The purpose of this rule is to implement I.C. 8-1-2-121(a) as added by Public Acts 1983, Pub. L. No. 43-1983, § 10, to prohibit involuntary termination of electric services to individuals receiving or eligible for benefits under the Home Energy Assistance program, I.C. 4-4-33-1.
(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMMISSION. The Public Service Commission of Indiana.
CUSTOMER. For the purposes of this rule a person who has agreed to pay for electric services exclusively for residential purposes.
DISCONNECT. The termination or discontinuance of electric services.
(B) (1) Without customer request, a utility may not, during the period from December 1 through March 15, disconnect electric residential service to any customer who either is receiving or who is eligible for and has applied for assistance under I.C. 4-4-33-1.
(2) During the period from December 1 through March 15, a utility may not disconnect service to such customers if:
(a) The customers’ eligibility to receive benefits pursuant to I.C. 4-4-33-1 is being determined by the Department on Aging and Community Services or its designee after the submission of a complete application for benefits by the customer; or
(b) The customer has furnished to the utility proof of his or her application to receive such benefits or the utility has been so notified in writing by the Department of Aging and Community Services or its authorized representatives.
(1984 Code, § 6-9-3A)