), the PUD will pay for the testing and will adjust the Customer’s billing for the known or assumed period of error in accordance with Section 15 – Adjustment of Utility Bills. If the meter is operating within plus or minus two percent (2%) accuracy, the Customer may be billed for the testing expense according to Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees.

27.3  Should any meter malfunction and incorrectly register the amount of Energy usage, the Customer shall be notified as soon as possible after the metering malfunction is discovered. The Customer may receive a refund or be surcharged for up to two (2) years of service based on Customer’s estimated Energy usage or Demand. The energy usage or demand shall be determined based on prior or current usage and demand patterns, excluding the period in which the malfunction occurred. This section does not apply to meters that have been intentionally altered, moved, modified or otherwise tampered with.

27.4  In the event a billing error is discovered by the PUD, the PUD shall notify the Customer and the Customer may receive a refund or be surcharged to correct any overcharge or undercharge on a Customer’s bill. In the event a billing error is discovered by the Customer, the Customer shall immediately notify the PUD in writing, and explain in detail the disputed charges. If the PUD determines that a billing error has occurred, the Customer may receive a refund or be surcharged to correct any overcharge or undercharge on a Customer’s bill. The period for which any refund or surcharge will apply shall not exceed two (2) years of billings, and any refunds or surcharges shall be made in the PUD’s sole discretion.

27.5  The PUD does not share meter information, meter readings, or any other Customer Data with third parties unless required by law or as needed for PUD operations. The information generated by the PUD electric meters is used by the PUD internally in matters involving kWh usage for billing, determining during an outage whether Electric Service is being provided to a Customer, as well as to establish general Customer usage patterns for the PUD to better identify costs and system needs.

28.1 Metering equipment shall be installed on the outside of buildings, service structures, or on a meter pole in a readily accessible area that is without risk of bodily harm to PUD Employees and free from vibration, corrosive atmosphere, and abnormal temperatures.

28.2 Metering equipment shall not be located under the outfall of eaves, rain spouts, drains, or near doors that might damage the metering equipment.

28.3 Meters shall not be located in carports, breezeways, porches, or similar locations historically proven to have a high probability of becoming enclosed.

28.4 Meters shall not be enclosed without PUD written approval. Customers must remove such enclosure so that the meters are accessible by the PUD within thirty (30) days of written notification or the PUD will begin disconnection procedures as outlined in Section 17.

28.5 Meters shall be installed at such a height that the center of the meter, or top row of multiple meter installations, is no more than six (6) feet, or less than five (5) feet from the ground or platform. Meters on underground systems may be installed less than five (5) feet from grade in underground metering pedestals.

28.6 Meters or metering equipment shall be placed in a location that allows free and safe access for installing, removing, testing, and reading. Metering equipment shall not be installed over open points, moving machinery, accessible wells, or hatchways. There shall be at least three (3) feet of unobstructed space between the nearest point of the metering equipment and any obstructions.

28.7 New service entrance locations shall be approved by the PUD prior to installation.

28.8 Customer metering equipment may only be placed on PUD-owned secondary and service poles carrying voltages of less than six hundred (600) volts.

28.9 Existing meters located indoors may be permitted as long as the PUD has access to all meters.

29.1  Meter poles shall be furnished, installed, owned, and maintained by the PUD according to PUD Line Extension Policies in Section 23. Any existing meter pole deemed by the PUD to be unable to support the PUD’s facilities shall be replaced by the PUD at the PUD’s expense.

29.2  In the event the Customer requests the PUD to relocate any PUD pole on Customer property, the Customer shall be responsible for all costs associated with relocating all metering equipment from the old pole to the new pole and shall assume ownership and responsibility of the old pole.

30.1  If a Customer desires to materially increase or change the characteristics of their load requirements, the Customer shall notify the PUD sufficiently in advance to enable the PUD to install appropriate facilities and to secure power supply to serve the Customer’s load, if possible.

30.2  The Customer shall be responsible for costs related to upgrading the facilities according to the terms of the PUD Line Extension Policies as identified in Section 23, unless, in the opinion of the PUD, there would be a benefit to the PUD, and the Customer shall be responsible for all additional power supply and transmission costs.

30.3  If the Customer fails to notify the PUD, and the PUD’s equipment or facilities are damaged as the result of such increased load, the Customer shall be responsible for all costs associated with repair and/or replacement of PUD equipment or facilities, and damage to any other Customer facilities or property.

30.4  For any new Customer load or increase in existing connected Customer load greater than 1,000 kW, the Customer shall notify the PUD sufficiently in advance to enable the PUD to install appropriate facilities and to secure power supply to serve the Customer’s load, if possible.  Such a change may be subject to a Special Contract inclusive of specific terms and conditions associated with the Energy, Demand, interconnection, and usage patterns.

30.5  Any increase of load in excess of ten (10) average megawatts in a consecutive twelve (12) month period shall require a Special Contract as a New Large Single Load. Due to federal law, New Large Single Loads have the potential to impact the PUD cost of service for all its customers and it is the PUD’s policy to minimize this impact on existing customers. The Special Contract will describe both the Rate Schedule treatment for New Large Single Loads as well as the infrastructure setup and ongoing maintenance costs associated with such Customer loads.

31.1  All Electric Service provided by the PUD shall be in the form of sixty (60)-hertz alternating current.

31.2  The availability of phases and service voltage for the Customer shall be determined by the PUD before proceeding with the wiring or the installation of equipment.

31.3  The PUD will use its best efforts to maintain its delivery voltages within established standards of the industry.

31.4  The PUD requires that the current taken by each wire or phase of a service will be balanced within ten percent (10%) of each other at maximum or near-maximum load.

32.1  Customers requiring temporary Electric Service may be required by the PUD to pay all costs incurred by the PUD for installation and removal of facilities prior to Electric Service being provided. The Customer will be billed for Energy consumed under the applicable Rate Schedule. If requested by a Customer or contractor, the PUD may provide an unmetered temporary Electrical Service from an existing service pedestal or pad mount transformer according to the “Premium Temporary Service Agreement” and billed at Rate Schedule 90 – Miscellaneous Charges and Fees.

32.2  Temporary Electric Service shall not exceed a twelve (12) month period, unless special conditions approved by the PUD warrant an extension of time.

33.1  A Customer’s equipment shall not create unusual voltage fluctuations. Harmonic distortion or other disturbances on the PUD’s system that exceeds the limits specified in IEEE Standard 519 or exceeds the voltage variation limits specified in ANSI Standard C84.1 may require the Customer to pay for the installation of corrective equipment. If the Customer delays or refuses to install adequate equipment to correct the situation, Electric Service may be disconnected in accordance with Section 17.

33.2  The PUD reserves the right to refuse to serve highly fluctuating and intermittent loads, including but not limited to arc welders, large motors, and x-ray machines, which may cause interference or disturb the quality of service to other Customers.

34.1  The PUD may enter into a Net Metering and Interconnection Agreement with a Customer who owns and operates a Net Metering Facility with a generating nameplate capacity of not more than specified in Rate Schedule 97. The Customer must sign and abide by a PUD Net Metering and Interconnection Agreement.

34.2  The Net Metering Facility must be located on the Customer’s property.

34.3  The Customer shall be responsible for the design and installation of the Net Metering Facility, including engineering, design, permits, installation, and wiring. The Customer shall also be responsible for the costs of meeting the PUD’s interconnection requirements as outlined in the Net Metering and Interconnection Agreement.

34.4  The Customer shall not operate the Net Metering Facility until they receive a signed Net Metering Certificate of Completion from the PUD.

34.5  The Customer shall maintain the Net Metering Facility in a safe operating condition. The PUD may disconnect the Net Metering Facility any time the PUD deems the Net Metering Facility adversely affects the safety of PUD Employees or the reliability and power quality of the PUD’s electric system.

34.6  The PUD may limit the cumulative generating capacity of all Net Metering systems to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of its historic single-hour peak load.

34.7  The PUD shall install bi-directional metering equipment that is capable of registering the flow of electricity in each direction at the sole expense of the PUD. The PUD shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for permitting or continuing to allow the connection or operation of a Net Metering Facility, or for the acts or omissions of a Customer that cause property damage, loss, or injury, including death, to any third party.

35.1  Any Customer with a source of emergency power generation must install a PUD- approved double-throw transfer switch. This switch must be so arranged that a single handle on the switch will disconnect the PUD’s lines completely prior to the emergency generator being connected to any part of the Customer’s wiring system. The transfer switch must be installed according to the NEC and will be subject to inspection and sealing by the PUD.

35.2  It is the responsibility of the Customer to disconnect its Electric Service from PUD lines prior to activating any emergency generators. Damage to PUD equipment or facilities caused by the Customer’s equipment will be the responsibility of the Customer and billed to the Customer.

36.1  No work activities shall take place within ten (10) feet of a high-voltage overhead power line until the following two requirements are met:

• 36.1.1  The responsible party doing the work must notify the PUD of the intended work activity; and
• 36.1.2  The responsible party doing the work and the PUD must complete mutually satisfactory precautions for the activity.

36.2  The PUD will work with the responsible party to coordinate work schedules, temporarily de-energize power lines, or raise/move the power lines. Any costs incurred by the PUD may be charged to the responsible party.

36.3  Customers must stay away from any downed power line and should immediately report the downed line to the PUD.

37.1  The PUD has a legal obligation concerning tree removal, tree trimming, and right-of way maintenance on all existing primary and secondary electrical facilities to maintain such facilities in accordance with the NESC, and the Rules and Regulations of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.

37.2  PUD Employees may enter the Customer’s property at reasonable times in order to undertake needed vegetation management work. The Customer agrees not to interfere with such activity. Vegetation management is essential for Employee and public safety, and the continuity of Electric Service to Customers. In the event that the Customer interferes with vegetation management activity, the PUD may disconnect Electric Service under the provision of Section 17.

38.1  Written permission must be obtained from the PUD before any equipment or material of any description may be attached to any PUD pole, guy wire, electrical equipment, or other property of the PUD.

38.2  Installing signs on PUD poles is a violation of the NESC and is not allowed.

39.1  When any governmental jurisdiction, such as but not limited to a City, County, or State, imposes a requirement on the PUD that creates substantially increased costs, the PUD may charge a monthly fee to Customers within that jurisdiction in order to recover the costs in a reasonable length of time.

39.2  The amount of any and all revenue, kilowatt-hour, or other form of tax or fee imposed by any governmental authority upon the PUD or upon its property, revenue, or income may be apportioned by the Board to the Customers in which such tax or fee may be effective and among the various classes of service furnished therein. Such amounts shall constitute an additional charge to the power billings under any Rate Schedule or Special Contract. All such apportionments will be charged only when in conformance with existing applicable laws.

40.1  Each Customer shall be responsible for its portion of any Franchise Fees or other imposed fees levied on and paid by the PUD as determined by the Board. The PUD shall determine the level and amount of contribution to the payment of Franchise Fees that each Customer shall provide.

40.2  This amount shall be either included in the PUD’s base rate and/or itemized on the Customer’s bill as determined by the PUD.