George Wiley Center - Petition to amend termination rules, specifically, amendment to allow consumers the ability to make a 10% down payment to restore and/or avoid termination of utility service - Docket No. 3975

• The George Wiley Center - Petition to Amend Termination Rules (7/28/08)
• At open meeting held July 30, 2008, the Commission unanimously agreed to open a docket to re-examine the termination rules. The Commission also requested that National Grid provide billing and termination information of customers whose service has been terminated by the utility.
• National Grid - Response to Commission's open meeting data requests regarding billing and termination data for the electric operations (8/7/08)
• National Grid - Supplemental response to Commission's open meeting data request regarding billing and termination data for the gas operations (8/15/08)
• PUC issues Notice of Technical Session to be held on August 28, 2008 @ 9:30 A.M. whereby National Grid will explain in detail the information contained in its data responses dated 8/7/18 and 8/15/08.
• The George Wiley Center - Documents addressing the issues that were raised at the August 28th technical session (9/8/08)
• National Grid - Response to PUC's 2nd set of data requests issued at August 28 technical session (9/8/08)
• National Grid - Response to record requests issued at technical session; and responses to PUC's 3rd and 4th set of data requests (9/29/08)
• The George Wiley Center - Request to introduce Exhibit - MA Dept. of Public Utilities, Order issued in D.P.U. 008-4, dated September 15, 2008, Expanding Low-Income Protections and Assistance
• National Grid - Recommendation relative to the George Wiley's petition (10/3/08)
• At open meeting held October 6, 2008 , the PUC found that there is imminent peril to the health and safety to the public. The PUC moved to amend and adopt emergency termination rules effective immediately through December 1, 2008 . The Customer Payment Plans are hereby modified to allow protected and standard customers, whose service is terminated, the opportunity to have their service restored with payment or with commitment from a heating assistance agency in accordance with the following down payment provisions:
  
  Require a 20% down payment on balances under $1,000 and the remainder balance to be paid over 18 months
  
  Require a 15% down payment on balances of $1,000 - $2,499 and the remainder balance to be paid over 24 months
  
  Require a 10% down payment on balances of $2,500 or more and the remainder balance to be paid over 36 months
• PUC issues Report 19446 to amend termination regulations to add emergency regulation provision Part V, Section 4(D) to the rules and Statement of Need for Emergency Action. Written Report issued on October 9, 2008.
• Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Termination of Residential Electric, Gas and Water Utility Service as filed with the Secretary of State, effective October 6, 2008.