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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Grants Waiver for Remote Utility Disconnection

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued an order granting Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. (VEC) a permanent waiver of Rules 3.303 and 3.304 concerning the disconnection of a member's utility service. The waiver was requested due to safety concerns at a customer's residence, where the member has a total amount due of $607.61 and has a history of failing to timely pay bills. The PUC approved the waiver, subject to VEC following the notice process outlined in the revised Commission Rule 3.300 and mailing a notice four days in advance, including a statement that utility services may be disconnected remotely without a visit to the premises.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont PUC granted a permanent waiver of Rules 3.303 and 3.304 for VEC to remotely disconnect a member's utility service due to safety concerns.
  • The customer has a total amount due of $607.61 and has a history of failing to timely pay bills, with three disconnections since January 1, 2024.
  • VEC must follow the customer notice process outlined in the revised Commission Rule 3.300 and mail a notice four days in advance, including a statement about remote disconnection.
  • The PUC supports VEC's requested waiver due to VEC's stated safety concerns, subject to VEC following the notice process.
  • The Department recommends that VEC mail a notice four days in advance, including a cover letter with the statement: "Utility services may be disconnected remotely, at the pole or premises without a visit to the premises."
  • The waiver will remain in effect until VEC can disconnect remotely under the revisions in Commission Rule 3.300.

Statistics:

  • The customer's total amount due is $607.61.
  • The customer has had three disconnections since January 1, 2024.
  • The waiver will remain in effect until VEC can disconnect remotely under the revisions in Commission Rule 3.300.
  • The notice process outlined in the revised Commission Rule 3.300 must be followed.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission. (2024, October 28). STATE OF VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION Case No. 24-3207-PET Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. request for a permanent waiver of Rules 3.303 and 3.304 concerning disconnection of a member's utility service.

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