When the utility detects fraudulent or unauthorized use of electricity, or that the utility's regulating, measuring equipment or other service facilities have been tampered with, the utility may reasonably assume that the customer or other user has benefited by such fraudulent or unauthorized use or such tampering and, therefore, is responsible for payment of the reasonable cost of the service used during the period such fraudulent or unauthorized use or tampering occurred or is reasonably assumed to have occurred and is responsible for the cost of field calls and for the cost of effecting repairs necessitated by such use and/or tampering. In any event, the utility may make a charge for such out-of-pocket costs. Under circumstances of fraud, theft, unauthorized use of electricity, tamper or alteration of the utility's regulation, measuring equipment and/or other service facilities, the utility may disconnect service without notice and is not required to reconnect the service until a deposit and all the aforementioned charges, or an estimate of such charges are paid in full. In the event of fraud, theft or unauthorized use of electricity which is not upon or connected with a customer's premises, the ultimate user of the service shall be liable in the same manner as a customer for electric service used, the incurred costs of field calls and the cost of effecting repairs, and disconnection without notice.
(Ord. 2018-1, passed 3-21-2018)