<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 20.31.02.04" title_num="20" subtitle_num="31" chapter_num="02" heading="Termination with 7 Days Notice.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Electric service, gas service, or both, may be terminated in accordance with this regulation, if service at a dwelling unit has been secured in any manner described below:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Application was made in a fictitious name;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Application was made in the name of an individual who is not an occupant of the dwelling unit, without disclosure of the individual's actual address;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Application was made in the name of a third party without disclosing that fact or without bona fide authority from the third party;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Application was made without disclosure of a material fact or by misrepresentation of a material fact;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Application was made for connection of service to a dwelling where there are co-occupants, if a service account for that dwelling unit was previously maintained in a current co-occupant's name during a period of co-occupancy with the applicant and the co-occupant has failed to pay or make satisfactory arrangements to pay an outstanding bill or undisputed portion of a disputed bill for service at the dwelling unit, the collection of which is not barred under applicable State or federal law;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Application was made for connection of service to a dwelling unit where there are co-occupants, if the service account at a prior dwelling unit of the applicant was listed in a current co-occupant's name, and the co-occupant has failed to pay or to make satisfactory arrangement to pay an outstanding bill or undisputed portion of a disputed bill for service at the prior dwelling unit, the collection of which is not barred under applicable State or federal law; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Application was made by an individual for the purpose of assisting another occupant of a dwelling unit to avoid payment of that occupant's prior outstanding bill.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>For purposes of this regulation, “co-occupants” means two or more adults who occupy the same dwelling unit as their primary domicile or legal residence within the State.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If service at a dwelling unit was secured in any manner described in §A of this regulation, the utility may give 7 days notice that the service will be terminated, and may then proceed to terminate service subject to the provisions of §E of this regulation. The notice shall state:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The manner in which service was secured;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The approximate time period during which the service was used;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A summary of the facts or circumstances upon which the utility bases its determination that a termination is warranted; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The amount of any outstanding bill.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If a bona fide occupant of the premises subject to termination under this regulation is seriously ill, the provisions of COMAR 20.31.03.01 Restrictions for Serious Illness and Life-Support Equipment, shall supersede the provisions of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If a customer disputes the proposed termination, the customer shall do so in accordance with the provisions of COMAR 20.32.01.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>