20240808Notice of Proposed Rulemaking IDAPA 31.21.01.pdf

IDAPA 31 - IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
31.21.01 —CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES FOR GAS,
ELECTRIC,AND WATER PUBLIC UTILITIES
(THE UTILITY CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES)
DOCKET NO. 31-2101-2401
NOTICE OF RULEMAKING—PROPOSED RULE
AUTHORITY. In compliance with Section 67-5221(1), Idaho Code, notice is hereby given that this agency has
initiated proposed rulemaking procedures. The action is authorized pursuant to the General legal authority of the
Public Utilities Law,Chapters 1 through 7,Title 61, Idaho Code, and the specific legal authority of Sections 61-301,
61-302,61-303,61-315,61-503,61-507,and 61-520,Idaho Code.
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE: Public hearing(s) concerning this rulemaking will be scheduled if requested in
writing by twenty-five(25)persons,a political subdivision,or an agency,not later than August 21,2024.
The hearing site(s)will be accessible to persons with disabilities.Requests for accommodation must be made not
later than five(5)days prior to the hearing,to the agency address below.
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY. The following is a nontechnical explanation of the substance and purpose of the
proposed rulemaking:
During a legislative committee hearing, it was requested the Public Utilities Commission make a one word
change in IDAPA 31.21.01.304.02 Rule the following year,change the word"may"to"shall.
FEE SUMMARY:The following is a specific description of the fee or charge imposed or increased:N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: The following is a specific description, if applicable, of any negative fiscal impact on the state
general fund greater than ten thousand dollars($10,000)during the fiscal year resulting from this rulemaking:N/A
NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING: Pursuant to Section 67-5220(2), Idaho Code, negotiated rulemaking was not
conducted because this set of rules went through negotiated rulemaking last year according to the Zero-Based
Rulemaking process.Language in Rule 304 was adjusted to reflect the request of House Committee Chairman.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE: Pursuant to Section 67-5229(2)(a), Idaho Code, the following is a brief
synopsis of why the materials cited are being incorporated by reference into this rule:N/A
ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS, SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN COMMENTS: For assistance
on technical questions concerning this proposed rulemaking or to obtain a preliminary draft copy of the rule text,
contact Stephen Goodson at [phone]. Materials pertaining to the proposed rulemaking, including any
available preliminary rule drafts, can be found on the Idaho Public Utilities Commission web site at the following
web address:www.pue.idaho.gov.
Anyone may submit written comments regarding this negotiated rulemaking. All written comments must be
directed to the undersigned and must be delivered on or before August 28,2024.
DATED this 5th day of July,2024.
Monica Barrios-Sanchez,Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
11331 W. Chinden Blvd.,Bldg. 8, Ste 201-A
Boise,ID 83714
P.O.Box 83720 Boise,ID 83720-0074
[phone] Office
[phone] Fax
Idaho Administrative Bulletin Page 185 August 7,2024—Vol.24-8

IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Docket No. 31-2101-2401
The Utility Customer Relations Rules Proposed Rulemaking
THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROPOSED TEXT OF DOCKET NO.31-2101-2401
(Only Those Sections With Amendments Are Shown.)
31.21.01 —CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES FOR GAS,
ELECTRIC,AND WATER PUBLIC UTILITIES
(THE UTILITY CUSTOMER RELATIONS RULES)
304. REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS BEFORE TERMINATION OF SERVICE
(RULE 304).
01. Initial Notice. If the utility intends to terminate service to a customer under Rule 302, the utility
will send to the customer written notice of termination mailed at least seven (7) calendar days before the proposed
date of termination. Written notice may be provided by electronic mail (i.e. e-mail) if the customer is billed
electronically and separately consents in writing to receiving electronic notification.This written notice will contain
the information required by Rule 305. (7-1-24)
02. Final Notice. The utility-ray shall mail a final written notice to the customer at least three (3)
calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, before the proposed date of termination.
When the utility Meets—tom-mails a written notice; at least twenty-four (24) hours before the proposed date of
termination, the utility must diligently attempt to contact the customer affected,either in person or by telephone,to
advise the customer of the proposed action and steps to take to avoid or delay termination. This final notice will
contain the same information required by Rule 305. (7 ! 2 4L___1
03. Additional Notice. If service is not terminated within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the
proposed termination date as specified in a written notice the utility will again provide notice under Subsections
304.01 and 304.02 if it still intends to terminate service. (7-1-24)
04. Failure to Pay. No additional notice of termination is required if, upon receipt of a termination
notice,the customer: (7-1-24)
a. Makes a payment arrangement and subsequently fails to keep that arrangement; (7-1-24)
b. Tenders payment with a dishonored check;or (7-1-24)
C. Makes an electronic payment drawn on an account with insufficient funds. (7-1-24)
Idaho Administrative Bulletin Page 186 August 7,2024—Vol.24-8