UNDERSTANDING HOW WE OPERATE
SECTION I - UTILITY OPERATIONS
101.1 Organization.
United Electric Cooperative Services, Inc. (“Cooperative”) is an electric cooperative organized and operating pursuant to the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act of the State of Texas (Texas Utilities Code, Chapter 161) under Charter No. 1577523‐01 and is owned by its Members. The Cooperative's business affairs are managed by a board of directors who are elected to the Board of Directors of the Cooperative (“Board”) from and by the Cooperative's Members in accordance with the provisions of the Articles (Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Consolidation) and the Bylaws of the Cooperative.
101.2 Type of Service.
The Cooperative provides electric utility service through the operation of a retail electric distribution system.
In July of 2019, the Board of Directors of the Cooperative elected to provide Broadband Services in addition to Electric Service.
A reference in these Tariffs to “electric service” or “Electric Service” is not a reference to Broadband Services provided by the Cooperative.
101.3 Service Area.
A. Certification. The Public Utility Commission of Texas authorized the Cooperative to provide Electric Service by the issuance of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
1. Counties. The service area of the Cooperative includes all or portions of the following counties: Bosque, Comanche, Coryell, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Hamilton, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Stephens, Tarrant, and Young.
2. Cities. The service area of the Cooperative includes all or portions of the following incorporated municipalities: Alvarado, Briaroaks, Burleson, Cleburne, Cranfills Gap, Cresson, Cross Timber, DeCordova, Godley, Granbury, Joshua, Keene, Mansfield, Meridian, Rio Vista, Stephenville, Tolar, and Venus.
B. Broadband Service. The Cooperative’s provision of Broadband Service is not limited to the geographical area defined in the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity issued to the Cooperative for providing Electric Service.
These tariffs define the service relationship between the Cooperative and persons desiring or receiving Electric Service from the Cooperative.
Contractual rights and obligations of both parties are specified in a manner consistent with regulations affecting the Cooperative's method of operation.
These tariffs are a part of the Electric Service Agreement.
For the defined service relationship between the Cooperative and persons desiring or receiving Broadband Services from the Cooperative please refer to the then current Broadband Services Agreement and Broadband Terms and Conditions documents.
These tariffs are applicable to the provision of all Electric Service by the Cooperative in all areas in which the Cooperative provides service except as may be precluded by law.
If any provision of this tariff is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this tariff that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of these tariffs are declared to be severable.
This tariff may be changed, modified, or abrogated in whole or in part by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction thereof, whether or not at the request of the Cooperative, a Member, or otherwise. Any changed tariff shall be applicable to bills rendered on or after the effective date of such change.
The failure of the Cooperative to enforce any of the provisions of this tariff shall not be considered a waiver of its right to do so.
SECTION II - RATES AND CHARGES APPLICABLE TO ALL AREA SERVED
Rate classification and assignment for Electric Service shall be made by the Cooperative in accordance with the application and type of Electric Service provisions in its rate schedules. Rate schedules have been developed for the standard types of Electric Service provided by the Cooperative. If Member's request for Electric Service involves unusual circumstances, usage, or load characteristics not regularly encountered by the Cooperative, the Cooperative may assign a suitable rate classification or enter into a special contract.
Rate classifications and assignments for Broadband Services by the Cooperative will be available to all users at the Cooperative’s website.
202.1 General Service–Single‐Phase.
A. Application.
Applicable to all single‐phase Members in accordance with the Cooperative’s service rules and regulations. Also included under this rate schedule are public schools, churches, synagogues, and volunteer fire departments.
This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service. This rate is applicable to service supplied at one point of delivery and measured through one meter.
B. Type of Service.
Single‐phase service at the Cooperative's standard distribution voltages, and three‐phase service as approved by the Cooperative. Where service of the type desired by Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative's line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate.
Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Base Charge -- single-phase (per meter) | $22.50 |
Base Charge -- three-phase qualifying for single-phase (per meter) | $27.50 |
Energy Charge for Generation (per kWh) | $0.10339 |
Energy Charge for Distribution Delivery (per kWh) | $0.02979 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The base charge per meter is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charge for the generation and transmission of energy is applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The energy charge for the distribution delivery of energy is applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Minimum Charge.
Single-phase | $32.50 |
Three-phase qualifying for single-phase | $37.50 |
The minimum monthly charge shall include kWh in accordance with the above rate schedule.
E. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
F. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
G. Agreement. Fixed term agreements can only be required of Members when line extensions are needed to establish Electric Service. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or, if none, by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
H. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.2 Single‐Phase–Time of Use Service (Experimental).
A. Applicable to all of the Electric Service supplied at one Point of Delivery and measured through one meter used for individual single‐phase purposes.
This rate is offered as an optional experimental rate and is limited to 500 Members. The selection of participants from among the applicants for service on this rate is at the sole discretion of the Cooperative.
This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service.
B. Type of Service. Single‐phase, 60 hertz, at 120/240 volts. Where service of the type desired by the Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges and special contract arrangements between the Cooperative and the Member may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Base Charge (per meter) | $22.50 |
Base Charge -- three-phase qualifying for single-phase (per meter) | $27.50 |
Energy Charge for Generation (per kWh) | |
On-Peak Hours | $0.3622 |
Off-Peak Hours | $0.0837 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The base charge is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charges are applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Minimum Charge.
Single-phase | $32.50 |
Three-phase qualifying for single-phase | $37.50 |
The minimum monthly charge shall include kWh in accordance with the above rate schedule.
E. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
F. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
G. Definitions. On‐peak hours are the 3 hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the calendar months of May through October and the 3 hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. during the calendar months of November through April. All remaining hours are off‐peak.
If load patterns change, the Cooperative will give one year’s notice to participating Members before changing off‐peak and on‐peak hours.
H. Agreement. The term of service is for one year. If the Member terminates service on this rate, said Member is ineligible for service under this rate for a period of one year from termination date. If the Member terminates service before the end of the initial one‐year term of service, the final bill will include an adjustment for the amount of billing on the General Service Single‐Phase rate that exceeds the billing rendered on this rate. If service is terminated due to the Cooperative’s withdrawing this rate, the above adjustment to the final bill does not apply.
I. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.3 General Service –Three‐Phase.
A. Applicable to all three‐phase Members for all of the Electric Service supplied at one Point of Delivery and measured through one meter with maximum demand less than 700 kW. This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service.
B. Three‐phase service at the Cooperative’s standard secondary distribution voltages, where available. Where service of the type desired by the Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Generation Charges | United Charges | Total Rate | |
Base charge (per meter) | $0.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 |
Demand (per kW) | $3.84 | $5.41 | $9.25 |
Energy Charge (per kWh) | |||
Secondary Service | $0.082217 | $0.013770 | $0.095987 |
Primary Service | $0.082217 | $0.010890 | $0.093107 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The base charge per meter is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charge is applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The demand charge is the rate at which energy is used and is applied to the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the billing period, as adjusted for power factor per section 203.4 of this tariff.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Minimum Billed Demand. In no event is billing demand less than 80% of the highest adjusted kW demand in the May through October billing periods.
E. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
F. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
G. Primary Service Discount. If General Service – Three‐Phase is provided at primary distribution voltage, the monthly billing for energy shall be reduced by three percent (3.00%). The Cooperative may meter at secondary voltage and estimate transformation loss.
H. Agreement. Fixed term agreements may be required of Members when line extensions are needed to establish Electric Service. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or, if none, by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
I. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.4 Irrigation Service.
A. Application. Applicable to crop irrigation service.
B.Type of Service. Single‐ and/or three‐phase service at the Cooperative’s standard secondary distribution voltages, where available.
C. Monthly Rate. The Member shall have the option of choosing from the following rates before April 1st of each year. In the event the Member does not or has never specified a rate choice, Option 1 will be the applied rate.
Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Option 1. | |
Base Charge–single-phase (per meter) |
$30.00 |
Base Charge–three-phase (per meter) |
$45.00 |
November-April billing periods, inclusive: |
|
First 100 kWh/HP/Month | $0.100700 |
Excess kWh | $0.095700 |
May-October billing periods, inclusive: |
|
First 100 kWh/HP/Month per kWh | $0.275200 |
Excess kWh per kWh | $0.095700 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
Option 2 | Phase 2 |
Base Charge–single-phase (per meter) |
$30.00 |
Base Charge–three-phase (per meter) |
$45.00 |
Demand Charge per Operating HP after 150 kWh |
$6.10 |
Energy Charge (per kWh) | $0.095700 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount,
The base charge per meter is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charge is applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Determination of Horsepower. The horsepower (HP) shall be the installed horsepower; but at its discretion the Cooperative may measure the maximum load to determine the actual horsepower. Actual load will be converted to actual horsepower by dividing the maximum measured demand (kW) by 0.746.
All Members taking service under this tariff shall be demand‐metered.
E. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all billing adjustments.
F. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
G. Agreement. Fixed term agreements can only be required of Members when line extensions are needed to establish Electric Service. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or, if none, by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
H. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.5 Area Light Service.
A. Application. Applicable Members in accordance with the Cooperative’s Service Rules and Regulations for pole‐mounted area and street lighting near the Cooperative’s electric distribution lines.
B. Type of Service. Single‐Phase service at the Cooperative's standard secondary distribution voltages. Where service of the type desired by the Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to services being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the power cost recovery per following charges:
(1) Mercury Vapor Area Lights–This lighting type is closed to all future/new requests:
Lamp Type | Lamp Size | kWh per Month | Monthly Charge |
Mercury Vapor | 175 Watt Class | 70 | $13.00 |
Mercury Vapor | 400 Watt Class | 160 | $28.00 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) |
Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
|
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
(2) High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Area and Street Lights–Standard (not dark sky compliant) –This lighting type is closed to all future/new requests:
Lamp Type | Lamp Size | kWh per Month | Monthly Charge |
HPS | 100 Watt Class | 40 | $12.00 |
HPS | 250 Watt Class | 100 | $22.00 |
HPS Directional | 1000 Watt Class |
402 |
$60.00 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 | |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
(3) High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Area and Street Lights – Dark Sky Compliant – This lighting type is closed to all future/new requests:
Lamp Type | Lamp Size | kWh per Month | Monthly Charge |
HPS Dark Sky | 100 Watt Class | 40 | $15.00 |
HPS Dark Sky | 250 Watt Class | 100 | $31.00 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) |
Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
|
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
(4) Dark Sky Retrofit Option for standard installation 100 watt high pressure sodium light fixture: The Member, at their option, may request the Cooperative to install a cutoff reflector to replace the acrylic refractor on standard installation 100 watt area light fixtures. The installation cost will include the current cost of the cut off reflector at the time of the request plus a service trip fee as specified in Section 204.1.D. The installation cost may be invoiced and paid at the time of the request or may be applied to the Member billing if so requested.
(5) LED Area and Street Lights – Standard:
Lamp Type | Lamp Size | kWh per Month | Monthly Charge |
LED | 50 Watt Class | 18 | $11.00 |
LED | 100 Watt Class | 39 | $21.00 |
LED | 350 Watt Class | 132 |
$51.00 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 | |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The actual wattage of each of the Lamp sizes will vary based on manufacturer and light fixture specifications. United, at its sole discretion, will assign a Lamp Size Class to each lamp offered under this section.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s),its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
E. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
F. Conditions of Service. The Cooperative shall furnish, install, operate, and maintain the outdoor lighting equipment, including lamp fixtures, luminaire, bracket attachment, and control device on a pole owned by the Cooperative, electrically connected so that the power for operation of light does not pass through the meter for the Member’s other usage, at a location mutually agreeable to both the Cooperative and the Member.
202.6 General Service–Three‐Phase Time‐of‐Use.
A. Application. Applicable to all three‐phase Members for all of the Electric Service supplied at one Point of Delivery and measured through one meter. This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service. This option is offered as an experimental rate. The Cooperative reserves the right to discontinue this option to additional Members if, in the Cooperative’s judgment, system load characteristics no longer warrant such option.
This option is offered as an experimental rate. The Cooperative reserves the right to discontinue this option to additional Members if, in the Cooperative’s judgment, system load characteristics no longer warrant such option.
B. Type of Service. Three‐phase service at the Cooperative’s standard secondary distribution voltages, where available. Where service of the type desired by the Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Base Charge (per meter) | $40.00 |
Energy Charge (per kWh) | |
Secondary Service | $0.095987 |
Primary Service | $0.095987 |
Demand Charges | |
NCP per Billed kW | $4.10 |
On-Peak per Billed kW |
$6.00 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The base charge is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charges are applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The non‐coincidental peak (NCP) demand charge is applied to the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the billing period, as adjusted for power factor per section 203.4 of this tariff.The on‐peak demand charge is applied to the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the on‐peak hours during the billing period, as adjusted for power factor per section 203.4 of this tariff.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Minimum Billed Demands. NCP: In no event is the non‐coincidental peak (NCP) demand less than 80% of the highest adjusted kW demand in the May through October billing periods.
On‐Peak: In no event is on‐peak billing demand less than 80% of the highest adjusted on‐peak kW demand in the May through October billing periods.
E. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
F. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
G. On-Peak Hours. On‐peak hours are the 3 hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the calendar months of May through October and the 3 hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. during the calendar months of November through April. All remaining hours are off‐peak.
If load patterns change, the Cooperative will give one year’s notice to participating Members before changing on‐peak hours.
H. Primary Service Discount. If General Service – Three‐Phase Time‐of‐Use is provided at primary distribution voltage, the monthly rate for energy shall be reduced by three percent (3.00%). The Cooperative may meter at secondary voltage and estimate transformation loss.
I. Agreement. Fixed term agreements may be required of Members when line extensions are needed to establish Electric Service. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, or if none, by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
J. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.7 Industrial and Commercial Three‐Phase.
A. Application. Applicable to all three‐phase Members for all of the Electric Service supplied at one Point of Delivery and measured through one meter with maximum demand equal to or greater than 700 kW. This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service.
B. Type of Service. Three‐phase service at the Cooperative’s standard secondary distribution voltages, where available. Where service of the type desired by the Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Base Charge (per meter) | $75.00 |
Demand | $9.60 |
Energy Charge per kWh: | |
Secondary Service | $0.088035 |
Primary Service | $0.085394 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The base charge per meter is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charge is applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The demand charge is the rate at which energy is used and is applied to the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the billing period, as adjusted for power factor per section 203.4 of this tariff.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
D. Minimum Billed Demands. In no event is billing demand less than 80% of the highest adjusted kW demand in the May through October billing periods.
E. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
F. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
G. Primary Service Discount. If General Service – Three‐Phase is provided at primary distribution voltage, the monthly billing for energy shall be reduced by three percent (3.00%). The Cooperative may meter at secondary voltage and estimate transformation loss.
H. Agreement. Fixed term agreements may be required of Members when line extensions are needed to establish Electric Service. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or, if none, by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
I. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.8 Large Power Contract Rate.
A. Application. Applicable in the event that the Cooperative has entered into an agreement to provide Electric Service to commercial and industrial Members taking Electric Service at transmission, primary or secondary voltage under a special term contract at one Point of Delivery and measured through one meter. The availability of this rate is at the sole discretion of the Cooperative.
B. Type of Service. Transmission service, substation service, and three‐phase service at the Cooperative’s standard primary or secondary distribution voltages, where available. Where service of the type desired by the Member is not already available at the Point of Delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
C.1.a: Large Power Industrial Contracts – Charges (less than 700 kVA):
Base Charge (per meter) | $75.00 |
Energy Charge per kWh: | |
Secondary Service | $0.087250 |
Primary Service | $0.084633 |
ERCOT CP Demand Charge per Billed kW | $6.88 |
NCP Demand Charge per Billed kW | $5.20 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) |
Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
C.1.b: Large Power Industrial Contracts – Charges (700 kVA and over):
Base Charge (per meter) | $75.00 |
Energy Charge per kWh: | $0.087250 |
NCP Demand Charge per Billed kW - Secondary Service | $5.05 |
NCP Demand Charge per Billed kW - Primary Service | $2.40 |
NCP Demand Charge per Billed kW - Substation Service | $1.65 |
CP Demand Charge per Billed kW | $1.75 |
ERCOT CP Transmission Charge per Billed kW | $5.57 |
Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) |
Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.1 |
Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (per kWh) | Varies Monthly per Tariff Section 203.2 |
The base charge per meter is for the availability of Electric Service.
The energy charge is applied to all kWh usage during each billing period.
The NCP demand charge is the rate at which energy is used and is applied to the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the billing period, as adjusted for power factor per section 203.4 of this tariff. The billing NCP demand charge shall be the higher of the current month maximum kilowatt demand and the maximum kilowatt demand occurring in the previous 11 months.
The ERCOT CP transmission demand kW is defined as the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the billing period between June through September coincident with the ERCOT. The ERCOT CP transmission billing kW is determined in the same manner as the ERCOT, which is the average of the peak season (June through September) CP demand kW and will be applied following the peak season and continue until completion of the following year’s peak season. The Demand and Energy Charges shall not be less than the charges for demand and energy incurred by the Cooperative to supply Member’s load and shall be equal to or greater than the Cooperative’s marginal costs.
The power cost recovery factor is a monthly variable amount, charged on a kWh basis, for purchased power costs as billed by Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), its successors or assigns, or other wholesale providers delivering energy to Cooperative for delivery to Member. It being the intent that all power cost invoiced to the Cooperative by its wholesale power provider(s) for delivery to Member shall be invoiced to and paid by Member according to 203.1 of this tariff.
The Securitized Charges Recovery Factor (SCRF) is a monthly variable amount (Securitized Charges) imposed by the rider (SCRF rider) as described at Section 203.2 of this tariff.
The total cost of providing service over the term of the agreement shall be equal to or less than the cost to the Member under the otherwise applicable rate schedule. Charges described in Section C.1.b shall be changed any time the wholesale power rate is changed
D. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments.
E. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
F. Agreement. Fixed term agreements may be required of Members when line extensions are needed to establish Electric Service. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or, if none, by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
G. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.9 Transmission Service at Distribution Voltage – Distributed Generation (DG) Wheeling.
A. Application. Applicable to exporting electric energy to the ERCOT market from a Member’s distributed generation (DG) site. Applicable to larger than 1 MW but smaller than 10 MW of member‐owned generation connected in parallel operation to the Cooperative’s electric system where sufficient capacity exists in accordance with the Cooperative’s service rules and regulations and the Cooperative’s DG Manual (as defined in section 205.1 of this tariff) as determined by the Cooperative on a case by case basis.
This rate is applicable to service supplied at one point of interconnection. This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service. Members are prohibited from wheeling power from one point of interconnection to a retail point of delivery in the Cooperative’s certificated area.
Nothing in this tariff shall cause the Cooperative to be in violation of its power supply contract(s). Further, interconnection of member‐owned generation is subject to approval by the Cooperative and may be subject to approval by others, including, without limitation, approval by the Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), Brazos, and/or ERCOT.
B. Type of Service.The power shall be at a distribution level of voltage less than 60 kilovolts (kV) which may be connected in parallel operation with the Cooperative’s distribution system. All billing units will be measured at the Cooperative’s single point of interconnection with the Member’s distributed generation facility.
C. Conditions of Service. The Cooperative will construct new facilities, and make the service available, as soon as reasonably possible. All new facilities and pre‐interconnection study costs must be paid for in full by the Member prior to receiving service. All facilities constructed by the Cooperative will remain the property of the Cooperative.
D.Definitions.
- 1. Contract kW (Contract Demand) is the maximum kW specified in the Agreement for Transmission Service at Distribution Voltage.
- 2. Transmission Service at Distribution Voltage is wholesale electric service provided to an eligible Member from the Cooperative’s distribution lines.
E. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
Base Charge (per meter) |
|
Distribution Primary | $355.00 |
Distribution Secondary | $385.00 |
Demand (per kW) | |
Distribution Primary | $1.30 |
Distribution Secondary | $2.00 |
Primary – The Cooperative will provide the Member service at distribution voltage through a primary meter. Distribution voltage will be either 12.5kV or 25kV three‐phase service. The Member will be responsible for the installation, operations and maintenance of all distribution line, secondary line and equipment beyond the primary meter location.
Secondary – The Cooperative will provide the Member service at secondary voltage through a distribution transformer. Secondary voltage will be either 4,160V or 480V three‐phase service. The Member will be responsible for the installation, operations and maintenance of all secondary line beyond the distribution transformer.
The Member shall be responsible to reimburse the Cooperative for any direct costs incurred to provide service under this rate schedule. These include the costs of necessary engineering analysis, consulting and legal services, distribution line construction and special equipment required. Customer shall also reimburse any fees or charges assessed by Brazos, the Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), and/or ERCOT attributable to this service.
The base charge per meter is for the availability of Electric Service.
The demand charge is the rate at which energy is supplied and is applied to the maximum kilowatt demand for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the billing period. Demand for calculation of the monthly bill is the larger of:
- Contract kW, or
- Maximum kW established during the prior 11 months.
F. Losses. Members taking service under this rate shall compensate the Cooperative for distribution line losses resulting from such service.
G. Power Factor Adjustment. Demand charges may be adjusted to correct for power factors lower than the applicable ERCOT required power factor.
H. Billing Adjustments. This rate is subject to all applicable billing adjustments other than PCRF and SCRF.
I. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
J. Agreement. An Agreement for Transmission Service at Distribution Voltage is required. An Interconnection Agreement and Facilities Schedule may also be required.
K. Other Costs. Member shall reimburse the Cooperative for the cost of facilities installed by the Cooperative and for all costs incurred by the Cooperative in arranging for distribution line service on behalf of Member, including the cost of consulting and legal services incurred by the Cooperative and any fees or charges assessed by Brazos, the Cooperative’s wholesale provider(s), and/or ERCOT attributable to this service.
L. Notice. Service hereunder is subject to the regulatory bodies having jurisdiction and to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
202.10 Community Solar Subscription for Single Phase Rate Class.
A. Application. This rate is offered to United members who take delivery of energy under the General Service Single Phase rate class (Rate Schedule 202.1.) for at least one metered/service location with average monthly usage of at least 500 kWh per month, for one (2kw) subscription, and an average monthly usage of at least 1,000 kWh for two (2kW) subscriptions. Members with existing distributed generation located on site at a metered/service location may participate in this program as long as their average monthly usage, net of on-site generation meets the minimum average monthly usage requirements listed above.
United Community Solar Program (Program) will provide United’s members with the opportunity to subscribe to a portion of the overall capacity of the solar facilities that united takes delivery from as described below. Should the Program become fully subscribed, service under this tariff shall be closed to new members or existing members requesting additional service under rate 202.10. Should the solar facilities that United takes delivery of energy from be rendered inoperable or uneconomic to operate, or should the United’s power purchase contract be ended for any reason, at the sole discretion of the Cooperative, the facility may cease operation and the Cooperative will have no obligation to provide continued service under rate 202.10.
B. Agreement. Each participant in United’s Community Solar program will, upon member’s request, agree to a one year commitment for up to two (2) 2 kW solar subscriptions (max total of 4 kW). The participating member subscription(s) will auto-renew at the end of each 12-month period unless the participating member notifies United that they desire to discontinue their subscription(s). Members whose account becomes inactive or who no longer maintains good payment history with United may be immediately terminated from the program. United will not penalize members who do not complete their full commitment, but reserves the right to reject any future applications for new commitments from those members.
C. Subscription. The subscription size is defined as a 2 kW portion of the overall capacity at the generating solar facilities’ Point of Interconnection (POI) from which United takes delivery. Each subscription is entitled to a proportional percentage of the overall solar facilities’ capacity that equates to the monthly generation of a 2 kW proportion.
D. Environmental Attributes. All environmental attributes, including renewable energy credits, shall remain the property of the Cooperative.
E. Program Conditions. In the event the member has multiple qualifying accounts served under Rate Schedule 202.1, the kWh allocation from the solar subscription(s) shall be tied to one specific account and may not be applied to any other account.
The kWh allocation of the member’s subscription(s) is not a fixed monthly amount, but rather a percentage of the total production of the solar facilities each month, and will vary monthly depending on total generation of the solar facilities. The generation is intermittent and the production varies from day to day and depends on many factors, including weather and other acts of God, solar equipment failure, and sunlight factors based on time of the year. Due to the intermittent nature of solar, the Cooperative cannot guarantee the actual production kWh that subscribers will receive monthly.
As described in Section C above, the member’s monthly kWh share shall be determined by dividing the member’s 2 kW portion by the total solar facilities’ capacity. This resulting percentage shall be multiplied by the total kWh from all solar facilities within the Program to determine the member’s kWh share. the total monthly generation of the subscribed kWh allocation cannot exceed the member’s monthly consumption from the account to which they are tied. If the member’s monthly consumption is less than the total monthly kWh portion of the tied subscription(s), the difference will not carry over to the next month’s bill, the excess energy cannot be applied to any other non-tied accounts, and United will not buy back any excess kWh.
Participating members that move to a new qualifying Rate Schedule 202.1 location served by United can transfer their existing subscription(s) and tie it to their new account. Participating members that request to be removed from the program cannot resubscribe until after the initial 12-month subscription period ends.
Should a member move from an existing location and either not desire to transfer their subscription(s) to their new location, or where the new location does not qualify, the new member receiving service at the existing location may, should he or she desire, continue the existing subscription(s) service. Responsibility for notifying the new member of this opportunity shall be the existing member’s and United shall not be responsible for any notifications or failures to notify.
F. Billing. The member shall be billed each month for his or her billing solar subscription(s) amount by multiplying the lesser of 1) the member’s monthly kWh allocation from the Solar facilities that United takes delivery or 2) the member’s total monthly residential kWh usage, by the sum of the Solar Rate plus the Solar Power Cost Recovery Factor (PCRF) plus the Energy Charge for Distribution Delivery. The member shall be billed each month for his or her usage by multiplying the total monthly kWh usage minus the allocated solar subscription(s) kWh times all parts of the energy rate as described on Rate Schedule 202.1.
The monthly solar subscription(s) billing kWh and amount shall be reflected on the member’s monthly bill as a separate line item.
G. Monthly Rate. Each billing period, the participating member shall be obligated to pay the sum of the following charges for the portion of his or her total energy usage supplied by the solar facilities.
Solar Rate (per kWh) | $0.04201 |
Solar Power Cost Recovery Factor (per kWh) |
Varies Monthly |
Plus charges as defined in section 202.1 as described below | See section 202.1 |
Any remaining monthly consumption will be billed according to the Cooperative’s energy charge for generation rate, PCRF rate and SCRF rate as described in section 202.1 of this tariff.
The total consumption will be billed according the Cooperative’s distribution delivery rate and base charge as described in section 202.1 of this tariff.
C. Solar Power Cost Recovery Factor (PCRF)
Solar PCRF = A + B + C + D
Where: Solar PCRF = Solar Power Cost Recovery Factor (Expressed in $ per kWh) to be applied to the total production of the Solar Generating Facility
A = ERCOT1Transmission Cost (TBDC & TCRF)as billed by Brazos2 to United
Total kWhs
B = Distribution Delivery Charge as billed by Brazos2 to United
Total kWhs
C = Any Specific ERCOT1 Settlement & Ancillary Charges for the solar facility as billed by Brazos2
Total kWh production from the solar facility
D = Discrepancy between weighted average rate and actual monthly blended rate
1 ERCOT refers to Electric Reliability Council of Texas
2 Brazos refers to Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc.
202.11 Large Power Contract - New Loads Over 2,000 kW
A. Application. For loads greater than 2,000 kW connecting after December 15, 2022. Applicable in the event that the Cooperative has entered into an agreement to provide electric service at the rates provided in Energy Service Agreement. The Cooperative may make special arrangements to secure the supply of electricity; for all of the electric service supplied at one point of delivery and measured through one meter. The availability of this rate is at the sole discretion of the cooperative.
B. Type of Service. Transmission, substation or three-phase service at the Cooperative’s standard secondary or primary distribution voltages. Where service of the type desired by the Customer is not already available at the point of delivery, additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy and special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
C. Monthly Rate. Each billing period the Customer shall be obligated to pay the following charges:
(1) Customer Charge: The greater of $500.00, or as specified in the Electric Service Agreement
This charge is an availability charge for providing electric distribution service;
(2) Energy Charge: As specified in the Electric Service Agreement
(3) Demand Charge: As specified in the Electric Service Agreement
(4) Other Charges: As specified in the Electric Service Agreement for
The Demand and Energy Charges shall not be less than the charges for demand and energy incurred by the Cooperative to supply Customer’s load and shall be equal to or greater than the Cooperative’s marginal costs.
The total cost of providing service over the term of the agreement shall be equal to or less than the cost to the Customer under the otherwise applicable rate schedule.
D. Payment. Bills are due when rendered and become past due if not paid within 16 days thereafter.
E. Agreement. An Electric Service Agreement shall be required by the Cooperative. This rate schedule may be changed by order or consent of regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, or if none, by the Cooperative’s board of directors, and service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service.
The Cooperative shall adjust all bills in accordance with the following adjustments:
203.1 Power Cost Recovery Factor Rider (Rider PCRF).
For the purposes of calculation of the PCRF, Total Purchase Power Cost shall mean power purchases and credits from all power suppliers; excluding credits or purchases from all suppliers that are applied directly to particular Members; including all power supply related costs but not limited to:
- Electric power production costs;
- Fuel costs;
- Market power purchases;
- Transmission costs;
- Substation costs;
- Transition charges pursuant to Subchapter G of Chapter 39 of PURA;
- Unassigned congestion costs;
- Distribution cooperative labor and expenses specific to wholesale transmission, substation, and power supply;
- Reductions from aid‐for‐construction paid to the Cooperative for substations that will be billed to the Cooperative by power suppliers;
- Surcharges for energy efficiency and demand response programs; and
- Power supplier or other surcharges for equity or other power supply related costs.
The monthly charges shall be increased or decreased on a uniform per -kWh basis computed monthly as follows:
Where:
PCRF = (A - B ± C)
kWhs
PCRF = Power Cost Recovery Factor (expressed in $ per kWh) to be applied to estimated energy sales for the billing period.
A = Total Purchased Power Cost from all suppliers for the billing period.
B = Total estimated purchased electricity cost which are included in the Cooperative’s base rates. The base power cost is computed as:
B = (D)(kWhs)
D = Base power cost in $ per kWh sold of $0.056800
kWhs = Total estimated energy sales for the billing period (excluding kWh sales associated with direct recovery of power cost charges or credits).
C = Adjustment to be applied to the current monthly billing to account for differences in PCRF‐related costs and revenue for previous periods.
203.2 United Electric Securitization LLC Senior Secured Cost Recovery Bonds, Series 2022 Rider(Rider SCRF)
Applicability. This rider is applicable in all service areas of United Electric Cooperative Services, Inc. (the “Cooperative”) and to all customers connected to the Cooperative’s system assets and taking service (“Customers”) and shall be a rate schedule and part of the Tariff for Electric Service and shall apply pursuant the Tariff. This rider is irrevocable and non-bypassable.
Purpose. To recover from Customers served the amounts necessary to service, repay, and administer the United Electric Securitization LLC Senior Secured Cost Recovery Bonds, Series 2022 (the “Securitized Bonds”) associated with paying the wholesale power costs and other costs arising out of Winter Storm Uri as more fully described in and issued pursuant to the terms and conditions the Financing Order of the Cooperative, approved by the board of directors of the Cooperative on August 22, 2022 (the “Financing Order”). The terms and conditions of this rate schedule rider shall comply in all respects with, and be subject to, the terms and conditions of the Financing Order, and if there is a conflict between the terms and conditions of this rate schedule rider and those of the Financing Order, the terms and conditions of the Financing Order shall control. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein are defined in the Financing Order.
Term.The Securitized Charges imposed by this rider shall become effective the first billing cycle following the issuance of the Securitized Bonds and shall remain in effect until the complete repayment and retirement of the Securitized Bonds and payment of all other Ongoing Financing Costs.
Securitized Charges. The Securitized Charge shall be calculated by the Cooperative, as Servicer of the Securitized Property, pursuant to the terms of the Financing Order and the Servicing Agreement. This rate shall be uniform and shall apply to all Customers, regardless of class.
Billing. For Customers who take service from the Cooperative (or its successors) under the Cooperative’s Distributed Generation rate, the factors of this rider shall apply to the gross kWh delivered to the Customer which pass through the Cooperative billing meter. For all other rate schedules, the factors of this rider shall apply to the total billed kWh.
True-up. The Securitized Charge imposed by this rider shall be set and adjusted from time to time by the Servicer of the Securitized Property as set forth in the Financing Order. The calculation of any such True-Up is not subject to notice, review, appeal or protest, except for the review for mathematical accuracy as permitted by the Financing Order.
Non-Bypassability. The Cooperative (or its successors) must collect the Securitized Charges from all of its Customers connected to the Cooperative’s system assets and taking service regardless of whether such assets continue to be owned by the Cooperative or whether such Customers switch to another retail electric service provider or new on-site generation.
Any Customer that disconnects from the Cooperative’s system and connects to another electric service provider must either pay a Termination Fee or alternatively, the electric service provider must agree to impose and remit the charges in a manner as determined by the Cooperative which will not result in any of the credit ratings on the Securitized Bonds being lowered or suspended. In the event a Customer adds on-site generation, the Cooperative shall collect the Securitized Charges from the Customer based on the terms as defined in “Billing”.
The Termination Fee shall equal the Securitized Charges billed to the Customer over the 12 months prior to termination (or an approximate annualized amount, based on amounts billed to such Customer to date, for Customers that have been billed the Securitized Charges for fewer than 12 months) multiplied by the remaining years that the Securitized Bonds are scheduled to be outstanding.
For the avoidance of doubt the Termination Fee shall apply to all Customers or former Customers who terminated service and disconnected from United’s system following the enactment of the Financing Act (whether before or after the issuance of the Financing Order) unless the terminated Customer pays to United its allocable share of extraordinary costs and expenses (as defined in the Financing Act) in accordance with the requirements of the Financing Order.
203.3 Sales Tax.
All bills shall be adjusted by the amount of any sales tax or other tax attributable to the sale of Electric Service to the Member unless Member has previously provided to the Cooperative satisfactory proof of exemption.
203.4 Overbilling and Underbilling.
If billings for Electric Service are found to differ from the Cooperative's lawful rates for the service being purchased by the Member, or if the Cooperative fails to bill the Member for such service, a billing adjustment shall be calculated by the Cooperative. Over or under recoveries for Rider PCRF and Rider SCRF may be applied to subsequent months.
When interest is included in the adjustment calculation, the interest rate will be the rate(s) applicable for each year as stated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas for overcharges and certain undercharges and interest shall be compounded annually. Interest shall not apply to average payment plans or estimated billings. Interest shall not apply to undercharged amounts unless such amounts are found to be the result of meter tampering, bypass, or diversion by the Member. Interest on undercharged amounts shall accrue from the date the Member is found to have first tampered, bypassed or diverted.
If the Member is due a refund, an adjustment shall be made for the entire period of the overcharges. If an overcharge is adjusted by the Cooperative within five (5) billing cycles of the bill in error, interest shall not accrue. If an overcharge is not adjusted by the Cooperative within five billing cycles of the bill in error, interest shall be applied to the amount of the overcharge.
If the Member was undercharged, the utility may backbill the Member for the amount that was underbilled. The backbilling is not to exceed six months unless the Cooperative can produce records to identify and justify the additional amount of backbilling or unless such undercharge is a result of meter tampering, bypassing, or diversion by the Member. The Cooperative may offer the Member a deferred payment plan.
203.5 Power Factor Adjustment.
Demand charges may be adjusted if the power factor is lower than 95%. Measured demand may be increased by 1% for each 1% by which the power factor is less than 95% lagging for any period of fifteen (15) consecutive minutes. This adjustment shall not be applied on loads of less than 25 kW.
203.6 Meter Error Adjustment.
- Applicant must be a military veteran who has a significantly decreased ability to regulate his or her body’s core temperature because of severe burns received during armed conflict or in combat.
- Applicant must provide confirmation from a military medical facility that Applicant has a significantly decreased ability to regulate his or her body’s core temperature due to severe burns.
- After the first year calendar year of qualification, the Cooperative may require the Applicant, not more than once per calendar year, to provide updated medical confirmation to continue participation in the Program.
- The discount may only be used on the Applicant’s metered account at their primary residence and the Applicant should be established and/or confirmed as a Member of record on the energy account at the time of application.
C. Discount. The Burned Veterans’ Discount program provides for a discount up to $90.00 per month to qualified 202.1 General Service – Single‐Phase electric rate Members for the seven (7) billing months of April through October of every year.
The monthly bill will be calculated in accordance with the 202.1 General Service – Single‐Phase electric rate tariff. The discount shall not result in a credit balance to the monthly bill of any Member receiving the discount. The discount is only valid on one electric account per applicant.
D. Agreement. A one‐page written application for the program must be completed by the account holder and the certifying physician. If the Applicant meets the above‐stated conditions, Applicant shall complete the Burned Veterans’ Discount Application‐Part A. Burned Veterans’ Discount Application‐Part B must be completed and submitted by a physician of a military medical facility indicating that the Applicant meets Section B. Qualifications (1).
E. Conditions of Service. All provisions of the 202.1 General Service – Single‐Phase tariff and the Cooperative’s current rules and regulations shall apply to the Burned Veterans’ Discount Program.
204.1 Trip Fees.
The Cooperative shall charge for each trip to Member's premises which is requested by the Member or reasonably necessary under these rules or standard operating practice. The trip fee shall be billed to the Member in the next regular billing cycle of the Cooperative. These charges are:
A. Account Initiation Charge. Charge is made for processing an application for Electric Service and connection at the following:
- Member Initiated In‐Office Remote Connect $10.00
- Member Initiated Field Service Connect $50.00
B. Reconnect Charge. Charge is made when Member requests reconnection of Electric Service after having been disconnected in accordance with the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service (includes field collection charge if same trip):
- In‐Office Reconnect $10.00
- During regular working hours – Field Reconnect $50.00
- Outside regular working hours – Field Reconnect $75.00
C. Field Collection Charge. Charge is made for each trip to Member’s premises for the purpose of collecting an amount due:
1. During regular working hours $50.00
2. Outside regular working hours $75.00
D. Trip Fees for Members Missing Field Appointments.
1. Missed energy audit appointments $25.00
2. Missed area representative appointments $50.00
E. All other Trips to Member’s Premises.
1. During regular working hours $50.00
2. Outside regular working hours $75.00
No charge shall be made to investigate an outage or service irregularity unless caused by Member or Member's installation or equipment.
204.2 Membership Fee.
Each applicant shall be charged a Membership fee not to exceed: $-0-
204.3 Returned Check.
The Cooperative shall charge $35.00 for each check or other form of payment that is dishonored or returned to the Cooperative. Any Member having a check or other form of payment dishonored two or more times in a 12‐ month period may be required to pay by cash, money order, or certified check.
204.4 Meter Test Fee.
No charge shall be made for a meter test except as provided in this rule. If Member’s meter has been tested at Member’s request and within a period of four (4) years the Member requests a new test, the Cooperative shall perform the test but if the meter is found to be within the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institute, the Cooperative may charge the Member a fee which reflects the cost to test the meter, however, this charge shall not be more than $25.00 for a residential Member.
204.5 Delinquent Penalty on Commercial and Industrial Accounts.
The Cooperative may assess a one‐time penalty not to exceed five percent (5%) on each delinquent monthly commercial or industrial bill. No such penalty shall apply to residential bills.
204.6 Switchover Fee.
A. Where service is being switched between electric companies in dual certificated areas and the Cooperative is the disconnecting electric utility, the following procedure shall be applicable.
- A charge of $200.00 to cover average direct labor costs of disconnection and average direct vehicle costs of disconnection; plus
- The dollar amount of any distribution facilities rendered idle and not usable elsewhere on the Cooperative’s system, based upon the original cost of such facilities, less depreciation and salvage, plus
- The disconnecting Member shall pay the Cooperative for actual labor and transportation cost incurred by the Cooperative for removal of distribution facilities rendered idle by the disconnecting Member.
- Prior to any disconnection under this tariff, the Member shall pay to the Cooperative all charges for Electric Service through the date of disconnection and the charges for disconnection set forth in this tariff. Upon payment of such charges, the Cooperative shall give the Member a paid receipt, for presentation by the Member to the connecting electric utility.
- The Member desiring to switch electric service from the Cooperative shall notify the Cooperative in writing stating specifically the Member’s desire to switch electric companies.
- In accordance with the Public Utility Commission of Texas Substantive Rules, the Member is advised that the connecting electric utility may not provide service to the Member until such connecting utility has evidence from the Cooperative that the Member has paid for Electric Service through the date of disconnection and any charges for disconnection under this tariff.
B. Where service is being switched between electric companies in dual certificated areas and the Cooperative is the connecting utility, the following procedures shall be applicable:
- The Member shall provide the Cooperative with a letter specifically requesting electric service and a copy of the paid receipt from the disconnecting electric utility.
- The Cooperative shall provide electric service to the Member based upon the current Cooperative tariff, policies, rules and other regulations.
204.7 Tampering Charges.
A tampering charge of $250.00 is billed for any unauthorized reconnection, utility service diversion, tampering with Cooperative metering facilities or any theft of Cooperative electric service. The evidence of any such act having been committed whereby such actions resulted in inaccurate measurement of electric energy usage and billing to the Member/benefactor of the theft will cause this charge to be applied. There will be an additional charge for the cost of repairs and/or replacement of damaged facilities, installing protective facilities or relocation of meter, and the estimated amount of Electric Service not recorded by meter, if any.
204.8 Interval Data Recorder Requirement and Communications Line Fee.
Member meter locations that measure peak loading greater than 700 KW will require a meter with an Interval Data Recorder (IDR). The meter with an IDR will be provided by the Cooperative at no additional cost to the Member. The presence of an IDR at a Member’s location will require the Member to provide a communications path in order for the Cooperative to retrieve metering information from the IDR. The Member can elect to provide a dedicated communications service or allow the Cooperative to provide this service. The fee for the Cooperative providing cellular communication service to an IDR location shall be $25 per month and will be billed as a Communications Line Fee added to each monthly bill. In the event that the Member provides communications service to the IDR, and such communications service shall become unreliable in the Cooperative’s reasonable discretion, the Cooperative shall have the right, but not an obligation, to provide communications service to the IDR location and the Communications Line Fee shall apply.
204.9 Web Data Fee.
Member locations that have a meter with an Interval Data Recorder (IDR) and appropriate communications access to the IDR may wish to have a method to review electronic meter data. The Cooperative provides a Web‐ based service for Members to see their electronic meter data. This Web Data Service is available for a monthly fee of $50. The monthly fee includes daily download of meter data from the IDR and posting of such data to a secured web site for Member review. If the Member desires to begin such a service, there shall be a one‐time fee of $50 per meter for service set‐up.
204.10 Non‐Standard Metering Service Option Fees.
A. One‐Time Fee for Advanced Meter with Communications Disabled. Applicable to a retail Member receiving Non‐Standard Metering Service. The Cooperative shall charge the one‐time set up fee to retail Members, collect payment, and receive the signed, written acknowledgement before the initiation of Non‐Standard Metering Service.
l One‐Time Fee $200.00
B. Monthly Fees. Applicable to a retail Member receiving Non‐Standard Metering Service for the ongoing cost of providing such service. The fee shall be charged beginning with the first regular cycle bill after the initiation of Non‐Standard Metering Service. The fee shall no longer be charged beginning with the first regular billing cycle following the termination of Non‐Standard Metering Service.
l Monthly service fee $31.00
205.1 Application.
Applicable to Distributed Generation Facilities smaller than 10 MW of generation connected in parallel operation to the Cooperative’s electric system in accordance with the Cooperative’s service rules and regulations and the Cooperative’s Distributed Generation Procedures and Guidelines Manual for Members, as amended from time to time (“DG Manual”).
This rate is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale service. This rate is applicable to service supplied at one Point of Delivery. This rate may be subject to approval.
205.2 Sales to Member.
Sales to a Distributed Generation Member referenced in sections 205.3, 205.4, and 205.5 shall be consistent with the applicable retail rate tariff established by the Cooperative and in use by the Member as if there were no Distributed Generation installation. Each month’s bill to the Member shall not be less than the applicable minimum charge.
205.3 Purchases from a Member–Facility Classified as 50 KW of Connected Generation and Less.
For power produced in excess of on‐site requirements, the Member shall be compensated by “net metering”. Net metering is defined as measuring the difference between the electricity supplied by the Cooperative and the electricity generated by the Member’s facility and delivered to the Cooperative’s electric system during a billing period.
The Cooperative shall bill the Member for the excess of energy supplied by the Cooperative over and above the energy supplied by the Member during each billing period according to the Cooperative’s applicable retail rate schedule.
When the energy supplied by the Member exceeds the energy supplied by the Cooperative during a monthly billing period, the Member shall be compensated for excess energy at the Cooperative’s avoided wholesale power cost. Avoided wholesale power cost shall be determined monthly by the Cooperative and calculated based on the then-current wholesale power cost for energy billed by the Cooperative’s power supplier(s) avoided by the Cooperative’s purchase of energy from Distributed Generation facilities.
The Member’s compensation for such excess energy supplied to the Cooperative during the monthly billing period will first be applied to any applicable minimum charge(s) for the billing period and any additional compensation will accumulate as a monetary credit to be applied to subsequent billing periods. Member’s compensation and monetary credit(s) will not be applied to Broadband Service charges. If at the end of the calendar year an accumulated monetary credit for the excess energy supplied to the Cooperative during the monthly billing period still exists, Cooperative will issue payment to Member equal to the amount of the remaining accumulated monetary credit. Accumulated credits, if any, will not carry forward to the next calendar year.
205.4 Purchases from a Member–Facility Classified as 50 KW of Connected Generation and Less than 1 MW of Connected Generation.
There shall be no “net metering” for Distributed Generation facilities larger than 50 KW of connected generation.
Determination of billing shall be accomplished by interconnection through a single meter with multiple registers with one measuring all energy supplied (delivered) by the Cooperative to the Member and the other measuring all energy supplied (received) by the Member to the Cooperative’s electric system.
The Cooperative shall bill the Member for the monthly energy delivered by the Cooperative according to the Cooperative’s applicable retail rate schedule.
For power produced in excess of on‐site requirements, the Member shall be compensated for the excess energy received by the Cooperative at the Cooperative’s avoided wholesale power cost. Avoided wholesale power cost shall be determined monthly by the Cooperative and calculated based on the then-current wholesale power cost for energy billed by the Cooperative’s power supplier(s) avoided by the Cooperative’s purchase of energy from Distributed Generation facilities. If the Member’s compensation for energy received by the Cooperative exceeds the charges for energy delivered to the Member, the monthly minimum charge of the applicable retail rate schedule shall be billed by the Cooperative.
205.5 Purchases from a Member–Facility Classified as Greater than 1 MW and Less than 10 MW of Connected Generation.
There shall be no “net metering” for Distributed Generation facilities larger than 50 KW of connected generation.
Determination of billing shall be accomplished by interconnection through a single meter with multiple registers with one measuring all energy supplied (delivered) by the Cooperative to the Member and the other measuring all energy supplied (received) by the Member to the Cooperative’s electric system.
The Cooperative shall bill the Member for the monthly energy delivered by the Cooperative according to the Cooperative’s applicable retail rate schedule.
For power produced in excess of on‐site requirements, the Member shall not be compensated for the excess energy received by the Cooperative.
The Member shall be subject to any ERCOT, Brazos or other wholesale provider charges related to the Member’s Distributed Generation facility, including but not limited to scheduling, dispatching and energy imbalance.
By mutual written agreement the Cooperative and the Member may establish additional or different terms, conditions, or rates for the sale or purchase of energy.
205.6 Additional Charges.
Each billing period the Member shall be obligated to pay the following additional charges:
A. Internet Access to Meter Data.
Monthly fee per meter (service only by Member request) $50.00
B. Other Charges.
As determined at the sole discretion of the Cooperative on a case‐by‐case basis, the Cooperative may recover any additional recurring or direct costs related to the Member’s Distributed Generation facility or purchases from Member.
205.7 Contracts Requirement.
An Interconnection Agreement between the Member and the Cooperative, as detailed in the DG Manual, shall be required in all cases and other contracts as needed.
206.1 Renewable Energy Credit (REC).
A. Purpose. A Renewable Energy Credit (REC) is created when an authorized renewable generator generates 1 MWh (1,000 kWh) of energy. There is a market for sale and retirement of RECs in Texas operated and managed by ERCOT, and created to assist in the encouragement of the development, construction and operation of renewable energy resources (See Public Utility Commission of Texas, 16 TAC § 25.173).
B. Cooperative Enrollment.Upon registration of the Cooperative with ERCOT, the Cooperative may, subject to applicable rules and regulations, purchase, sell and retire RECs in the REC market.
C. Member Enrollment. The Cooperative will offer REC’s to its membership upon request.
Participating members shall be billed for all costs associated with the purchase, transfer, sale, or retirement of RECs that the cooperative incurs on the participants’ behalf.
D. Retirement of Unpurchased RECs. The Cooperative reserves the right to retire any unpurchased RECs prior to their expiration in the market.
SECTION III - SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
301.1 Application Required.
Any Person or Firm desiring to receive Electric Service from the Cooperative shall apply for such service by contacting the Cooperative at any office of the Cooperative and providing to Cooperative applicable requested data in complete and accurate form. As referenced in Article I, Section 1.03 of the Bylaws of the Cooperative, unless the Cooperative determines otherwise, each person, upon completion of the Cooperative’s Membership Application Procedure to the Cooperative’s satisfaction and using, receiving, or purchasing Electric Service shall, unless the Board of the Cooperative determines otherwise, an applicant shall automatically become a Member of the Cooperative, effective as of the date the applicant began using, receiving, or purchasing Electric Service. Applicant will be notified by the Cooperative in writing of the Cooperative’s action on the applicant’s application for membership in the Cooperative. Membership in the Cooperative is a requirement and pre‐condition to a person continuing to use, receive, or purchase Electric Service. A separate Electric Service Agreement is required for each location where delivery of electric energy is desired, whether for initiation, renewal of service or otherwise.
The application must be in the true and legal name of the Person or Firm desiring to receive Electric Service. The Cooperative may require suitable identification and such other information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the application.
301.2 Membership in the Cooperative.
Consistent with Article I, Section 1.02 of the Bylaws of the Cooperative, a Person or Firm seeking to become a Member of the Cooperative must, within a reasonable time of using, receiving or purchasing Electric Service, complete and submit to Cooperative (individually or by providing to the Cooperative information required by the Cooperative for the completion of such application form by Cooperative personnel as to applicant) a written application for membership on a form provided by the Cooperative for that purpose, agreeing: (a) to provide proper and complete identification and comply with all (i) Applicable Law, (ii) Cooperative Governance Documents, and (iii) Cooperative Agreements, (b) to pay the Cooperative for (i) all Cooperative Services used, received, or purchased by the Member at, or for, any dwelling, structure, apparatus, or Point of Delivery, owned, controlled, or directly occupied by the Member at prices, rates, or amounts determined by the Board, and in a manner specified by the Cooperative; (ii) all dues, assessments, fees, deposits, contributions, or other amounts required by these Bylaws, the Board or by Applicable Law; and (iii) unless waived in writing by the Board, or waived pursuant to Board policy generally applicable to all applicants, pay the Cooperative any outstanding amounts owed the Cooperative by the applicant; and (3) to complete any additional or supplemental document or contract required by the Board for the Cooperative Services which the applicant is seeking to use, receive, or purchase. Application for membership by any Person or Firm shall automatically include the agreement by applicant to the terms and conditions of the application for membership and Electric Service Agreement required by the Cooperative, without further action by the applicant. Each applicant, upon making application to the Cooperative for membership, agrees to pay the Cooperative (i) for all Cooperative Services used, received, or purchased by the Member or at, or for, any dwelling or structure owned, controlled, or directly occupied by the Member at prices, rates, or amounts determined by the Board, and in a manner specified by the Cooperative; (ii) all dues, assessments, fees, deposits, contributions, or other amounts required by this tariff, the Bylaws of the Cooperative, the Board, or by Applicable Law; and (iii) any outstanding amounts owed the Cooperative by the applicant, unless waived as provided by the Bylaws of the Cooperative. Each applicant agrees further to complete any additional or supplemental document or contract required by the Cooperative for services which the applicant is seeking to use, receive, or purchase.
By providing phone numbers to the Cooperative, each applicant and each Member also (i) consents to receive phone calls from the Cooperative, including automated phone calls, on the phone numbers the applicant or Member provides, (ii) confirms to the Cooperative that the phone numbers applicant or Member provides belong to the applicant or Member providing such phone number and not to third party, and (iii) that if a phone number changes from the number provided to the Cooperative, the providing applicant or Member agrees to promptly notify the Cooperative of such fact and of the applicant’s or Member’s new phone number.
The submission to the Cooperative by the applicant of an application for membership shall, as may be required by the Cooperative, be accompanied by the payment of one (1) membership fee, in the amount then required by the Cooperative, not to exceed $25.00.
301.3 Offer to Purchase Electric Service.
Upon compliance with the provisions of Section 301.1 and 301.2, applicant has made an offer to purchase electric energy from the Cooperative, the terms of which are contained in the Electric Service Agreement, these tariffs, the Cooperative’s Articles, Bylaws and other Governance Documents, and any applicable easements.
302. Establishment of Credit.
At any time before applicant's offer to purchase Electric Service is agreed to by the Cooperative, the Cooperative may require applicant, regardless of the type of service applied for, to demonstrate and satisfactorily establish credit in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the Cooperative. The satisfactory establishment of credit shall not relieve the applicant from complying with tariff provisions for prompt payment of bills. Notwithstanding any
302.1 Establishment of Credit for Electrical Service Applicants.
An applicant for electric service may satisfactorily establish credit and may not be required to pay a deposit:
A. Credit History. If the applicant for Electric Service poses no credit risk beyond that considered acceptable by Cooperative, at its sole discretion, upon consideration of credit risk assessments reported by cumulative data from qualified credit reporting agencies; OR
B. Payment History. If it is undisputed that applicant has been a member of the Cooperative within the last two years and is not delinquent in the payment of any such utility service account and during the last twelve (12) consecutive months of service did not have more than two occasions in which a bill for such utility service was paid after becoming delinquent and never had service disconnected for nonpayment; OR
C.Guarantee. If the applicant for Electric Service furnishes in writing a satisfactory guarantee to secure the payment of bills for electric service; OR
D. Senior Citizens.If the applicant for residential service is sixty‐five (65) years of age or older, does not have an outstanding account balance with the Cooperative, and poses no credit risk beyond that considered acceptable by Cooperative, at its sole discretion, upon consideration of credit risk assessments reported by cumulative data from qualified credit reporting agencies.
302.2 Security Deposit.
If the credit of an applicant for any type of service has not been established satisfactorily to the Cooperative, the applicant may be required to make a deposit. The deposit can be in the form of cash or, at the sole discretion of the Cooperative, contractual obligations (e.g. letter of credit) in lieu of a cash deposit, acceptable to Cooperative.
302.3 Amount of Deposit for Service.
The required deposit for service shall not exceed an amount equivalent to one‐sixth (1/6) of the annual billings as estimated after discussion of usage history with the Cooperative's personnel.
302.4 Increase in Deposit Within First 12 Months of New Service.
During the first 12 months of new service, if actual usage is three times estimated usage (or three times average usage of most recent three bills) and current usage exceeds $150, and 150% of the security held, a new deposit requirement may be calculated and an additional deposit may be required to be made within 10 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit, or, in lieu of additional deposit, the member may elect to pay the current usage within 10 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit.
302.5 Increase in Deposit for Commercial and Residential Members.
If actual billings of a commercial member are at least twice the amount of the estimated billings, and a suspension notice has been issued on a bill within the previous 12 month period, a new deposit may be required to be made within 15 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit. In lieu of additional deposit, the member may elect to pay the current bill by the due date of the bill, provided the member has not exercised this option in the previous 12 months.
If actual billings of a residential member are at least twice the amount of the estimated billings after two billing periods, and a suspension notice has been issued on a bill within the previous 12 month period, a new deposit may be required to be made within 15 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit. In lieu of additional deposit, the member may elect to pay the current bill by the due date of the bill, provided the member has not exercised this option in the previous 12 months.
302.6 Temporary or Seasonal Service and for Weekend Residences.
The Cooperative may require an applicant for temporary service or seasonal service or service to weekend or intermittent use installations to pay a deposit sufficient to reasonably protect the Cooperative against the assumed risk for any of such services.
302.7 Reestablishment of Credit.
Every applicant who previously has been a member of the Cooperative and whose service has been discontinued for nonpayment of bills or meter tampering or bypassing of meter shall be required, before service is rendered, to pay all amounts due the Cooperative or execute a deferred payment agreement, if offered, and reestablish credit. The burden shall be on the utility to prove the amount of utility service received but not paid for and the reasonableness of any charge for such unpaid service, as well as all other elements of any bill required to be paid as a condition of service restoration.
The Cooperative shall consider the offer to purchase Electric Service and act upon it within a reasonable time by either granting the application (conditionally, subject to these Service Rules and Regulations) or refusing service in accordance with this tariff.
303.1 Granting Application.
The Cooperative may grant an application by making electricity available at an applicant’s service location and confirming to an applicant in writing that the application has been granted, or by having its authorized officer or employee execute on behalf of the Cooperative an Electric Service Agreement with applicant.
303.2 Refusal of Service.
The Cooperative may refuse service if:
A. Credit. Member or applicant has failed or refused to satisfactorily establish credit; OR
B. Fulfillment of Conditions Precedent. If member or applicant has failed or refused within a reasonable time to fulfill any condition precedent to performance (see Section 304.2); OR
C. Indebtedness. If member or applicant has failed or refused to pay any indebtedness to any utility having previously provided applicant with electric service; OR
D.Membership. If member or applicant has failed or refused to pay the membership fee or qualify for membership in the Cooperative in accordance with the provisions of law and the Articles and Bylaws of the Cooperative; OR
E. Hazardous Condition. If it has come to the Cooperative's attention that member's or applicant’s installation or equipment is, in the Cooperative’s sole discretion, hazardous or of such character that satisfactory service cannot be given; OR
F. False Name or Other Artifice. Member or applicant uses an alias, trade name, business name, the name of a relative or another person or other artifice to avoid payment of electric service bills; OR
G. Intent to Deceive. Member or applicant applies for service at a location where another member or applicant received or continues to receive electric service and the electric bill is unpaid, and the Cooperative, at its sole discretion, has found that a change in identity has been made in an attempt to avoid or evade payment of the billing for electric service.
H. Interference with Service. If member or applicant violates any rule pertaining to the use of electric service (including the operation of nonstandard equipment or unauthorized attachments after notice required by Section 303.3 D.) in a manner which interferes with or is likely to cause interference with electric service to any member.
303.3 Insufficient Grounds for Refusal to Serve.
The following shall not constitute sufficient cause for refusal of service to a present member or applicant:
A. Delinquency in payment for service by a previous occupant of the premises to be served; or
B. Failure to pay for merchandise, or charges for non-utility service purchased from the Cooperative; or
C.Failure to pay a bill to correct previous underbilling due to misapplication of rates more than six months
prior to the date of application; or
D. Violation of the Cooperative's rules pertaining to operation of nonstandard equipment or unauthorized attachments which interferes with the service of others, or other service s such as communication services unless the member or applicant has first been notified and been afforded reasonable opportunity to comply with the rules; or
E. Failure to pay a bill of another member as guarantor thereof, unless the guarantee was made in writing to the Cooperative as a condition precedent to service; or
F. Failure to pay the bill of another member at the same address except where the change of member or applicant identity is made to avoid or evade payment of a utility bill. A member or applicant may request a supervisory review if the Cooperative determines that the evasion has occurred and refuses to provide service.
Member or applicant requests for Electric Service of the character and type provided by Cooperative are granted within the limitations of the applicable rate schedule for Electric Service, the availability of Cooperative facilities, the characteristics of member's or applicant’s electrical load and these Service Rules and Regulations.
Cooperative may require special contractual arrangements, which may include additional charges under this tariff, prior to Cooperative's providing Electric Service if the Electric Service requested by Member or applicant is not available at the service location or is other than that which Cooperative usually provides.
The grant of an application shall operate as an acceptance of applicant's offer to purchase Electric Service pursuant to the terms of the contract as described in Section 304.1 of this Tariff. Any Customer taking Electric Service from Cooperative, in consideration of the Cooperative's supplying Electric Service and regardless whether or not such Customer has made application for such Electric Service, is bound by these Service Rules and Regulations and is liable to Cooperative for payment for such Electric Service under the applicable rate schedule.
304.1 Terms of Contract.
The terms of the contract are the provisions of the Electric Service Agreement, this tariff, any applicable easement, and the Articles and Bylaws of the Cooperative.
304.2 Conditions to be Fulfilled by Applicant or Member Prior to the Rendition of Service.
As conditions precedent to the performance or obligation to perform any part of the contract for electric service by the Cooperative or the provision of any electric service; member and applicant shall:
A. Member and applicant warrant to the Cooperative that he or she has complied with all Federal, State, County, and Municipal regulations governing the service applied for and shall remain in compliance. The Cooperative does not undertake to determine if Member or applicant is in compliance with the law and the provision of service shall not be construed as any indication of compliance; however, the Cooperative may require a copy of any approval required by law, ordinance or regulation prior to the provision of service; AND
B. Comply with Service Rules. Applicant and member shall comply with the Service Rules and Regulations of the Cooperative governing the service applied for; AND
C. Member and applicant warrant to the Cooperative that member's and applicant’s installation is constructed in accordance with the applicable versions of the National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, American National Standards Institute, Cooperative policies and procedures, as well as ordinances of jurisdictional authorities and will be maintained in such manner as to conform to such standards. The Cooperative does not undertake to determine if member's or applicant’s installation complies with such standards and the provision of service shall not be construed as any indication of compliance; however, should it come to the attention of the Cooperative that member's or applicant’s installation does not conform to such standards, member and applicant, as applicable, may be required to conform prior to the provision of service or the Cooperative may discontinue service; AND
D. Easement. Applicant and Member shall grant or secure to the Cooperative at Member’s or applicant’s expense an easement granting to the Cooperative the right to construct, operate, access, maintain, and furnish Cooperative Services including electric distribution facilities which the Cooperative considers necessary. The easement(s) will be in a form and content of which is satisfactory to the Cooperative In the event the Applicant or Member is not able to secure an easement acceptable to the Cooperative after reasonable attempts and the Cooperative acquires an easement, then Member or applicant, as applicable, shall reimburse the Cooperative all costs of acquiring such easement; AND
Upon request from and without charge to the Cooperative, each Member shall provide to the Cooperative safe and reliable access to, and use of, any portion of personal or real property owned by the Member.
Each Member requesting new or additional Cooperative Services from the Cooperative shall, upon request by the Cooperative, execute and deliver to the Cooperative such written easement, right-of-way, license, or other similar property interest in any real or personal property owned by that Member as may be required by the Cooperative in order (A) to purchase, install, construct, inspect, monitor, operate, repair, maintain, remove, or relocate any Cooperative Equipment or (B) to provide, monitor, measure, or maintain any Cooperative Service.
No Member shall tamper or interfere with, damage, or impair any Cooperative Equipment. Each Member shall protect, and shall install, implement, and maintain any protective device or procedure reasonably required by the Cooperative to protect Cooperative Equipment.
E. Construction Costs. Applicant and Member shall fulfill all obligations for the payment of construction costs in the manner prescribed in service rules and regulations, including the Cooperative’s line extension policy governing the electric infrastructure to be constructed.
304.3 Assignment of Contract.
The Member and applicant shall not assign the Contract except by written consent of the Cooperative or in compliance with the Articles and Bylaws of the Cooperative. The Contract shall inure to the benefit of the Cooperative's assigns.
304.4 Modification by the Parties.
Contracts for Electric Service may be modified or terminated by the agreement of both the Cooperative and the Member or applicant only if such agreement is made in writing and signed by both parties.
The Cooperative shall exercise prudent judgment in determining the conditions under which a specific line extension will be made and shall view each case individually, considering the following:
1)Cost to provide the service
2)Longevity of the load
3)Annual load factor
4)Possibility of other loads developing nearby or along the proposed line extension
5)Anticipated annual revenues
6)Compatibility with planned system improvements.
With these factors, the Cooperative shall make a simplified rate‐of‐return study. The rate‐of‐return study is a method used to model the anticipated revenues and expenses related to the line extension for a new load.
Upon the result from the study, the Cooperative can determine whether a contribution in aid of construction is required. A Member who requires an extension of the existing electric distribution system shall pay the estimated construction unit cost of that extension less any applicable construction allowance, as set forth in the Cooperative’s most current line extension policy.
When the Cooperative is required to serve a load which is "short‐term" (i.e., temporary service that is supplied for less than 12 months), the Cooperative shall be reimbursed for the estimated cost of building the required facilities, plus the cost of removing the facilities, less salvage.
Point of Delivery. The Cooperative extends its electric facilities only to the Point of Delivery. Member and applicant shall install and be solely responsible for wiring of the installation and all service entrance wiring through the weatherhead and the meter base to Member’s or applicant’s main disconnect switch or service center.
305.1 Ownership of Distribution Facilities.
The Cooperative shall retain the ownership of all material and facilities installed by the Cooperative for the distribution of electric energy whether or not the same have been paid for by the member or applicant. All lines and facilities constructed or installed by the Cooperative are the property of the Cooperative.
305.2 Refund of Prepayments for Electric Service.
Payments necessary for construction of Electric Service facilities which will be used by the Member are considered contributions in aid of construction and are generally not refundable. The Cooperative, under warranted conditions, at its sole discretion, may choose to refund either all or a portion of a Member’s contributions in aid of construction.
305.3 Deferred Payment Plan.
The Cooperative may, at its sole discretion, enter into a deferred payment plan with Member for all or a portion of any amount required to be paid as aid to construction.
305.4 Relocation or Upgrade of Facilities.
The Cooperative will relocate its facilities on Member’s premises at Member’s request provided member has (1) provided a satisfactory easement for the new facilities; (2) paid in advance an estimate of all costs for the removal of the old facilities, less salvage value, and all costs for the construction of new facilities. If the Cooperative determines it is necessary to move its facilities because Member fails or refuses to allow the Cooperative access to Cooperative's facilities at any time then Member may be billed the actual cost of relocation. If Member requests or Cooperative determines an upgrade of facilities is reasonably necessary, the Member may be required to pay an amount not to exceed the actual cost of all construction.
306.1 Location and Installation of Meter.
Meters and service switches in conjunction with the meter shall be installed in accordance with the applicable versions of the National Electric Code, National Electric Safety Code, American National Standards Institute, Cooperative policies and procedures, as well as ordinances of jurisdictional authorities and will be readily accessible to the Cooperative for reading, testing and inspection, and where such activities will cause minimum interference and inconvenience to the Member when reasonably practicable. Member shall provide, without cost to the Cooperative, and at a suitable and easily accessible location: (1) sufficient and proper space for installation of meters and other apparatus of the Cooperative, (2) meter rack where necessary, (3) meter loop that meets the current specifications of the Cooperative, (4) additional service switches when required (5) an adequate anchor for overhead service drops at the Cooperative's option, (6) proper grounding. The Cooperative may install the meter loop and charge the Member the actual cost of installation. Where the meter location on the Member’s premises is changed at the request of the Member, or due to alterations on Member’s premises, the Member shall provide and have installed at his expense, all wiring and equipment necessary for relocating the meter.
306.2 Type of Meter and Ownership of Meter.
The Cooperative shall provide, install, own, and maintain all meters necessary for the measurement of electrical energy. Such meters shall be of a solid‐state type which meets industry standards, however, special meters may be used for investigation, experimental purposes and/or purposes as provided for in Section 204.10 of this tariff.
306.3 Limitation of Service from Single Meter.
One permanent residence and one permanent residence only may be served from one meter. Mobile home parks, multi‐family residences and similar type installations subject to submetering shall follow the requirements of Sections 321.3 and 321.4 of this Tariff and shall meet the requirements of PUCT Substantive Rules relating to submetering. No business shall be served by the same meter serving a residence, unless the residence and business are combined under a single roof.
The Member and applicant shall designate the location he or she desires to receive electric energy and shall provide service entrance conductors and any receptacle needed for the receipt of electric energy.
The Point of Delivery of electric energy is the point where the Member’s or applicant’s service entrance conductors are connected to the Cooperative's conductors. Such point shall be outside the Member’s or applicant’s installation or structure(s) at a location which will facilitate connection in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code and standard operating practices of the Cooperative.
Electric service is provided to qualified applicants in the Cooperative's certificated area who have satisfactorily established credit and fulfilled all conditions precedent. Normally, as a service objective, the Cooperative attempts to make service available within the following guidelines:
A. Within seven (7) working days if no line extension or new facilities are required.
B. Within ninety (90) days for permanent residential service requiring a line extension.
C. Extensions to other member classes requiring line extensions may take longer than ninety (90) days.
D. If a line extension is required and if facilities are not available, the Cooperative shall inform the member within 10 working days of receipt of the application, giving the member an estimated completion date.
E. Any construction cost options such as rebates to the Member, sharing of construction costs between the Cooperative and the Member, or sharing of costs between the Member and other applicants shall be explained to the member following assessment of necessary line work.
320.1 Delivery of Electric Energy.
If Applicant/member has satisfied all conditions and performed all obligations contained in the foregoing service rules, the Cooperative shall provide electric energy to Member at the Point of Delivery. The Cooperative may limit the amount of electric energy furnished.
320.2 Characteristics of Electric Energy.
A.Voltage.The Cooperative adopts the following standard voltages for distribution:
Overhead Service:
Single Phase: 120/240, 240/480
Three Phase: 120/208 *, 120/240 *, 240/480 *, 277/480 *
*Note: Available for loads less than 500 KVA
Underground Service:
Single Phase: 120/240
Three Phase: 120/208, 277/480, 2400/4160
The Cooperative maintains its standard voltages within the variations permitted by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) as specified in PUCT Substantive Rules. Member should obtain from the Cooperative the phase and voltage of the service available before committing to the purchase of motors or other equipment.
B. Frequency. The Cooperative provides alternating current at a standard frequency of 60 cycles per second as defined in the PUCT Substantive Rules.
321.1 Overhead Service Drop.
Electric Service is generally available to Members throughout the Cooperative's service area from overhead distribution facilities. The Cooperative, however, may refuse to provide overhead service in any area where the Cooperative has or expects substantial investment in underground distribution facilities. To receive overhead service Member must install a suitable bracket for attachment of Cooperative conductors in compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code.
321.2 Underground Electric Service.
Electric Service from underground distribution facilities is available to Members requesting such service. The Member may be required by Cooperative to pay an amount based on the cost difference, if any, between overhead and underground Electric Service as estimated in accordance with the Cooperative’s Line Extension policy. In areas served by the Cooperative's underground distribution system phase and voltage of Electric Service may be limited to that which can be provided from existing facilities. Underground conductors are usually connected to the Cooperative's overhead distribution facilities at a location outside the Member’s premises or at a suitable location on Member’s premises. The location and routing of underground distribution facilities is determined by the Cooperative. Before the installation of underground distribution facilities, member will complete rough site grading, establish final grade along conductor route, identify and mark or expose to view any member‐owned installations including gas lines, water lines, wastewater lines, communication lines, etc., and clear the area of all obstructions. No change shall be made in the grade along the conductor route without the consent of the Cooperative. Any change in grade which requires lowering electrical conductors is at the expense of the member.
321.3 Mobile Home Parks.
In mobile home parks and similar installations the Cooperative provides Electric Service either through: (1) individual meters to each space for each consuming facility, or (2) through a single master meter serving multiple locations/spaces. Under option (2), the Cooperative is not responsible for submetering individual facilities. Resell of electric energy must be in accordance with the requirements of PUCT Substantive Rules relating to submetering. Either underground or overhead service may be provided.
321.4 Multi‐Family Residences.
Electric Service is provided through (1) individual meters for each living unit or (2) through one master meter at each Point of Delivery providing Electric Service for any number of living units. If option (2) is chosen, the Cooperative is not responsible for submetering individual facilities. Resell of electric energy must be in accordance with the requirements of PUCT Substantive Rules relating to submetering.
321.5 Connections at Point of Delivery.
The Cooperative makes connections of its conductors to member's conductors only at the Point of Delivery.
322.1 Reasonable Diligence.
The Cooperative uses reasonable diligence under standard utility practices to provide continuous and adequate service in accordance with the standards set forth in these rules.
322.2 Service Interruptions.
Electric Service interruptions may occur. Member is responsible for installing and maintaining protective devices as are recommended or required by the most current edition of the National Electrical Code and other such devices as are necessary or advisable to protect member's equipment or process during irregular or interrupted service including, but not limited to, voltage and wave form irregularities, or the failure of part or all of the Electric Service. When interruptions do occur the Cooperative shall re‐establish service as soon as practicable.
The Cooperative may interrupt Electric Service to provide necessary civil defense or other emergency service in the event of a national emergency or local disaster. The Cooperative may also interrupt Electric Service as necessary for maintenance, repairs, construction, moving of buildings or oversized objects, relocation or changes of facilities, to prevent or alleviate an emergency which may disrupt operation of all or any portion of the Cooperative's system, to lessen or remove risk of harm to life or property, to aid in the restoration of Electric Service, and on occasions when the Cooperative's wholesale power suppliers, or any of them, fails to deliver sufficient power and/or energy to the Cooperative, or as required by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas for emergency purposes.
322.3 Service Irregularities.
Irregularities in Electric Service such as voltage surges may occur. Member is responsible for installing and maintaining devices which protect his/her installation, equipment, and processes during periods of abnormal service conditions.
322.4 Investigation of Service Interruptions and Irregularities.
The Cooperative makes reasonable investigation of service interruptions and irregularities reported by a Member. Such investigation normally terminates at the Point of Delivery. If standard service voltage exists at this point and the Cooperative's service facilities are in good condition the Member shall be so advised. The Cooperative shall not be obligated to inspect Member’s conductors, installation, or equipment.
322.5 Liability/Indemnity.
Cooperative is responsible for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Electric Service facilities up to and including the Point of Delivery. Customer is responsible for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Customer’s installation beyond the Point of Delivery and has sole control and supervision over Customer’s installation. IT IS PARTICULARLY UNDERSTOOD THAT THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ELECTRIC ENERGY FURNISHED TO CUSTOMER AT AND PAST THE POINT OF DELIVERY CUSTOMER DOES AGREE TO AND SHALL INDEMNIFY THE COOPERATIVE, ITS EMPLOYEES, AND ITS AGENTS AGAINST AND HOLD THE COOPERATIVE, ITS EMPLOYEES, AND ITS AGENTS HARMLESS FROM ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INJURIES TO ANY PERSONS, INCLUDING DEATH RESULTING THEREFROM, AND DAMAGES TO PROPERTY OCCURRING UPON THE PREMISES OF THE CUSTOMER ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ELECTRIC POWER AND ENERGY DELIVERED BY COOPERATIVE AND/OR RELATED SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COOPERATIVE WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COOPERATIVE, ITS EMPLOYEES OR ITS AGENTS EXCEPT WHEN THE NEGLIGENCE OF COOPERATIVE, ITS EMPLOYEES OR ITS AGENT(S) WAS THE SOLE PROXIMATE CAUSE OF SUCH INJURIES, DEATH OF PERSONS OR DAMAGES TO PROPERTY. EXCEPT WHEN INJURIES OR DAMAGE HAVE BEEN CAUSED SOLELY BY THE COOPERATIVE'S NEGLIGENCE AND EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT INJURIES OR DAMAGE HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE COOPERATIVE’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR THE COOPERATIVE’S WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION, IT IS THE EXPRESS INTENTION OF CUSTOMER, AND CUSTOMER DOES AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE COOPERATIVE, ITS EMPLOYEES, AND ITS AGENTS FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE COOPERATIVE’S OWN NEGLIGENCE, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COOPERATIVE’S.
EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. Without limiting the foregoing, Cooperative (including its employees and agents) is not and shall not be liable for damages occasioned by: (A) irregularities or interruptions (of any duration), or failure to commence Electric Service, caused in whole or in part by (1) federal, state, municipal or other governmental or regulatory action or authority, litigation, public enemies, terrorism, civil disturbance, strikes or other labor disturbances, sabotage, war, national emergency, equipment or material shortages, breakdown or accident to machinery or equipment, acts of God (including weather and its resulting consequences and earthquakes and their resulting consequences), (2) an order of any Court or Judge granted in any adverse legal proceeding or action or any order of any commission or tribunal having jurisdiction affecting the premises, (3) situations or conditions described in the second paragraph of Section 322.2 of these Service Rules, (4) the absence, inadequacy or failure of protective devices which are the responsibility of the Customer, (5) inadequacy or failure of generation or transmission facilities, or (6) any other act or thing reasonably beyond the control of Cooperative or as may be authorized elsewhere in this Tariff For Electric Service; or (B) any interruption of service not occasioned by situations or conditions described in (A) above that has not existed continuously for beyond a reasonable period of time after notice to Cooperative, which reasonable period shall under no circumstances be less than twenty‐four (24) hours or any interruption of service of greater than a reasonable duration if the Cooperative has used reasonable diligence in attempts to restore electric service after the Cooperative is notified of such interruption.
COOPERATIVE (INCLUDING ITS EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS) MAY PERFORM VOLUNTARY OR EMERGENCY ACTS TO ELECTRIC FACILITIES THAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER BUT SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES RESULTING FROM SAID ACTS EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SAID DAMAGES OR INJURIES ARE PROXIMATELY CAUSED BY ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE COOPERATIVE WHICH ARE FOUND NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL COOPERATIVE (OR ITS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS) BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER FOR ANY LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFIT OR REVENUE, LOSS OF PRODUCTION CAPACITY, LOSS OF THE USE OF EQUIPMENT, LOSS OF ELECTRONIC DATA OR PROGRAM, COST OF CAPITAL, AND COST OF TEMPORARY OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, WHETHER BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION OR THEORY OF RECOVERY, AND CUSTOMER EXPRESSLY RELEASES COOPERATIVE AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS FROM ANY SUCH LIABILITY.
Disclaimer of Warranties.
COOPERATIVE MAKES NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF ELECTRIC SERVICE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.TO BE WANTON OR WILLFUL WITH THE INTENT TO CAUSE INJURY.
323.1 Receipt of Electric Energy.
A. When Electric Service is available, Member shall purchase from the Cooperative all electric energy and service required to be used by Member from a single consuming installation.
Member may not connect his lines to another source of electric energy in a manner that may permit electric energy to flow into Cooperative's system from such source without a written agreement with the Cooperative. For experimental purposes and to aid in the orderly development of additional sources of energy, and in conjunction with providing service under any rate in its tariff, Cooperative may permit non‐fossil, Member‐produced electric energy to be fed back into Cooperative's system, provided that Member has paid for the necessary added metering and protective equipment and provided that the member has complied with the provisions of Section 340.
B. Member's Installation. Member shall at all times maintain his/her installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code as well as other applicable standards that may be imposed by law, ordinance or regulation.
C. Liability for Injury and Damages.
CUSTOMER ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ELECTRIC ENERGY FURNISHED TO CUSTOMER AT AND PAST THE POINT OF DELIVERY AND WILL INDEMNIFY THE COOPERATIVE AGAINST AND HOLD THE COOPERATIVE HARMLESS FROM ALL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INJURIES TO PERSONS, INCLUDING DEATH RESULTING THEREFROM, AND DAMAGES TO PROPERTY OCCURRING UPON THE PREMISES OF THE CUSTOMER ARISING FROM ELECTRIC POWER AND ENERGY DELIVERED BY COOPERATIVE (AND/OR RELATED SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COOPERATIVE) WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COOPERATIVE except (i) when the negligence of Cooperative or its agent(s) was the sole proximate cause of such injuries, including death therefrom, to Customer or to employees of a Customer or in the case of a residential Customer, to all members of the household; and (ii) as to all other injuries and damages, to the extent that injuries or damages are proximately caused by or result in whole or in part from (a) negligence of Cooperative or its agent(s) independent of and unrelated to the maintenance of Cooperative's equipment or any condition on Customer’s premises or (b) the breach by Cooperative of any provision of any contract for electrical energy, service or facilities between Cooperative and Customer.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT SHALL COOPERATIVE (OR ITS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER FOR ANY LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFIT OR REVENUE, LOSS OF PRODUCTION CAPACITY, LOSS OF THE USE OF EQUIPMENT, LOSS OF ELECTRONIC DATA OR PROGRAM, COST OF CAPITAL, AND COST OF TEMPORARY OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, WHETHER BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION OR THEORY OF RECOVERY, AND CUSTOMER EXPRESSLY RELEASES COOPERATIVE AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS FROM ANY SUCH LIABILITY.
323.2 Members Use of Electric Energy.
A. Permitted Uses. Electric energy provided through Cooperative facilities shall be used by Member exclusively for the purpose or purposes specified in the availability clause of the rate schedule under which Member is receiving service and being billed.
B. Resale Prohibited. Member shall not resell electric energy unless specifically allowed by Cooperative for submetering purposes. Provided however, resell of electric energy must be in accordance with the requirements of PUCT Substantive Rules relating to submetering.
C. Interstate Transmission of Electric Energy Prohibited
C.Interstate Transmission of Electric Energy Prohibited. The Cooperative does not provide electric service to any Member’s installation any part of which is located outside the State of Texas or is connected to any conductors, all or part of which is located outside the State of Texas. Member shall not transmit electric energy provided by the Cooperative outside the State of Texas.
D. Uses Prohibited by Law. Member shall not use electric energy for any unlawful purpose or in such a manner that it may endanger life or property.
323.3 Member's Electrical Load.
A.Load Balance. Cooperative requires Member to control the use of electric energy so that Cooperative's electrical load at the Point of Delivery is reasonably balanced as determined by the Cooperative.
B. Allowable Motor Starting Requirements. Engineering studies shall be required before motors with high starting currents (as defined in the tables below) are installed on Cooperative lines. Motors may be started without engineering study if the locked rotor starting current does not exceed the limits in the table below:
Nominal Nameplate Voltage | Phase | Maximum Locked Rotor Current * |
115-volts |
Single phase | 600 amperes |
230-volts |
Single phase | 300 amperes |
460-volts |
Single phase | 150 amperes |
200-volts |
Three phase | 820 amperes |
230-volts |
Three phase | 720 amperes |
480-volts |
Three phase | 360 amperes |
*Groups of motors starting simultaneously are classed as one motor. |
Larger starting currents than above may be permitted where the Cooperative determines that motor startup will not negatively affect surrounding Members. If the Cooperative determines that a Member installs a motor exceeding the guidelines above without study and subsequent approval, and said motor is causing unreasonable disruption of service to other Members, the Cooperative may require the Member to adhere to motor starting restrictions specific to the situation. If required corrections are not implemented in a timely manner, the Cooperative, at its sole discretion, may disconnect Electric Service until required corrections are in place. Any motor starting devices designed to limit voltage flicker are to be of a type approved by Cooperative and are to be installed by the Member at the Member’s expense.
C. Electric Service to Member’s equipment whose use of electricity is intermittent and subject to extreme fluctuations, can be provided to such equipment as part of the service to Member’s entire facility or provided through a separate transformer dedicated solely to that equipment and served and metered as a separately billed account. Except for individual transformer type arc welders whose rated primary input current does not exceed 15 amperes at 120‐volt operation or 30 amperes at 240‐volt operation (38 amperes if member is served by a dedicated/isolated transformer), Members contemplating the installation of such equipment are to make specific prior arrangements with Cooperative.
D. Equipment Necessary to Limit Adverse Effect. Cooperative may require Member to provide, at Member’s expense, suitable apparatus to limit the effect of voltage fluctuations caused by electric equipment located at Member’s installation where Member is found to be operating electrical equipment which produces voltage fluctuations, interference or distorted wave forms which adversely affect Electric Service Provided by Cooperative to Members.
In lieu of requesting Member to install such suitable or special equipment limiting such adverse effect, Cooperative may, at its option, install at Member’s cost, additional transformer capacity (which may or may not be dedicated solely to such Member) or other equipment specially designed to reasonably limit such adverse effect.
E. Voltage and Wave Form Sensitive Equipment. A Member planning the installation of electrical equipment such as computers, communication equipment, electronic control devices, etc., whose performances may be adversely affected by voltage fluctuations and distorted 60 hertz wave forms are responsible for providing and installing the necessary facilities to limit these adverse effects.
F. Change in Member's Electrical Load. Member shall notify Cooperative when Member’s electrical load is to be changed substantially in order that Cooperative may ensure its facilities are adequate.
323.4 Power Factor.
If the power factor of Member’s load is less than 95%, Cooperative may require Member to install appropriate equipment to maintain a power factor of 95%, or at Cooperative's option, to reimburse Cooperative for installing the necessary equipment.
323.5 Access.
Member will admit to Member’s premises at all reasonable hours personnel authorized by Cooperative to inspect, install, remove, replace, repair and maintain Cooperative's property; to read Cooperative's meters; and to perform other activities necessary to provide Electric Service, including tree trimming and tree removal where such trees in the opinion of Cooperative constitute a hazard to Cooperative personnel or facilities, or jeopardize the provision of continuous Electric Service. Refusal on the part of Member to provide reasonable access for the above purposes may, at Cooperative's option, be sufficient cause for discontinuance of service. Alternatively, the Cooperative may move the metering location and other facilities and charge Member the cost of relocating all facilities.
323.6 Protection of Cooperative's Facilities on Member's Premises.
Member shall use reasonable diligence to protect Cooperative personnel and facilities on Member’s premises. In the event of loss of, or damage to, Cooperative facilities on Member’s premises caused by or arising out of carelessness, neglect, or misuse by Member or unauthorized persons, Cooperative may require Member to reimburse the Cooperative the full cost of such damage.
The Member shall be obligated to pay for the total amount of charges for Electric Service shown on the Member’s bill. Such charges shall be computed in accordance with the Cooperative's latest rate schedule or schedules applicable to the class or classes of service furnished to Member and these rules.
324.1 Determining Usage of Electric Energy.
Usage of electric energy (expressed as kWh) shall be determined by a meter reading. The meter reading is conclusive and establishes absolutely the amount of energy used unless it is shown by meter test that the meter was inoperative or inaccurate, in which case the meter reading shall be adjusted as provided in Section 324.4 of these rules. The meter reading shall not otherwise be adjusted. Electric energy usage is measured at the metering point regardless of whether or not it is the same as the Point of Delivery.
324.2 Meter Reading.
The Cooperative shall read meters on a monthly basis and shall render a monthly bill for Electric Service to each Member based upon these readings. Unless specifically stated in the applicable rate schedule, all charges are based on a billing month. A billing month or billing period is the period between two consecutive meter reading dates and typically ranges from 28 to 33 days. The Cooperative may check the meter reading of any meter at any time.
324.3 Estimated Billing.
Usage, as well as Demand, may be estimated by the Cooperative where there is good reason for doing so, such as inclement weather, inability to gain access, personnel shortage, etc., provided an actual meter reading is taken at least every three months.
324.4 Meter Test and Accuracy Adjustment.
Upon request of a Member and if he or she desires in the Member’s presence or the presence of his or her authorized representative, the Cooperative shall make a test of the accuracy of Member’s meter. The test shall be made during the Cooperative's normal working hours at a time convenient to the Member if he or she desires to observe the test. The test may be made at the Cooperative's office or at a test laboratory as determined by the Cooperative. Following completion of testing, the Cooperative shall promptly advise the Member of the date of removal of the meter, if removed, the date of the test, the result of the test, and the testing facility. (Refer to Section 324.9 for accuracy adjustments.)
324.5 Minimum Charges.
The Member will pay a minimum bill in accordance with the applicable rate schedule or as stated in the the Electric Service Agreement, whichever is greater. The minimum charge shall be in addition to any power cost adjustment charges or other billing adjustments. All billing adjustments shall be billed in addition to and exclusive of the minimum charge.
The minimum charge may be increased in accordance with the Cooperative's line extension policy for new construction. In this case, the amount of such increase will be stated in the Electric Service Agreement.
324.6 Terms of Payment.
Each bill for utility service(s), regardless of the nature of the service(s), is due 16 days after issuance. The postmark, if any, on the envelope of the bill, or an issuance date on the bill, if there is no postmark on the envelope, shall constitute proof of the date of issuance. If full payment is not received in the office of the Cooperative or at any agency authorized by the Cooperative to receive payment on or before the date such bill is due, the Member’s account will be considered delinquent and subject to disconnection in accordance with these rules.
Bills for Electric Service shall be considered as delivered to the Member when mailed by first class mail or forwarded by electronic mail if member has elected paperless billing. If the Member fails to receive a bill, the Cooperative will issue a duplicate upon request. However, failure to receive a bill in no way exempts a Member from payment of services rendered.
324.7 Disputed Bills.
In the event of a dispute between a Member and the Cooperative regarding any bill for Electric Service, the Cooperative shall make such investigation as may be appropriate under the particular circumstances, and report the results thereof to the. In the event disputes are not resolved, the Cooperative informs Members of the complaint procedures of the Cooperative.
Members shall not be required to pay the disputed portion of the bill which exceeds Member’s average monthly usage at current rates pending the resolution of the dispute, but in no event more than sixty (60) days. For purposes of this rule only, the Member’s average monthly usage at current rates shall be the average of the Member’s gross utility service for the preceding 12‐month period. When no previous usage history exists, consumption for calculating the average monthly usage shall be estimated on the basis of usage levels of similar Members and under similar conditions.
324.8 Deferred Payment Plan.
Separate and aside from other pay arrangements, the Cooperative may in its discretion enter into a deferred payment plan for any amount owed to the Cooperative or any portion thereof.
A. The Cooperative may offer, upon request, a deferred payment plan to any residential Member who has expressed an inability to pay all or a portion of his or her bill and if that Member has demonstrated to the satisfaction of Cooperative a good faith ability to pay all of his/her bill by a deferred payment plan. The deferred payment offer is contingent, at the Cooperative’s sole discretion, upon the Member having received no more than two termination notices at any time during the preceding 12 months. In all other cases, the Cooperative is encouraged to offer a deferred payment plan to residential Members.
B.Every deferred payment plan entered into due to the Member’s inability to pay the outstanding bill in full shall provide that service will not be discontinued if the Member pays current bills and a reasonable amount of the outstanding bill, and agrees to pay the balance in reasonable installments until the bill is paid.
C. The Cooperative is not required to enter into a deferred payment agreement with any Member who is lacking sufficient credit or a satisfactory history of payment for previous service when that Member has had service from the present Cooperative for no more than three months. In cases of meter tampering, bypass, or diversion, a Cooperative may, but is not required to, offer a Member a deferred payment plan.
D. A deferred payment plan may include a five percent (5%) penalty for late payment but shall not include a finance charge.
E. If a Member has not fulfilled terms of a deferred payment agreement, the Cooperative shall have the right to disconnect Electric Service pursuant to the disconnection rules herein and under such circumstances, it shall not be required to offer subsequent negotiation of a deferred payment agreement prior to disconnection.
324.9 Billing Adjustment Due to Meter Error.
If any meter is found to be outside of the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institute, Inc., proper correction shall be made of previous readings for the period of six months immediately preceding the removal of such meter from service for the test, or from the time the meter was in service since last tested, but not exceeding six months, as the meter shall have been shown to be in error by such test, and adjusted bills shall be rendered. No refund is required from the Cooperative except to the member most recently served by the meter prior to the testing. If a meter is found not to register for any period, unless bypassed or tampered with, the Cooperative shall make a charge for units used, but not metered, for a period not to exceed three months, based on amounts used under similar conditions during the period preceding or subsequent thereto, or during corresponding periods in previous years.
If a meter is found to accurately register usage, but failed to communicate the metered usage to the Cooperative for any billing period, the Cooperative shall, at its discretion, invoice the member for all usage registered by the meter during the billing period(s).
324.10 Cancellation of Agreement.
If Member terminates service without proper notice or prior to the end of the contract term or Cooperative terminates service due to a default or breach by Member, in addition to the amount then due Cooperative, there immediately becomes due and payable to Cooperative as liquidated damages and not as a penalty a further sum equal to the minimum amount specified in the applicable rate schedules or guaranteed in the Electric Service Agreement for the unexpired term of the Electric Service Agreement, whichever is greater.
324.11 Average Payment Plan.
Average payment billing is available to Cooperative members upon the following terms and conditions:
A. Mutual Agreement. Average payment billing is optional to the Member but subject to the Cooperative's approval in each case. Average payment billing allows the Member to know in advance (subject to certain limitations) the approximate amount he or she will be required to pay each month for Electric Service based upon average billing in the past 12 months. Average payment billing may not be used to defer payment of a Member’s delinquent electric bills. Average payment billing may be advantageous to Members who experience wide variations in their monthly electric billings.
B. Member's Obligation. Notwithstanding anything in section 324.09, a Member entering into an average payment agreement with the Cooperative shall be obligated to pay for Electric Service the total amount of charges that would be applicable to the Member in absence of any average billing plan or average billing agreement. The average payment does not relieve Member of any obligation to pay based upon actual billing units (e.g., kWh metered to the Member).
C. Average Payment ‐ Monthly Billings Calculation. If the Cooperative and the member mutually agree to an average payment billing option, the member's monthly charges shall be calculated by:
1. Averaging the then current month bill along with the preceding eleven months total amount billed (including any and all applicable fees).
2. If a prior balance exists at the time of monthly billing, one‐twelfth (1/12) will be added or deducted to the average billing determined in section 1 above.
This amount is subject to adjustment as provided below.
The average billing amount may be reviewed quarterly and adjusted according to the previous year's usage. At the time of review, credit balances on the Member’s account may be carried forward or refunded. Any shortages shall be paid by the member when due in accordance with the Cooperative's standard billing practices.
D. Eligibility. In order to be eligible for average payment billing, the member must meet the following requirements:
1.In the most recent 12 months, member must have occupied a permanent residential dwelling continuously connected to the Cooperative's electric system and have had a satisfactory payment history during such period;
2. All bills except the current bill for electric utility service, if not then due, must have been paid;
3. Member must pay a security deposit of not more than 1/6 of estimated annual billings if requested by the Cooperative;
4. Member may be required to sign and deliver to the Cooperative an average payment billing agreement.
E. Termination of Average Payment Billing. Average payment billing may be discontinued at any time by either Member or the Cooperative. If average payment billing is discontinued, any debit balance will become due and payable immediately. A credit balance will either be refunded or applied to future billings. At the time average payment billing is discontinued, the Member will be placed on the regular method of billing.
If a Member fails to pay the amount of any average payment billing when due, the Cooperative may at its option terminate average payment billing and any debit balance will become due and payable.
325.1 Available Information.
A. Facilities for Providing Electric Service. The Cooperative maintains at each of its business offices and makes available to applicants and others entitled to the information a current set of maps, plans, and records showing the facilities available for service.
B. Cost of Providing Service. Upon request for Electric Service by an applicant or for transfer of Electric Service by a Member, the Cooperative informs the Applicant or Member of the Cooperative's lowest priced alternatives available. The Cooperative shall provide this information beginning with the lowest priced alternative and giving full consideration to applicable equipment options and installation charges.
The Cooperative does not assume responsibility that Member receives Electric Service under the most favorable rate schedule. If a change in Member’s load or installation occurs which would make Member eligible for a more favorable rate schedule, it is Member’s responsibility to notify Cooperative in writing of such changes and request that a different rate schedule be applied. Cooperative is not required to bill Member under the more favorable rate schedule until a written Electric Service Agreement is in effect between Member and Cooperative specifying the new rate schedule. When Member selects a rate schedule, or changes its installation to be eligible for selection of new rate schedule, Cooperative is not required to make any refunds covering the difference between the charges under the rate schedule in effect and those under any other rate schedule which would be applicable to the same Electric Service.
C. Tariffs. At each of its business offices, the Cooperative maintains and makes available for inspection a copy of its current tariffs including all rate schedules and rates relating to Electric Service. A copy of any applicable portion of the tariff will be provided upon request. Notice of the availability of such tariffs is posted in each business office in the same area where applications for Electric Service are received.
D. Meter Reading. Upon request, the Cooperative advises its members of the method of reading meters.
325.2 Member Complaints.
A. Upon complaint to the Cooperative by a member either at its office, by letter or by telephone, the Cooperative shall promptly make a suitable investigation and advise the complainant of the results thereof.
B. For a period of not less than two years, the Cooperative shall maintain a record of the date, nature and resolution of a member’s complaint in the member’s data files. Complaints with reference to rates or charges and complaints which require no remedial action by the Cooperative need not be recorded.
325.3 Refund of Deposit and Its Associated Interest During Service Period.
A. Refund of Interest. If a Member has been required to make a deposit, the Cooperative shall pay interest on such deposit at the rate set by the Commission annually for a calendar year. If a refund of deposit is made within 30 days of receipt of deposit, no interest payment is required. If the utility retains the deposit more than 30 days, payment of interest shall be made retroactive to the date of deposit.
Payment of the interest to the Member may be annually, or at the time the deposit is returned or credited to the Member’s account.
The deposit shall cease to draw interest on the date it is returned or credited to the Member’s account.
B. Refund of Deposit. When the Member has paid bills for service for twelve (12) consecutive residential billings or for twenty‐four (24) consecutive commercial or industrial billings without having Electric Service disconnected for nonpayment of a bill and without having more than two occasions in which a bill was delinquent, and when the Member is not delinquent in the payment of the current bills, the Cooperative shall promptly and automatically refund the deposit plus accrued interest (if any) to the Member in the form of cash or credit to a Member’s bill, or void the guarantee. The deposit and interest (if any) may be retained if, (1) the Member does not meet these refund criteria, or, (2) the Cooperative, at its sole discretion, determines that retention of the deposit is necessary due to the creditworthiness of the Member as reflected in the most recent outcome of credit risk assessments reported by cumulative data from qualified credit reporting agencies.
Upon final termination of Electric Service, deposits shall be refunded to the Member provided that all amounts due the Cooperative have been paid. The Cooperative may apply the deposit to the Member’s final bill for Electric Service rendered.
350.1 Member's Request.
Any Member desiring to discontinue Electric Service from the Cooperative shall submit a specific request in person, by phone or electronic communication. The request must include verifiable identification of the Member, the service location where discontinuance is desired, and the date service is requested to be discontinued. Such request shall be verified by the Cooperative and a record of such request will be maintained at the Cooperative for a reasonable period.
350.2 Disconnection.
Following receipt of Member’s request for discontinuance of Electric Service the Cooperative shall disconnect Electric Service. Where practicable disconnection is usually made on the date requested by the Member, however, the Cooperative shall not be obligated to make disconnection earlier than the second full business day following receipt of Member’s request.
351.1 Reasons for Discontinuance.
The Cooperative may discontinue service to a member under any of the following circumstances:
A. Nonpayment of a Bill. If the member fails or refuses to pay a delinquent account for electric service (whether or not based upon estimated billing), or
B. Breach. If member fails or refuses to perform any obligation under the terms of an Electric Service Agreement or a deferred payment agreement, or
C. Interference with Service. If Member violates any rule pertaining to the use of Electric Service in a manner which interferes with or is likely to cause interference with Electric Service to other Members or operates nonstandard equipment, provided that the Cooperative has made a reasonable effort to notify the Member and provided there has been a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation, or
D. Failure to Make Application for Service. If member fails or refuses to make application for service in accordance with these rules in member's true name, or
E. Refusal of Access. If member fails or refuses to provide the Cooperative reasonable access to its facilities located on member's premises, or
F. Default on Guaranty Agreement. If a member has signed a written Guaranty Agreement as a condition precedent to service for another member or applicant and fails or refuses to pay the amount due on the guaranteed account when requested to do so by the Cooperative, or
G. Backbilling. If Member fails or refuses to timely pay any billing authorized by these rules resulting from previous underbilling (whether caused by meter inaccuracy, failure to register, misapplication of rates for no more than six months prior to the current billing or otherwise). Correction of billings for meter inaccuracy shall be made for the period of six (6) months immediately preceding removal of the inaccurate meter from service for testing or from the time the meter was in service since last tested, but not exceeding six (6) months, or
H. Hazardous Condition. When a hazardous condition exists in member's installation, equipment or at member’s service location,
I. Failure to Comply with Deposit Arrangements, or
J. Service Connected Without Authority,or
K. Meter Tampering. If Cooperative's meter which serves Member has been tampered with or bypassed, the Cooperative may immediately disconnect Electric Service without notice. For purposes of this section, meter tampering, bypass, or diversion shall be defined as any unauthorized action to divert and/or tamper with an electric meter or equipment, bypassing the same, or other instances of diversion, such as physically disorienting the meter, objects attached to the meter to divert service or to bypass, insertion of objects into the meter, and other electrical and mechanical means of tampering with bypassing, or diverting electrical service or there has been a theft of electric service (Section 31.04 of the Penal Code of the State of Texas) or criminal mischief for having damaged or tampered with the Cooperative's property (Section 28.03 of the Penal Code of the State of Texas).
Any action designed to alter metering equipment to prevent accurate measurement of electric usage or receive the benefit of Electric Service without approval will be deemed as Electric Service diversion or tampering and will be presumed to be performed by, or at the direction of the Member whose account is found to have benefitted from the diversion. Upon discovery of tampering or Electric Service diversion, the Cooperative will investigate suspected violations of utility regulations, immediately correct unsafe conditions found to be affecting Cooperative equipment and/or facilities, collect under billed energy usage and related fees, as well as, seek civil and/or criminal remedies as may be permitted by law.
The Cooperative may charge for all labor, material and equipment necessary to repair or replace all equipment damaged due to meter tampering or bypassing or other Electric Service diversion, and other costs necessary to correct Electric Service diversion where there is no equipment damage, including incidents where Electric Service is reconnected without authority. An itemized bill of such charges must be provided to the Member. The Cooperative may also estimate and bill the Member for Electric Service over the entire period of meter tampering, meter bypassing or Electric Service diversion.
The Cooperative reserves the right to terminate and refuse Electric Service to a Member and/or location if Electric Service is disconnected pursuant to this Section.
351.2 Notice of Disconnection.
A. Proper Notice Prior to Disconnection for Nonpayment. If a Member fails or refuses to pay the Cooperative in accordance with the provisions of the Electric Service Agreement, service rules, applicable rate schedule, deferred payment agreement, or guaranty agreement, then proper notice shall be given prior to disconnection. Proper notice shall consist of a separate mailing or hand delivery at least eight (8) days prior to a stated date of disconnection, with the words "termination notice" or similar language prominently displayed on the notice. Attached to or on the face of the termination notice or electric bill shall appear a statement notifying the member that if they are in need of assistance with the payment of their bill or ill and unable to pay their bill, they may be eligible for payment assistance or special payment programs such as deferred payment plans, disconnection moratoriums for the ill, or energy assistance programs, and contact the local office of the Cooperative for information on the available programs. If mailed, the cut‐off day may not fall on a holiday or weekend, but shall fall on the next working day after the eighth day. Payment at a utility's authorized payment agency is considered payment to the utility. The Cooperative shall not issue late notices or disconnect notices to the Member earlier than the first day the bill becomes delinquent so that a reasonable length of time is allowed to ascertain receipt of payment by mail or at the utility's authorized payment agency.
B.Disconnection Without Notice.
1. Electric Service may be disconnected without notice where a known dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition exists provided that such disconnection does not result in other dangerous or life‐threatening conditions or where service is connected without authority by a Person or Firm who has not made application for Electric Service or who has reconnected Electric Service without authority following termination of service for nonpayment or in instances of tampering with the Cooperative's meter or equipment, bypassing the same, or other instances of diversion as defined in Section 23.47 of the Commission's Substantive Rules (relating to Meters). Where reasonable, given the nature of the hazardous condition, a written statement providing notice of disconnection and the reason therefore shall be posted at the place of common entry or upon the front door of each affected residential unit as soon as possible after service has been disconnected.
2. Electric Service may be disconnected without further notice (other than reasonable notice otherwise applicable to a delinquent account, and previously given) if the Member provides payment for an account in delinquent status with a check and the check is returned to the Cooperative due to insufficient funds.
C. Disconnection After Reasonable Notice.
(1) Electric service may be disconnected upon reasonable notice for:
a. nonpayment of a bill [Section 351.1A]
b. breach of an Electric Service Agreement [Section 351.1B];
c. violation of service rules pertaining to the use of service in a manner which interferes with the service of others or the operation of nonstandard equipment [Section 351.1C], if a reasonable attempt has been made to notify the member and the member is provided with a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation.
d. failure to make application for service [Section 351.1D];
e. refusal of access [Section 351.1(E)];
f.default on guarantee agreement [Section 351.1F];
g. failure to pay a bill to correct previous underbilling [Section 351.1G];
(2) Reasonable notice shall consist of a separate mailing or hand delivery at least eight (8) days prior to a stated date of disconnection with the words "termination notice" or similar language prominently displayed on the notice.
351.3 Postponement of Disconnection‐‐Medical.
The Cooperative will not discontinue Electric Service to a delinquent residential Member permanently residing in an individually metered dwelling unit when that Member establishes that discontinuance of Electric Service will result in some person residing at that residence becoming seriously ill or more seriously ill if service is discontinued.
Provided however, the Member making such request shall enter into a deferred payment plan. Failure to comply with the agreed deferred payment plan will result in the Electric Service being subject to disconnection.
If a Member seeks to avoid termination of Electric Service under this rule, the Member must have the attending physician provide the Cooperative with a completed “Critical Care” form within 16 days of issuance of the bill (the term "physician" shall mean any public health official, including but not limited to medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, or any other similar public health official).
351.4 Effect of Discontinuance of Service.
A. Member's Obligations. Discontinuance of Electric Service in any manner shall not relieve Member from any obligations to the Cooperative as required in this Tariff for Electric Service or lessen or change any obligation in any manner, including but not limited to payment of Electric Service and any applicable fees accrued through the date of disconnection of Electric Service.
B. Cooperative's Rights. Discontinuance of Electric Service shall not reduce, diminish, or eliminate any legal right or remedy accruing to the Cooperative on or before the date of discontinuance, nor shall discontinuance operate as a waiver of any legal right or remedy.
Failure of Cooperative to discontinue Electric Service at any time after default or breach of this tariff, or to resort to any legal remedy or its exercise of any one or more of such remedies does not affect the Cooperative's right to resort thereafter to any one or more of such remedies for the same or any default or breach by Member.
351.5 Dismantling of Cooperative Facilities.
The Cooperative may, upon discontinuance of Electric Service to Member, dismantle and remove all lines, equipment, apparatus, or other facilities which the Cooperative may have installed to provide Electric Service to Member. Alternatively, the Cooperative may abandon in place in whole or in part its underground lines and equipment in lieu of removing such facilities.
351.6 Liability for Discontinuance of Service.
The Cooperative shall not be liable for any damages of any kind or character resulting from discontinuance or disconnection made pursuant to these rules.
351.7 Refund of Membership Fee.
Within a reasonable time after discontinuance of Electric Service the Cooperative shall make reasonable efforts to refund Applicant's membership fee, if a fee was retained by the Cooperative at the time of application and if current Applicant is no longer required to maintain a membership.
351.8 Refund of Deposit.
After disconnection of Electric Service, if Electric Service is not reconnected, the Cooperative shall refund promptly and automatically the Member’s deposit, plus accrued interest on the balance, if any, in excess of unpaid bills for service furnished.
A transfer of Electric Service from one premise to another within the service area of the Cooperative shall not be deemed a disconnection within the meaning of Section 351.2, an additional deposit may be deemed necessary by the Cooperative upon review of the average usage at the new location.
351.9 Disconnection Prohibited.
Disconnection by the Cooperative is prohibited for the following reasons:
A. Delinquency in payment for utility service by a previous occupant on the premises;
B. Failure to pay for merchandise, or charges for non-Electric Service provided by the Cooperative;
C. Failure to pay for a different type or class of Electric Service unless fee for such Electric Service is included on the same bill;
D. Failure to pay the account of another Member as guarantor thereof, unless the Cooperative has in writing the guarantee as a condition precedent to service;
E. Failure to pay charges arising from an underbilling occurring due to any misapplication of rates more than six months prior to the current billing;
F. Failure to pay charges arising from an underbilling due to any faulty metering, unless the meter has been tampered with or unless such underbilling charges are due under the Commission's substantive rules (relating to Meters);
G. Failure to pay an estimated bill other than a bill rendered pursuant to an approved meter‐ reading plan, unless the Cooperative is unable to read the meter due to circumstances beyond its control.
Unless a dangerous condition exists, or unless the Member requests disconnection, service shall not be disconnected on a day, or on a day immediately preceding a day, when personnel of the Cooperative are not available to the public for the purpose of making collections and reconnecting Electric Service.
370.1 Actual Cost. The total cost of all construction including not only the labor and materials used in constructing the extension but also engineering, right of way acquisition and clearing, and all other costs directly attributable to the extension or project.
370.2 Applicable Law. Includes without limitation all applicable: (i) legislative, executive, administrative, and judicial statute, case law, regulation, ordinance, ruling, or order, (ii) local, state, and federal statute, case law, regulation, ordinance, ruling, or order, the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, and rules and regulations of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), (iii) contractual provisions legally enforceable by, or against, the Cooperative, and (iv) legally binding contracts between the Cooperative and the applicant or member ‐‐‐‐ as currently exist or may later be adopted or amended.
370.3 Broadband Service(s). Internet services (including over internet protocol (VoIP)) Provided by the Cooperative and the facilities, supplies, equipment or services used or Provided by the Cooperative in connection with the provision of internet service, but does not include Electric Service or any other Cooperative Service.
370.4 Codes. Codes governing electrical installations.
370.5 Commission. Public Utility Commission of Texas.
370.6 Conductors Considered Outside of Building. At the option of the Cooperative, conductors may be considered outside of a building or other structure under any of the following conditions: (1) where installed under not less than two inches of concrete beneath a building or other structure, or (2) where installed within a building or other structure in a raceway that is enclosed concrete or brick not less than two inches thick.
370.7 Connected Load. The combined electrical requirement (i.e., the sum of the capacities and/or ratings) of all motors and other electric power consuming devices installed on the Member’s premises.
370.8 Contribution in Aid of Construction. A cash payment by Member to Cooperative in order to prevent burdening other Members through capital expenditures by Cooperative.
370.9 Cooperative. United Electric Cooperative Services Incorporated, its successors and assigns.
370.10 Cooperative Agreements. Shall include without limitation all agreements (existing and subsequent) regarding (i) the Cooperative and its operation, assets, Members and patrons and (ii) the provision, use, receipt, and purchase of Cooperative Services.
370.11 Cooperative Equipment. Any and all equipment, product, structure, or facility owned, furnished, or used by the Cooperative to provide, monitor, measure, or maintain any Cooperative Service.
370.12 Cooperative Service. Any good or service Provided by the Cooperative, and includes Electric Service and Broadband Service (collectively, “Cooperative Services”).
370.13 Customer. Person or Firm who is receiving, who is an applicant for, or who is receiving the benefit of Electric Service at a specified Point of Delivery, including a Member.
370.14 Demand. The rate at which electric energy is used at any instant or averaged over any designated period of time.
370.15 Demand Interval. The specified interval of time on which a demand measurement is based. The Cooperative's demand interval is normally 15 minutes.
370.16 Distribution System. Cooperative's primary and secondary voltage conductors, transformers, switchgear, connection enclosures, pedestals, services, and other associated equipment used to provide Electric Service.
370.17 Dwelling Unit. A room or rooms suitable for occupancy as a residence containing kitchen and bathroom.
370.18 Electric Service. Electric energy generated, transmitted, distributed, sold, supplied, furnished or otherwise made available or provided (“Provided”) by the Cooperative , and the facilities, supplies, equipment, or services used or Provided by the Cooperative in connection with the provision of such electric energy but does not include Broadband Service or any other Cooperative Service.
370.19 Electric Service Agreement. A written contract between Cooperative and Member as specified in Section 304 of this Tariff under which Cooperative provides Electric Service, including the terms of an application granted by Cooperative to an applicant.
370.20 Energy. The measure of how much electric power is provided over time for doing work. The electrical unit is the watt‐hour, or kilowatt‐hour.
370.21 Governance Documents. Shall include without limitation the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation (including Articles of Consolidation), its Bylaws, its service rules, regulations, rates and price schedules as further defined in the Cooperative’s Tariff for Electric Service, and any policy, procedure, rule, resolution, action, or amendment adopted by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors (“Board”) or membership‐‐‐‐as any of these materials currently exist or may later be adopted or amended.
370.22 Inspection Authority. Generally, an incorporated city or town, but may be an agency of the county, state or federal government.
370.23 Kilowatt. 1,000 watts; abbreviated "kW."
370.24 Kilowatt‐Hour. 1,000 watt‐hours; abbreviated "kWh."
370.25 Load Factor. The ratio, usually stated as a percentage, of actual kilowatt‐hours used during a designated time period to the maximum kilowatts of demand times the number of hours occurring in the designated time period.
370.26 Maximum Electrical Load. The maximum power and energy of all motors and other electricity consuming devices on a Member’s premises which are operated or expected to be operated simultaneously from Electric Service Provided by Cooperative at one Point of Delivery, measured in kilowatts.
370.27 Member. A Person or Firm eligible to become a member who has been admitted to membership by the Cooperative upon (1) completing the Membership Application Procedure to the Cooperative’s satisfaction and (2) using, receiving, or purchasing Electric Service, whether or not the Member also uses, receives, or purchases Broadband Service or any other Cooperative Service. A Member through their patronage, furnishes patronage capital for the Cooperative and is a patron. A Person or Firm not using, receiving or purchasing Electric Service from the Cooperative shall not be a Member.
370.28 Member's Electrical Installation. All conductors, equipment, or apparatus of any kind on a Member’s side of the Point of Delivery, except Cooperative's metering equipment, used by a Member in taking Electric Service.
370.29 Member's Electrical Load. The power and energy of all motors and other electricity‐consuming devices on a Member’s premises which are operated simultaneously from Electric Service provided by the Cooperative.
370.30 Membership Application Procedure. Shall include policies, programs, rules, procedures and other determinations of the Board regarding the procedures to be followed in conjunction with any Person or Firm becoming a Member of the Cooperative ‐‐ as currently exist or may later be adopted or amended.
370.31 Meter. A device, or devices, together with any required auxiliary equipment, for measuring Electric Service.
370.32 Permanent Installation. Any installation that is:
A. Constructed on or permanently affixed to a concrete slab or concrete piers (not blocks) and which is actually used or occupied on a permanent full‐time basis; or
B. Any other structure which meets all of the following criteria:
(1) The structure which must be impractical to move. Mobile homes with wheels, trailer hitch, and axle removed are considered impractical to move;
(2) The structure must be actually used or occupied on a permanent full‐time basis;
(3) The structure must be located on property owned or leased by the member;
(4) The structure must be permanently connected to a water system and must also be permanently connected to a sewer or septic system.
370.33 Person or Firm. Any natural person (“Person”) or any firm, association, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, partnership, federal or state agency or political subdivision thereof, or any body politic (“Firm”).
370.34 Point of Delivery. The point where Cooperative's conductors are connected to a Member’s conductors.
370.35 Power. The rate at which electric energy is provided for doing work. The electrical unit of power is the watt, or kilowatt.
370.36 Power Factor. The ratio of real power, in kilowatts, to apparent power, in kilovolt amperes, for any given load and time, generally expressed as a percentage ratio.
370.37 PUCT. Public Utility Commission of Texas
370.38 Raceway. Tubular or rectangular channel or conduit for containing electrical conductors, which may be exposed, buried beneath the surface of the earth, or encased in a building or structure.
370.39 Rate Schedule. A statement of the method of determining charges for Electric Service, including the conditions under which such method applies.
370.40 Service Availability Statement. A statement from the Cooperative designating the acceptable location of the Member’s service entrance conductors, the proper location of meters and metering equipment, the type of service available which will be made available at the specific location under consideration at the capacity of the service to be provided.
370.41 Service Drop. Overhead conductors that extend from Cooperative's overhead distribution system to the Point of Delivery where connection is made to Member’s electrical installation.
370.42 Service Entrance Conductors. Conductors provided by a Member extending from a Member’s electrical equipment to the Point of Delivery where connection is made.
370.43 Service Rules and Regulations; or Service Rules. Any service rule or regulation of the Cooperative approved by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction thereof and contained in Section III of these tariffs.
370.44 Tariff(s). All provisions of this document including but not limited to provisions regarding (1) Utility Operations; (2) Rates and Charges; (3) Service Rules and Regulations; and (4) Forms.
370.45 Temporary Electric Service. Electric Service provided to a Member for a single, continuous period of time which is less than twelve consecutive months except that construction power, even though provided for a continuous period of time in excess of twelve months, is considered to be temporary Electric Service.
370.46 Watt. The rate at which electric power is provided to do work. One watt is the power represented by a current having a component of one ampere in phase with and under a pressure of one volt.
370.47 Watt‐Hour. A unit of work or energy equivalent to the power of one watt operating for an hour.