PSC 185.30(1) (1) For purposes of this section, “written” or “in writing” means legibly printed on paper or, with the intended recipient’s permission, legibly printed in an electronic form that the recipient can electronically store and retrieve for future reference.

PSC 185.30(2) (2) 

PSC 185.30(2)(a) (a) If a utility requires an application, a residential or multifamily user of water service shall apply for service.

PSC 185.30(2)(b) (b) A utility may require a verbal or written application for residential service. The utility shall establish a written policy for when a written application is required. A utility may accept an application for service from a person other than the user or potential user of service.

PSC 185.30(2)(c) (c)

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1. 1. Except as provided in par. (d) and sub. (3), a utility may only require that an applicant provide the following information in an application:

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.a. a. Legal name and birthdate of the user of service and the person responsible for bill payment, if different than the user.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.b. b. If the user of service has telephone service, the telephone number of the user of service. If the person responsible for bill payment is different than the user and the person responsible for bill payment has telephone service, the utility may also require the telephone number of the person responsible for bill payment. Lack of telephone service is not grounds for service refusal.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.c. c. Address where service is to be provided.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.d. d. Mailing address if different from service address.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.e. e. Date requested for service to begin.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.f. f. The most recent previous address of the person responsible for bill payment.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)1.g. g. Initial identification data under subd. 2.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)2. 2. A utility shall accept any of the following items as adequate initial identification data, although it may accept other forms of identification:

PSC 185.30(2)(c)2.a. a. Driver’s license number.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)2.b. b. State identification card number.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)2.c. c. Passport number.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)2.d. d. Social security number or the last 4 digits of the social security number.

PSC 185.30(2)(c)3. 3. If a utility requests the initial identification data under subd. 2., it shall inform the applicant of all acceptable forms of initial identification data and allow the applicant to choose which the applicant wishes to provide.

PSC 185.30(2)(d) (d) If a utility determines that an applicant’s response under par. (c) 1. a. to f. indicates that additional information is necessary to further evaluate the applicant’s credit history or identity, the utility may require the applicant’s addresses for the past 6 years as part of its application for service. Each utility shall establish a written policy for requesting the application information under this paragraph.

PSC 185.30 Note Note: Also see s. PSC 185.36, which allows a request for a deposit if an applicant has an outstanding account balance that accrued within the last 6 years.

PSC 185.30(2)(e) (e) A utility may request information other than that listed in pars. (c) and (d), but before requesting it the utility shall inform the applicant that providing that information is optional.

PSC 185.30(2)(f) (f) A utility may refuse or disconnect service for failure to provide any information specified in par. (c) 1. a., c., e., and f. or par. (d).

PSC 185.30 Note Note: See sub. (3) (a) about what can be required if an applicant refuses to provide the initial identification data under s. PSC 185.30 (2) (c) 1. g.

PSC 185.30(3) (3) Identity and residency verification.

PSC 185.30(3)(a) (a) A utility may require verification of the initial identification data or the residency, or both, of the person responsible for bill payment under any of the following circumstances:

PSC 185.30(3)(a)1. 1. The application is for service at a premises where a bill remains unpaid for service provided within the previous 24 months.

PSC 185.30(3)(a)2. 2. The person responsible for bill payment has an outstanding bill with the utility but claims that the bill was accrued in the person’s name as a result of identity theft.

PSC 185.30(3)(a)3. 3. The applicant fails to provide the initial identification data under sub. (2) (c) 1. g. or the utility finds, with reasonable certainty, that the initial identification information is inaccurate.