PSC 113.0406(4)(b)(b) When it is difficult to determine what rate should be applied until there has been actual usage, the rate classification shall be reviewed when there has been adequate usage to determine the lowest applicable rate but no later than the end of the first 12 months of usage. The customer shall be notified as soon as the lowest firm service rate option has been determined and be given the option to select a different applicable rate as set forth in par. (e). The rate determined by the utility to be the lowest firm rate option shall be effective with the billing following the date of notification by the utility unless the customer selects a rate. If the customer selects a rate, the rate shall be effective with the current billing period if required billing information is available but not later than the beginning of the second billing period following the customer’s request.

PSC 113.0406(4)(c)(c) A utility may enter into contracts with customers having terms longer than one year, but the rates paid under such contracts shall be the utility’s lowest applicable firm service rate option, for which meter usage information is known, on file with the commission at the time of the contract, unless the customer selects another applicable rate at the time of the contract.

PSC 113.0406(4)(d)(d) If the utility has information that the customer could qualify for a lower rate by changing voltage delivery, or combining or separating services as allowed under the utility’s rules and regulations, he or she shall be notified; but no change in rates shall be made until the customer makes the necessary modifications. If such modifications are made, the utility shall change the customer’s rate classification effective for the beginning of the current billing period if required billing information is available, but the change shall be effective no later than the beginning of the second billing period following the customer’s request and notification has been made.

PSC 113.0406(4)(e)(e) When a customer is eligible to take service under more than one rate schedule, the utility shall inform the customer at the times specified in par. (f) of the option to select a rate, of the options and service classifications for which the customer may be eligible and the conditions necessary to qualify and of the firm service rate option that would have resulted in the lowest rate based on the previous 12 months’ service and on the metered customer usage information known to the utility. The information provided shall include a general explanation of electric service usage characteristics to assist the customer in selecting the lowest rate consistent with the customer’s anticipated usage and needs. If the customer requests a change in rate classification, it shall be effective at the beginning of the current billing period if required billing information is available, but such change shall be effective no later than the beginning of the second billing period following the customer’s request.

PSC 113.0406(4)(f)(f) At least once in each calendar year customers with more than one rate option shall be informed of the option to select a rate set forth in par. (e). The notification requirement may be satisfied through the use of a bill insert. The customer shall also be informed of the option to select a rate whenever there is a change in rates that would affect the customer and at any other time the customer so requests. If the utility notifies the customer of the option to select a rate as the result of a rate change or a customer request, such notification shall satisfy the requirement to notify the customer at least once in each calendar year.

PSC 113.0406(4)(g)(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed as permitting a customer to select a service classification inconsistent with the utility’s applicable tariff provisions or with contractual agreements between the utility and the customer.

PSC 113.0406(5)(5) Each utility shall offer a budget payment plan to all prospective and existing residential customers and to all commercial accounts for which the primary purpose of the service is to provide for residential living, subject to the following minimum requirements:

PSC 113.0406(5)(a)(a) A budget payment plan tariff shall be on file with the public service commission, applicable only to charges for utility services under public service commission jurisdiction.

PSC 113.0406(5)(b)(b) A budget payment plan may be established at any time of the year. The budget amount shall be calculated on the basis of the estimated consumption and estimated applicable rates through the end of the budget year. If the budget year is a fixed year, then prospective and existing customers requesting a budget payment plan after the start of the fixed year shall have their initial monthly budget amount determined on the basis of the number of months remaining in the current budget year.

PSC 113.0406(5)(c)(c) An applicant for a budget plan shall be informed at the time of application that budget amounts shall be reviewed and changed every 6 months, if necessary, in order to reflect current circumstances. Adjustments to the budget amount shall be made with the objective that the customer’s underbilled or overbilled balance at the end of the budget year shall be less than one month’s budget amount.

PSC 113.0406(5)(d)(d) Customers on the budget payment plan shall be notified of adjustments by means of a bill insert, a message printed on the bill itself, or both. The customer shall be adequately informed of the adjustment at the same time the bill containing the adjustment is rendered.

PSC 113.0406(5)(e)(e) Customers who have arrearages shall be allowed to establish a budget payment plan by signing a deferred payment agreement for arrears, according to the provisions of s. PSC 113.0404.

PSC 113.0406(5)(f)(f) Budget payment plans shall be subject to the late payment charge provisions. In addition, if a budget payment is not paid, the customer shall be notified with the next billing that if proper payment is not received subsequent to this notification, the next regular billing may effectuate the removal of the customer from the budget plan and reflect the appropriate amount due.

PSC 113.0406(5)(g)(g) At the end of a budget year, if an underbilled or overbilled balance exists in the account, the balance shall be handled as follows:

PSC 113.0406(5)(g)2.2. A customer’s credit balance shall be applied, at the customer’s option, against the customer’s account, credited in monthly installments to the customer’s account over the course of the next budget year, or refunded to the customer.

PSC 113.0406(6)(6) An occupant shall apply for utility service. An occupant who uses utility service but does not apply for it may be billed an estimated or actual amount at a later date for service used prior to the time of application. The utility must have reasonable grounds to establish responsibility for the backbilling. Failure to pay charges resulting from this backbilling may result in disconnection of service. The utility shall inform the occupant of the right to dispute the billing through the dispute procedures set forth in s. PSC 113.0407.

PSC 113.0406(8)(a)(a) A utility shall pay interest on customer overpayments not refunded to the customer within 60 days of receipt by the utility if the net amount refunded exceeds $20 per refund and the overpayment was made to the utility due to:

PSC 113.0406(8)(a)3.3. Incorrect service or rate classification, provided the information furnished by the customer to the utility was not deficient, or the customer did not choose the rate as provided in s. PSC 113.0406 (4).

PSC 113.0406(8)(b)(b) A utility is not required to pay interest to customer for overpayments made for:

PSC 113.0406(8)(b)3.3. Estimated bills, if the utility made a reasonable effort to obtain access. Reasonable efforts to gain access means that the utility has notified the customer after 3 consecutive estimated readings that the utility will read the meter at other than standard business hours at the customer’s request.