§ 65-32-101. Short Title
This chapter shall be cited as the “Utilities’ Cut-Off Procedures Act.”
§ 65-32-102. Applicability of Chapter
This chapter shall only apply to those counties having a metropolitan form of government with a population of more than five hundred thousand (500,000), according to the 2000 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
§ 65-32-103. “Utility” Defined
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “utility” means any utility which furnishes electricity, gas or water, or converts solid waste into heat, fuel or energy.
§ 65-32-104. Policy Governing Discontinuation of Service for Nonpayment of Service
The utility governing body, in conjunction with the utility management team, shall establish a policy governing the discontinuation of service for nonpayment of service. The policy must be in compliance with service practice standards and best practices for similarly situated utilities.
§ 65-33-101. Monthly Average Payment Plans Required
Each utility company or service, serving over fifteen thousand (15,000) residential customers, providing electricity, natural gas, or other fuel to consumers in this state shall provide a method by which its customers may pay fuel bills monthly on an average basis.
§ 65-33-102. Participation Optional
Participation in any payment-averaging program shall be optional, but shall be offered to each residential customer of a utility who has been a customer for at least twelve (12) months unless otherwise mutually agreed by the company and the customer.
§ 65-33-103. Payment of Delinquent Bill Prior to Participation
A customer may be required to pay all delinquent bills before participating in a payment-averaging program.
§ 65-33-104. Withdrawal From Plan by Customer
A participating customer may withdraw from the payment-averaging program at any time by giving notice to the utility. When a customer leaves the program, the actual use by that customer up to that point shall be determined and, at the next billing date, the customer shall receive either a credit to the account or, upon […]
§ 65-31-113. Severability
If any provisions of this chapter or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
§ 65-31-114. Underground Utility Damage Enforcement Board — Executive Committee
There is created within the Tennessee public utility commission, created by § 65-1-101, an underground utility damage enforcement board for the purpose of enforcing this chapter. The Tennessee public utility commission will provide administrative and investigative support for the board, both subject to concurrence by the board. Pursuant to § 65-2-122, the Tennessee public utility […]