5.1. ERMUSR 05-14-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Water and Electric Rates-Continued Water-The Utilities' latest increase in residential and commercial rates was effective January 2013,after a three year rate freeze. The monthly base charge for residential customers is$7.80 per month. In addition to the base charge,the Utilities currently charges its residential customers$1.56 per 1,000 gallons up to 9,000 gallons,$3.50 per 1,000 gallons between 9,000 gallons and 15,000 gallons,and S4.00 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 15,000 gallons. Commercial customer's base charges are based upon meter size,from$9.36 to$98.80.An irrigation meter is$41.60 for every month the meter is utilized. There is also a charge per thousand gallons,the same tiers as the residential rates of$1.56,$3.50,and$4.00,except the graduation from the lower tier to the higher tier(s)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 electric customers that have their service discontinued will be charged a minimum of$50.00 to have their service reconnected. Commercial/Industrial three phase electric customers that have their service discontinued will be charged a minimum of$150.00 to have their service reconnected. Residential and Commercial/Industrial water customer that have their water shut-off will be charged a fee of$100.00 to have their water tumed on/reconnected. There are no reconnections after 3:30pm and payments for reconnection/turn on are not accepted at the property site;payments must be made prior to dispatching reconnection. Customers can come in to the office between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm to make the payment by cash,money order or credit card;or pay online or by phone with a credit card. The Utilities abides by the Cold Weather Rules. Deposit Policy Per our Deposit Policy,the Utility collects social security numbers from new accounts and utilizes a credit risk assessment tool called"Online Utility Exchange"to determine if a deposit is necessary as a proactive measure to try and reduce uncollectible accounts. 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)there is no deposit required. If there is a lower than 68 percent probability of non default,a deposit appropriate to the services supplied will be required before utility service will be extended. Residential deposit amounts are$100 for apartments,$100 for homes with water and sewer,$150 for homes with electric only services,and$250 for homes with all services(electric,water, and sewer). For commercial and industrial customers,a service agreement would need to be signed that identifies the guarantor of their business and the guarantor's social security number. A deposit of 2 times the estimated highest monthly bill will be required,with a minimum deposit of$250. 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 to 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 the account. The appropriate interest will be applied to the account per state statutes. 15