Section 61.23. Access to meters and discontinuance of service

(a) Access to meters. For purposes of maintenance and operation, each public utility shall at all reasonable times have access to meters, service lines and other property owned by it on the premises of customers. Neglect or refusal on the part of customers to provide reasonable access to their premises for these purposes shall constitute sufficient cause for discontinuance of service.

(b) Notice of discontinuance. No public utility may discontinue service to a customer for violation of its rules and regulations or for nonpayment of bills without a diligent attempt to induce the customer to comply with the rules and regulations, or to pay such bills when due. Service shall not be discontinued until after at least 24-hour written notice has been given by the utility that bills are five or more days delinquent, or that the violation of rules shall cease. If fraudulent use of steam is detected, or if the measuring equipment of the utility has been tampered with, or if a dangerous condition is found to exist on the premises of customers, the steam may be shut off without advance notice.