38.5.1415    PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

(1) When a customer cannot pay a bill in full, the utility may continue to serve the customer if the customer and the utility can agree on a reasonable portion of the outstanding bill to be paid immediately, and the manner in which the balance of the outstanding bill shall be paid.

(2) In deciding on the reasonableness of a particular agreement, the utility shall take into account the customer's ability to pay, the size of the unpaid balance, the customer's payment history, and the amount of time and reasons why the debt is outstanding.

(3) If a customer fails to make the payment agreed upon by the date that it is due, the utility may, but is not obligated to, enter into a second such agreement.

(4) No such agreement or settlement shall be binding upon a customer if it requires the customer to forego any right provided for in these rules.

History: Sec. 69-3-103, MCA, IMP, Sec. 69-3-102, MCA; NEW, 1980 MAR p. 654, Eff. 2/29/80.