(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DOMESTIC SUBSCRIBER. Shall not include municipalities, cities, villages, political subdivisions, companies, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or businesses of any nature.
(B) The municipality shall have the right to discontinue services and remove its properties if the charges for such services are not paid within 25 days after the date that the same becomes delinquent.
(C) No public or private utility company, including any utility owned and operated by the city, furnishing water, natural gas, or electricity at retail in this city shall discontinue service to any domestic subscriber for nonpayment of any past-due account unless the utility company first gives notice to any subscriber whose service is proposed to be terminated. Such notice shall be given in person, by first-class mail, or by electronic delivery, except that electronic delivery shall only be used if the subscriber has specifically elected to receive such notices by electronic delivery. If notice is given by first-class mail or electronic delivery, such notice shall be conspicuously marked as to its importance. Service shall not be discontinued for at least seven days after notice is sent or given. Holidays and weekends shall be excluded from the seven days.
(D) The notice required by division (C) shall contain the following information:
(1) The reason for the proposed disconnection;
(2) A statement of the intention to disconnect unless the domestic subscriber either pays the bill or reaches an agreement with the utility regarding payment of the bill;
(3) The date upon which service will be disconnected if the domestic subscriber does not take appropriate action;
(4) The name, address and telephone number of the utility's employee or department to whom the domestic subscriber may address an inquiry or complaint;
(5) The domestic subscriber's right, prior to the disconnection date, to request a conference regarding any dispute over such proposed disconnection;
(6) A statement that the utility may not disconnect service pending the conclusion of the conference;
(7) A statement to the effect that disconnection may be postponed or prevented upon presentation of a duly licensed physician's certificate which shall certify that a domestic subscriber or resident within such subscriber's household has an existing illness or handicap which would cause such subscriber or resident to suffer an immediate and serious health hazard by the disconnection of the utility's service to that household, Such certificate shall be filed with the utility within five days of receiving notice under this section and will prevent the disconnection of the utility's service for a period of 30 days from such filing. Only one postponement of disconnection shall be allowed under this division for each incidence of nonpayment of any past-due account;
(8) The cost that will be borne by the domestic subscriber for restoration of service;
(9) A statement that the domestic subscriber may arrange with the utility for an installment payment plan;
(10) A statement to the effect that those domestic subscribers who are welfare recipients may qualify for assistance in payment of their utility bill and that they should contact their caseworker in that regard; and
(11) Any additional information not inconsistent with this section which has received prior approval from the City Council or Board of Public Works.
(E) The utility shall notify any designated third party of the domestic subscriber by providing the third party a copy of the notice as described in division (D) that is sent to the domestic subscriber. The notice shall be given to the designated third party in any manner outlined in division (C). The utility shall advise its subscribers, including new subscribers, of the designated third party domestic subscriber notification policy outlined in this division.
(F) The provisions of Neb. RS 70-1608 through 70-1614 shall apply to disputes over a proposed discontinuance of service.
(G) A domestic subscriber may dispute the proposed discontinuance of service by notifying the utility with a written statement that sets forth the reasons for the dispute and the relief requested. If a statement has been made by the domestic subscriber, a conference shall be held before the utility may discontinue services.
(H) The procedures adopted for resolving utility bills by the City Council or Board of Public Works for any city utility, one copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, are hereby incorporated by reference in addition to any amendments thereto and are made a part of this section as though set out in full.
(I) This section shall not apply to any disconnections or interruptions of services made necessary by the utility for reasons of repair or maintenance or to protect the health or safety of the domestic subscriber or of the general public.
(1990 Code, § 3-302) (Ord. 777, passed 1-5-2016)
Statutory reference:
Utilities and disconnection procedures, see Neb. RS 70-1602 et seq.