Rule 38.5.8610 - GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF ENERGY UTILITIES(1) Each energy utility shall make reasonable efforts to avoid and prevent interruptions of service. However, when interruptions occur, service shall be reestablished within the shortest time practicable, consistent with safety and good utility practices.(2) Each energy utility's transmission and distribution facilities shall be designed, constructed, maintained, reinforced, and supplemented as required to reliably perform the natural gas and power delivery burden placed upon them in the storm and traffic hazard environment in which they are located.(3) Each energy utility shall carry on an effective preventive maintenance program and shall be capable of emergency repair work on a scale which its storm and traffic damage record indicates as appropriate to its scope of operations and to the physical condition of its transmission and distribution facilities.(4) In appraising the reliability of the electric utility's transmission and distribution system, the commission will consider the condition of the physical property and the size, training, supervision, availability, equipment, and mobility of the maintenance forces, all as demonstrated in actual cases of storm and traffic damage to the facilities.(5) Each energy utility shall keep records of interruptions of service on its primary distribution system and shall make an analysis of the records for the purpose of determining steps to be taken to prevent recurrence of such interruptions.(6) Each energy utility shall make reasonable efforts to reduce the risk of future interruptions by taking into account the age, condition, design, and performance of transmission and distribution facilities and providing adequate investment in the maintenance, repair, replacement, and upgrade of facilities and equipment.Mont. Admin. r. 38.5.8610
NEW, 2005 MAR p. 1404, Eff. 7/29/05.69-3-103, MCA; IMP, 69-3-201, MCA;