TERMINATION OF SERVICE
POLICY
POLICY
Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) may discontinue service for the violation of any of the Schedule of Rules and Regulations (or nonpayment of utility service provided) or the Schedule of Rates and Charges. FPU may also discontinue utility service to the customer for the theft of services or the appearance of theft devices on the customer’s premise, for the safety reasons or to be compliant with any state, city or county regulations that require disconnection for safety reasons. Any and all services will be discontinued to customers with past due accounts except as provided in this policy. Payment in full (including late fee and all other associated charges) will be required before service is restored. The termination of service by FPU for any reason stated in this policy does not release the customer from the obligation for any amounts due to FPU, including the payment of minimum bills as specified in contracts.
If payment is not received by the due date on the bill, the customer will be notified by a written notice. FPU may discontinue service five days after the due date.
The “Disconnect Notice” will include the following:
1. The amount due, excluding additional charges due.
2. The last date of payment to avoid termination of service.
3. Dispute Resolution.
If the customer has elected to receive electronic presentation of their billing statement in lieu of a mailed paper statement, notice of disconnection will be sent electronically.
A customer who believes he or she has been billed in error should discuss their concern with the Manager of Customer Service. Disagreement with the charges does not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay the billed amount by the due date to avoid the application of late fees or any agreed payment plan agreed thereafter. Any dispute not resolved by the Manager of Customer Service shall be elevated to the CEO/General Manager or his or her designee. If a disagreement remains the customer may call (931) 433-1522 and request to meet in person during normal business hours. In the event the dispute persists, the customer may provide a written notice to meet with the Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
If payment is not received by the due date on the bill, the customer will be notified by a written notice. FPU may discontinue service five days after the due date.
The “Disconnect Notice” will include the following:
1. The amount due, excluding additional charges due.
2. The last date of payment to avoid termination of service.
3. Dispute Resolution.
If the customer has elected to receive electronic presentation of their billing statement in lieu of a mailed paper statement, notice of disconnection will be sent electronically.
A customer who believes he or she has been billed in error should discuss their concern with the Manager of Customer Service. Disagreement with the charges does not relieve the customer of the obligation to pay the billed amount by the due date to avoid the application of late fees or any agreed payment plan agreed thereafter. Any dispute not resolved by the Manager of Customer Service shall be elevated to the CEO/General Manager or his or her designee. If a disagreement remains the customer may call (931) 433-1522 and request to meet in person during normal business hours. In the event the dispute persists, the customer may provide a written notice to meet with the Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS
FPU evaluates weather conditions at www.weather.com for Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334. In the event that the daily forecasted high temperature is not expected to exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit in cold weather or is expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in hot weather then disconnection of service for nonpayment will be suspended for as long as the extreme weather is forecasted to last. FPU will consider delaying disconnection of service for nonpayment if an extreme weather alert is in effect. Where disconnection is postponed due to an extreme weather condition, the postponement will not exceed beyond the extreme weather condition. FPU will not delay disconnection of service in the case of returned checks, tampering, broken arrangements or other similar circumstances.
MEDICAL HARDSHIP
Upon completion of a Medic Alert Notification Form disconnection of service may be postponed 48 hours to allow the customer time to make payment or alternative shelter arrangements. The Form must be completed by a medical professional certifying that the disconnection of utility service would create a life-threatening medical situation for the customer or other permanent resident of the customer’s household. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the Form has been approved by FPU. A life threatening medical condition does not relieve a customer of the obligation to pay for utility service, including any late fees incurred or other applicable charges. FPU will only grant this postponement for termination three times in a twelve-month period. If full payment of the past due amount, including all late fees and other applicable charges, is not received by the end of the 48-hour postponement period, utility service will be disconnected without further notice.
The Medic Alert Notification Form will be valid up to twelve months ending June 30th of each year. The customer shall present an updated, current form by July 1st of each year. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that this form is on file with FPU. Normal billing and termination procedures will apply in the absence of a current form.
The Medic Alert Notification Form will be valid up to twelve months ending June 30th of each year. The customer shall present an updated, current form by July 1st of each year. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that this form is on file with FPU. Normal billing and termination procedures will apply in the absence of a current form.
Approved by FPU Board of Directors - October 28, 2015
Effective date - January 1, 2016
Effective date - January 1, 2016