Section 69-09-01-20 - Information to customers A utility shall:
1. Keep copies of its rate schedules, rules, and regulations on file in every office where payments are received. 2. Send a statement to each customer containing a clear and concise explanation of the existing rate schedule, and any rate schedule applied for, that is applicable to that customer. a. The statement shall be sent: (1) Not later than sixty days after the date of commencement of service to the customer; (2) Not later than thirty days after filing an increase in a rate schedule applicable to such customer. This statement must include for each of the major classes of customers for which there is a separate rate, a summary analysis which shows the economic impact of the proposed rate change and rate design changes, if any, for an average customer within the class based upon an average annual consumption and a statement that the rates are proposed only and, if the rates are suspended by the commission, the new rates will not be effective until commission action has been taken; and (3) As required by the commission under 69-02-04-01. b. The statement must include notice to customers regarding the availability and location of the information required in subsection 1. 3. Include with each customer bill, at least once each year: a. A clear and concise summary of the existing rate schedules applicable to each of the major classes of customers for which there is a separate rate; b. An identification of any classes whose rates are not summarized; and c. A notice calling the attention of the customer to the availability of alternative rate schedules for the customer's particular class of service and that, upon request, the utility will assist the customer in determining the billing for load conditions specified by the customer under various rate schedules. The customer, after selecting a particular rate schedule, shall take service under the rate schedule for a period of not less than twelve months, unless the rates are changed or there is a material change in the customer's load. 4. Send each customer upon request, without charge, a clear and concise statement of the actual consumption and cost of energy by the customer for each billing period during the prior year, unless the consumption and cost data is not reasonably ascertainable by the utility. 5. Provide, upon request, information and assistance to the extent reasonably possible so that customers may secure safe and efficient service. A utility must inform each customer of any change made or proposed to be made in any condition of service that would affect the efficiency of the service or the operation of appliances which may be in use by the customer. 6. File with the commission a sample copy of the statement format required by subsections 2 and 4 and a copy of the summary and notice required by subsection 3. Any format changes in statements or notices under this section must be filed immediately with the commission. N.D. Admin Code 69-09-01-20
Amended effective April 1, 2001.General Authority: NDCC 49-02-11
Law Implemented: NDCC 49-02-11