Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Conditional Waiver of Rule 3.306 for Vermont Electric Cooperative

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order conditionally approving Vermont Electric Cooperative's request for a waiver of Commission Rule 3.306, allowing the cooperative to use a remote disconnection device to disconnect a member's service for non-payment without the need for a representative to be present at the member's premises. This waiver was requested due to an incident where the member's dog bit a VEC technician during a visit. The cooperative had requested blanket authorization to use remote disconnection in the future for this member's account.

The Commission's order, dated August 23, 2023, conditions the waiver on the member not objecting to the request by September 5, 2023. If the member does not object, VEC may remotely disconnect the member's service, provided it complies with all other aspects of Commission Rule 3.300 and provides one automated call the morning of the disconnection, as well as two direct calls on the day of the disconnection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission conditionally approved Vermont Electric Cooperative's request to waive Rule 3.306, allowing remote disconnection of a member's service for non-payment without an on-site representative.
  • The waiver was granted due to an incident where the member's dog bit a VEC technician, and the cooperative's request for blanket authorization to use remote disconnection in the future was also approved.
  • The Commission's order requires VEC to provide notice to the member by one automated call the morning of the disconnection and two direct calls on the day of the disconnection.
  • The conditional waiver is subject to the member not objecting to the request by September 5, 2023.
  • The Vermont Department of Public Service supported VEC's requests to waive the rule and authorize remote disconnection.
  • The Commission's relaxation of Rule 3.306 allows VEC to pursue disconnection with fewer requirements, provided the cooperative complies with all other aspects of Rule 3.300.

Statistics:

  • The amount of debt the member owes to VEC: $375.64.
  • The number of days the member has been delinquent in paying their bill: not specified.
  • The number of oppositions filed by the member to VEC's waiver request: 0.
  • The number of days the Commission has set aside for the member to object to VEC's waiver request: 14.
  • The number of days the Commission will wait before reviewing VEC's waiver request further: not specified.

Sources:

  • "Case No. 23-2595-PET: Vermont Electric Cooperative Inc. request for expedited request for relief from Rule 3.306" (Vermont Public Utility Commission, August 23, 2023).
  • "Emergency Rule 2.600" (Vermont Public Utility Commission, August 11, 2023).
  • "Commission Rule 3.300" (Vermont Public Utility Commission, August 2023).
  • "Commission Rule 3.306" (Vermont Public Utility Commission, August 2023).