§ 13.04.140. Notice of discontinuance

A. The utility will give the customer seven days' written notice before discontinuing service, unless the discontinuance is upon customer request or involves a dangerous condition or violation of utility rules, in which case the city may discontinue service immediately. In the case of discontinuance for unauthorized interference, diversion or use of service, the city shall give at least two days' prior written notice or twenty-four (24) hours' prior oral notice.

B. Notice shall be sent to the account name and address and in the case of residential occupancy, to the address where service is provided, if different. Service of notice by mail is complete upon mailing. The city shall maintain an accurate record of the date of mailing.

C. If the records of the utility show that the service account which it proposes to discontinue serves more than one residence or dwelling unit, the city shall also post a notice of discontinuance in a common area of the residential building served. Such notice shall be posted at least five days prior to the discontinuance date specified therein.

D. The notice of discontinuance shall contain the following information:

1. The name and address of the customer and the address, if different, where service is rendered;

2. A clear and concise statement of the reason for the proposed discontinuance of service and the cost and conditions for reconnection;

3. The date on or after which service will be discontinued unless the customer takes appropriate action;

4. Terms under which the customer may avoid discontinuance;

5. A statement that discontinuance may be postponed or avoided if a customer can demonstrate that special circumstances prevent complete payment and satisfactory credit arrangements are made with the city for moneys not in dispute;

6. A statement reasonably calculated to apprise the customer of the availability of an administrative procedure which may be utilized in the event of a bona fide dispute. The address, telephone number and name of the city office or personnel empowered to review disputed bills, rectify errors, and prevent disconnection shall be clearly set forth. The notice shall state that the customer may meet with a designated officer of the city and may present his or her reasons for disputing a bill or the city's reason for discontinuance, requesting credit arrangements or requesting a postponement of discontinuance.

(Prior code § 15-105)