Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 515-7-9-.04 - Disclosure Statement

A marketer shall prepare a disclosure statement in an understandable format that enables consumers to compare prices and services on a uniform basis. Such information shall be in writing and shall be sent to consumers by mail or using the consumer preferred method of communication upon enrollment and upon request. The disclosure statement shall also be made available to consumers electronically. Said disclosure statement shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

(a) For fixed rate charges for natural gas service, a clear disclosure of the components of the fixed rate, the actual prices charged by the marketer, presented in a single standard pricing unit that includes any charges imposed by the marketer or its agent, so that the consumer can compare rates among marketers. This disclosure shall not include state and local sales taxes. The standard pricing disclosure unit must include all recurring monthly charges.

(b) For variable rate charges for natural gas service, a clear and understandable explanation of the factors that will cause the price to vary and how often the price can change, the current price, and the ceiling price, if any, so that the consumer can compare rates among marketers. The current price and ceiling price, if applicable, shall be presented in a single standard pricing unit that includes any charges imposed by the marketer or its agent. This disclosure shall not include state and local sales taxes. The standard pricing disclosure unit must include all recurring monthly charges.

(c) A statement that the standard unit price does not include state and local taxes or charges imposed by the EDC.

(d) The length of the agreement, including the starting date and expiration date, if applicable, and any minimum usage requirements pursuant to the agreement.

(e) The billing interval, the method by which monthly charges imposed by the EDC will be billed to the consumer in the event the consumer commences or terminates service with the marketer during the billing interval, and any late payment, cancellation, or reconnection fees.

(f) The marketer's budget billing, payment (including receipt of monies from LIHEAP or any other energy assistance program), credit, deposit, cancellation, collection, and reconnection policies and procedures.

(g) How to contact the marketer for information or complaints.

(h) A statement of the natural gas consumer's right to contact the Commission if he or she is not satisfied with the response of the marketer, including the local and toll-free telephone numbers of these agencies.

(i) The division name and telephone number for information regarding heating assistance administered by the Department of Human Resources.

(j) The following statement: "A consumer shall have a three-day right of rescission following the receipt of this disclosure at the time of initiating service or when informed of a change in terms or conditions. You, the consumer, may cancel in writing or electronically by contacting the marketer."

(k) The following statement: "If you have a fixed term agreement with us and it is approaching the expiration date, or whenever we propose to change our terms of service in any type of agreement, you will receive written notification from us prior to the date of expiration of or change to the agreement. We will explain your options to you in this advance notification."

(l) A statement that deposits shall not exceed $150.00 for any consumer who primarily uses gas for personal family or household purposes.

(m) A statement that deposits shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the consumer's annual estimated bill for any non-residential firm retail customer who meets the definition under Commission Rule 515-7-9-.01(l).

(n) A statement that the marketer will not charge a cancellation fee if the customer is a low-income residential consumer seeking service for the first time from the regulated provider.

(o) A statement that the marketer will not send estimated bills, except when the actual meter readings are not made available, and in that event, such estimated bills will be limited to no more than two consecutive months.

(p) A statement that gas service will be disconnected for failure to pay for service to the marketer, only if the marketer is the current marketer, and it has been at least fifteen (15) days since the consumer was notified that service would be disconnected.

(q) A statement that before a request is made to disconnect gas service for failure to pay, the marketer must offer at least one reasonable payment arrangement in writing.

(r) A statement that gas service will not be disconnected for nonpayment of a bill that was not sent to the consumer in a timely manner.

(s) A statement that the marketer will not prevent a consumer from obtaining distribution and commodity sales service from another marketer or provider.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 515-7-9-.04

O.C.G.A. §§ 46-2-30, 46-4-150 et seq. (See especially, O.C.G.A. §§ 46-4-156, 46-4-158.2, 46-4-160).

Original Rule entitled "Disclosure Statement" adopted. F. Aug. 13, 2002; eff. Sept. 2, 2002. Amended: F. June 18, 2018; eff. July 8, 2018.