(A) When it becomes necessary for the town to discontinue electric service to a customer for nonpayment of bills, service will be reinstated only after all bills for service then due have been paid and any deposit required has been made.
(B) It is the policy of the town to discontinue service to customers by reason of nonpayment of bills only after notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard on disputed bills is provided. All bills shall contain, in addition to the title, address, and telephone number of the town official in charge of billing, clearly visible and easily readable provisions to the effect that:
(1) All monthly bills are due and payable on or before the penalty due date indicated on the face of the bill. Service shall be discontinued for nonpayment on the cut-off date shown on the face of the bill;
(2) If any bill is not paid by the payment due date, a penalty equal but not exceeding 1% of the balance will be added if paid within the next ten calendar days;
(3) An additional $20 penalty will be added beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day following the cut-off date; and
(4) Failure to receive a bill does not alter these rules.
(C) Any customer disputing the accuracy of a bill shall have the right to a hearing. At that time he may be represented in person and by counsel or any other person of his choosing and may present orally or in writing his complaint and contentions to the town official in charge of billing. This official shall be authorized to order that the customer's service not be discontinued and shall have authority to make a final determination of the customer's complaint.
(D) In the absence of payment of the bill rendered or a request for a hearing as provided above, service will be discontinued at the time specified.
(Am. Ord. 04-05-16, passed 4-25-05; Am. Ord. 04-05-17, passed 4-25-05)