(A) In the case of apartment houses, multiple-residential dwelling units, and mobile home courts, where the property is owned by one person, each apartment, residential dwelling unit, and mobile home shall be considered a separate residential unit for billing purposes.
(1) Where the physical structure(s) is/are such that it would be economically prohibitive to separately meter each unit and more than one unit is metered by a single meter, then the amount of the electric bill shall be computed as follows.
(a) The minimum charge will be the current minimum charge as established in the latest applicable residential rate schedule of the town electric rate code multiplied by the number of units.
(b) The charge for usage shall be calculated on the total kilowatt hours used at the current rate set forth in the latest applicable residential rate schedule of the town electric rate code, but in no case shall the charge be less than the minimum as defined in division (A)(1)(a) above.
(2) In the case of business or commercial houses or structures occupied by more than one business where the property is owned by one person, each business division shall be considered a separate commercial unit for billing purposes. Where the physical structure(s) is/are such that it would be economically prohibitive to separately meter each unit and more than one unit is metered by a single meter, then the amount of the electric bill shall be computed as follows.
(a) The minimum charge will be the current minimum charge as established in the latest applicable commercial rate schedule of the town electric rate code multiplied by the number of units.
(b) The charge for usage shall be calculated on the total kilowatt hours used at the current rate set forth in the latest applicable commercial rate schedule of the town electric rate code, but in no case shall the charge be less than the minimum as defined in division (A)(2)(a) above.
(B) In all cases of multiple-billing units with one master meter, the electric charges shall be billed to the owner of the property served and the owner shall be responsible for the payment thereof.
(C) (1) All fees and charges payable under the provisions of this chapter are due no later than 15 days from the date of billing as set forth in any utility billing of the town ("due date" or "Due Date"). In the event that any service charges are not paid on or before the due date, the unpaid charges are delinquent and shall be subject to a late fee or penalty of 10% of the delinquent amount. In addition to incurring a late fee or penalty charge, in the event that any fee and/or charge is not paid in full within ten days of the due date, and the customer not having before the expiration of said ten days requested a hearing in writing submitted to the Town Clerk-Treasurer before the utility board concerning accrued charges, fees, and penalties, it shall result in the services to the customer being disconnected. Fees and deposits associated with any reconnection of services shall be as set forth in this chapter, and the deposit may increase as a result of a disconnection, pursuant to the deposit requirement schedule. The bill sent to the customer will indicate that if the bill remains delinquent for a period of ten days after the due date thereof, and the customer not having requested the hearing referenced herein, it shall result in the services to the customer being disconnected, and there shall be no further notice provided prior to discontinuance of service.
(2) In addition to any fees and charges, including late fees, in the event that the town takes any action to recover delinquent or unpaid fees and charges, the customer shall be responsible for any and all costs of collection incurred by the town, including, but not limited to, attorney fees and/or any fees paid to a collection agency.
(D) A service charge of $75 shall be collected for reinstating any service after a work order has been issued to disconnect for nonpayment of charges. Additionally, any past due or delinquent fees and/or charges must be paid in full prior to reconnection.
(E) Service may be temporarily disconnected on a temporary vacation status not to exceed six months. The charge shall be $25 for each disconnect and reconnect of the electric service if accomplished within the normally scheduled working hours of the Electric Utility employees. There shall be an additional $15 fee assessed for each disconnect and reconnect if requested by service owner to be accomplished outside of the normally scheduled working hours of the Electric Utility employees. The disconnection service shall only apply to the occupants of the premises in question wherein a temporary vacancy exists for the above stated purpose and the occupants in question will return to occupy the premises. Any request is to be made at least two working days prior to owner’s departure to allow for scheduling by Electric Utility personnel.
(Ord. 7-1992, passed 12-21-1992; Am. Ord. 2-2005, passed 4-4-2005; Am. Ord. 1-2008, passed 1-22-2008; Am. Ord. 10-2013, passed 11-4-2013; Am. Ord. 5-2015, passed 7-20-2015; Am. Ord. 5-2021, passed 5-3-2021)