PSC 113.0403(13)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (c), a deposit may be used by the utility only to satisfy an arrearage occurring after the deposit was made.

PSC 113.0403(13)(b) (b) If the utility deducts an arrearage from a customer deposit, it may require the customer to bring the deposit up to its original amount. Failure of the customer to do so within 20 days of mailing a written request for payment is a ground for disconnection.

PSC 113.0403(13)(c) (c) When a deposit is refunded to the customer, the utility may first deduct any arrearage owed by the customer, whether the arrearage arose prior to or after the date of the deposit.

PSC 113.0403(14) (14) Applicability. The provisions of subs. (3) and (4) are not applicable to deposits or guarantees made in connection with the financing of extensions or other equipment.

PSC 113.0403 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00; CR 02-027: am. (4) (b), Register December 2002 No. 564, eff. 1-1-03.

PSC 113.0404 PSC 113.0404 Deferred payment agreement.

PSC 113.0404(1) (1) The utility is required to offer deferred payment agreements only to residential accounts and may offer such agreements to other customers.

PSC 113.0404(2) (2) Every deferred payment agreement entered into due to the customer’s inability to pay the outstanding bill in full shall provide that service will not be discontinued if the customer pays a reasonable amount of the outstanding bill and agrees to pay a remaining outstanding balance in installments.

PSC 113.0404(3) (3) For purposes of determining reasonableness in sub. (2), the parties shall consider the customer’s ability to pay, including the following factors:

PSC 113.0404(3)(a) (a) Size of the delinquent account.

PSC 113.0404(3)(b) (b) Customer’s payment history.

PSC 113.0404(3)(c) (c) Time that the debt has been outstanding.

PSC 113.0404(3)(d) (d) Reasons why debt has been outstanding.

PSC 113.0404(3)(e) (e) Any other relevant factors concerning the circumstances of the customer, such as household size, income and expenses.

PSC 113.0404(4) (4) A utility may require a written deferred payment agreement with the customer’s signature. A written agreement offered by a utility shall state immediately preceding the space provided for the customer’s signature in at least 12-point boldface print,

“RIGHT OF APPEAL

• If you are not satisfied with this agreement, DO NOT SIGN IT.

• You have the right to suggest a different payment agreement.

• If you and the utility can not agree on terms, you can ask the public service commission to review the disputed issues.

• If you sign this agreement, you agree that you owe the amount due under the agreement.

• Signing this agreement does not affect your responsibility to pay for your current service.”

A utility that does not require a written deferred payment agreement shall communicate to the customer all points listed above except for the signature when making the arrangement with the customer. A utility must send written confirmation of a deferred payment agreement upon customer request. The commission may require a utility to use written deferred payment agreements.

PSC 113.0404(5) (5) A delinquent amount covered by a deferred payment agreement shall not be subject to a late payment charge if the customer meets the payment schedule required by the agreement.

PSC 113.0404(6) (6) A special payment agreement entered into by the customer and the utility through the utility’s early identification program shall be given the force and effect of a deferred payment agreement for purposes of late payment charges.

PSC 113.0404(7) (7) If a utility customer has not fulfilled the terms of a deferred payment agreement and there has not been a significant change in the customer’s ability to pay since the agreement was negotiated, the utility may disconnect utility service pursuant to disconnection of service rules, ss. PSC 113.0301 and 113.0304 and shall not be required to negotiate a subsequent deferred payment agreement prior to disconnection.

PSC 113.0404(8) (8) Payments made by a customer in compliance with a deferred payment agreement shall first be considered made in payment of the previous account balance with any remainder credited to the current bill.

PSC 113.0404(9) (9) If a deferred payment agreement cannot be reached because the customer’s offer is unacceptable to the utility, the utility shall inform the customer in writing why the customer’s offer was not acceptable.

PSC 113.0404 History History: Cr. Register, July, 2000, No. 535, eff. 8-1-00.

PSC 113.0405 PSC 113.0405 Meter readings and billing periods. Readings of all meters used for determining charges to customers shall be scheduled no less frequently than once every two months. Utilities may offer quarterly or semiannual meter-reading plans to customers who elect such an option. An effort shall be made to read meters on corresponding days of each meter-reading period cycle. The meter-reading date may be advanced or postponed not more than 5 days without adjustment of the billing for the period. Bills for service shall be rendered within 40 days from the reading of the meter except as may be otherwise specifically authorized by the commission. The utility may permit the customer to supply the meter readings on a form supplied by the utility, or by telephone or electronic mail, provided a utility representative reads the meter at least once each 6 months and when there is a change of customer. The utility shall make reasonable efforts to read the meters of customers whose meters require access to a residence and who cannot be available during normal business hours.