5.1. ERMUSR 04-12-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Water and Electric Rates -Continued Water -The Utilities' latest increase in residential and commercial rates was effective January 2009. The rates did not change for 2010, or 2011, per a rate study review. The monthly base charge for residential is $7.50 per month. In addition to the base charge, the Utilities currently charges its residential customers $1.50 per 1,000 gallons up to 9,000 gallons, $3.50 per 1,000 gallons between 9,000 gallons and 15,000 gallons, and $4.00 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 15,000 gallons. Commercial customer's base charges are based upon meter size, from $9.00 to $95.00. An irrigation meter is $40.00 for every month the meter is utilized. There is also a charge per thousand gallons, [he same tiers as the residential rate, except [he change from the lower rate to the higher rate is calculated based on previous consumption. Certain other rates may be offered for conservation incentive purposes. The Utilities' offer a Senior Citizen rate as well. The Utilities requires payment of all utility bills to be paid by the due date stated on the monthly bill. A ten percent penalty is assessed for payments not received by the due date. The Utility may discontinue service of a customer not complying with the disconnect policy of the Utility after receiving a written disconnect notice. Residential and Commercial/Industrial single phase Customers that have [heir service discontinued will be charged a minimum of $50.00 [o have [heir service reconnected. Commercial/Industrial three phase customers that have their service discontinued will be charged a minimum of $150.00 to have their service reconnected. Effective ]anuary 1, 2010, there are no reconnections after 3:30pm. Additionally, payments for reconnection are no longer accepted at the property site; customers must come in to the office between the hours of 8:OOam and 3:30pm to make the payment before service will be restored. The Utilities abides by the Cold Weather Rules. Deposit Policy In 2007 the Utilities started collecting social security numbers from new accounts and also implemented a new deposit policy as a proactive measure to try and reduce uncollectible accounts. A number of years ago deposits were collected from all new accounts but it became very difficult to manage and so was discontinued. In implementing [his policy it was decided to collect deposits from new aceounts that did not supply a social security number or were identified as a credit risk. To determine potential credit risk an assessment tool called "Online Utility Exchange" was implemented. This tool was recommended by the APPA (American Public Power Association.) The amount of the deposit required will depend on the risk identified with the customer. For residential customers, if there is a 68 percent or higher probability of non default and no negative history (no disconnection for non-payment or late payments two or more times within 12 months) [here is no deposit required. If there is a lower than 68 percent probability of non default, a deposit oft times the estimated average monthly bill will be required before utility service will be extended. For commercial and industrial customers, a service agreement would need [o be signed that identifies the guarantor of their business and the guarantor's social security number. A deposit of 2 times the estimated monthly bill will be required. The deposit shall be in the form of a cash deposit, personal payment guarantee, or an irrevocable letter of credit. The irrevocable letter of credit will be renewed as required and failure to do so will result in a charge equal [o the amount of the letter of credit applied to the monthly utility bill. Deposits will be retained until the account is closed. The deposit will be returned to the customer within 45 days of termination of service, provided that the customer has paid in full all amounts due on [he account. The appropriate interest will be applied to the account per state statutes. 15-