TERMINATION OF UTILITY SERVICES

§ 50.35 GENERAL PURPOSE.

   (A)   The general purpose of this policy for termination of utility services is to ensure utility consumers sufficient advance notice of proposed utility service termination so as to avoid erroneous or arbitrary service disconnection

   (B)   This policy applies to the termination or disconnection of all utilities and/or services provided by, under contract to provide or billed by the village.

   (C)   This policy shall not apply to terminations for safety reasons, due to request of consumer, or where tampering with utility equipment or theft of utilities has occurred.

   (D)   Terminations for safety reasons may be made without notice, but the village shall immediately provide notice to the consumer of termination and reason therefor. Service shall be restored as soon as it can safely be done.

   (E)   Terminations for tampering with utility equipment or theft of utilities may be made without notice, but the village shall immediately provide notice to the consumer of termination and reason therefor. The notice shall advise the consumer of the name, title, address, telephone number and hours during which the consumer may request a hearing in regard to the termination.

(Ord. 91-5-4, passed 7-23-91; Am. Ord. 04-11-02, passed 12-7-04)

§ 50.36 DELINQUENCY REQUIREMENTS.

   Service is subject to termination for nonpayment when the account is in arrears 30 days or more.

(Ord. 91-5-4, passed 7-23-91; Am. Ord. 04-11-02, passed 12-7-04)

§ 50.37 NOTICE; CONTENTS.

   (A)   A delinquent customer will receive notice of pending termination not less than five days prior to the proposed termination date. If the occupant does not pay the delinquent amount then termination may occur.

   (B)   Written notice of a proposed termination for nonpayment shall be provided to the consumer containing all of the following:

      (1)   Stating the intent of the village to terminate utility services on a specific date;

      (2)   Stating the reason for termination of service, i.e. delinquent account;

      (3)   Stating the consumer may dispute the reason for termination by notice to the village given prior to the termination date;

      (4)   Stating that if the consumer wishes to dispute the reason for termination, that the consumer must provide evidence in support of his or her dispute prior to the termination date;

      (5)   Stating that if the consumer believes he or she has a valid dispute but insufficient time to provide his or her evidence in support thereof, that he or she may request an extension of time to provide the evidence;

      (6)   Stating where the occupant of the premises may obtain state and federal aid for payment of utility bills and home weatherization and information on any local government aid for payment of utility bills and for home weatherization;

      (7)   Stating the amount due and the location and hours where payment in person can be made;

      (8)   Stating the business address and telephone number of a village representative to be contacted in the event the customer desires to dispute the reasons for termination.

(Ord. 91-5-4, passed 7-23-91)