24.301.472    AUTHORITY FOR TEMPORARY CONNECTIONS

(1) Temporary power supply connections may be performed under the authority of power supplier limited service certificates.

(2) Power supplier limited service certificates ("service certificates") are four part forms created and provided by the department to consumers and power suppliers in Montana. These service certificates may be used to allow power suppliers to energize electrical services in Montana prior to obtaining an electrical permit and prior to inspection and approval of electrical service installations by department inspectors.

(3) Service certificates may be used only for the following purposes:

(a) to restore power to a structure for repairs after a fire, accidental damage, or natural disaster;

(b) to restore power to a mobile home to prevent damage due to freezing conditions or to prevent loss of frozen or refrigerated food items after relocation of a mobile home;

(c) to restore or establish power to a structure where power must be available to maintain conditions or equipment directly related to home health care; or

(d) to restore or establish power in situations where failure to do so would imminently and directly jeopardize real or personal property, or human life or safety.

(4) Power suppliers must be in receipt of a completed service certificate or ensure one is completed by a prospective consumer prior to or immediately coincidental with making temporary electrical connections to supply power.

(5) Power suppliers must present a copy of completed service certificates to the area electrical inspector or his supervisor within five days, excluding weekends and holidays, of the issue date of the date that temporary power was supplied, whichever is later.

(6) As provided by 50-60-605 , MCA, no temporary electrical connection made in accordance with this rule may remain in effect longer than 14 days. If the 14-day time limit lapses without the consumer obtaining an appropriate permit from the department and presenting it to the power supplier, the power supplied under the authority of the service certificate must be disconnected by the power supplier no later than 72 hours following expiration of the 14-day period.

(7) Subject to the administrative (contested case) procedures set forth in the Montana Administrative Procedure Act, a power supplier that neglects, refuses, or fails to comply with the provisions of this rule and 50-60-605 , MCA, shall forfeit the ability to utilize service certificates.

History: 50-60-203, 50-60-603, MCA; IMP, 50-60-201, 50-60-603, 50-60-604, 50-60-605, MCA; NEW, 2006 MAR p. 567, Eff. 2/24/06.