<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 20.31.01.08" title_num="20" subtitle_num="31" chapter_num="01" heading="Alternate Payment Plans.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Except as provided under §D of this regulation, if a low income customer is unable to pay the charges for service, the utility shall in good faith attempt to negotiate a reasonable alternate payment plan.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Except as provided under §§A and D of this regulation, if a customer is unable to pay the charges for service, the utility may in good faith attempt to negotiate a reasonable alternate payment plan.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>For purposes of this regulation, “alternate payment plan” means a payment plan provided to avoid termination of service and retire all outstanding charges to the utility.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A utility may refuse to negotiate or offer an alternate payment plan to a customer receiving service, if the customer:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Failed to meet the terms and conditions of any alternate payment plan during the past 18 months including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A USPP alternate payment plan; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A plan arranged under the EUSP;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Committed fraud against a utility;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Committed theft of utility service; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Denied the utility access to its equipment located on the customer's property or premises.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>When devising alternate payment plans, the utility shall consider the circumstances and financial condition of the customer including:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The size of the delinquent account;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The customer's ability to pay;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The customer's payment history;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The anticipated energy assistance benefits for which the customer may be eligible;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The length of time that the debt has been outstanding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The circumstances which resulted in the past due bills;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Hardships which may result from the lack of utility service to the customer; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Any other relevant factors related to the circumstances of the customer.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>If an alternate payment plan cannot be arranged, the utility shall promptly notify the customer.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>If a customer fails to adhere to the alternate payment plan, the utility shall notify the customer that termination procedures may be begun pursuant to this subtitle.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>