Section 64.32. Credit standards

A LEC shall provide residential service without requiring a deposit when the applicant satisfies one of the following requirements:

(1) Earlier LEC payment history. The applicant had service with a LEC within a period of 24 consecutive months before the date of application and the following conditions exist:

(i) Service was furnished in the name of the applicant, and there is no unreturned equipment.

(ii) Service was not suspended for nonpayment nor terminated during the last 12 months of service.

(iii) The applicant does not have an unpaid balance from earlier service.

(iv) The applicant was not required to pay a security deposit under § 64.35 (relating to deposit requirements for existing customers) for the earlier service.

(2) Ownership of real property. The applicant verifies the ownership of or the entry into an agreement to purchase real property located in the area served by the LEC or is renting a residence under a lease of 1 year or longer, unless the applicant has an otherwise unsatisfactory payment history as a LEC customer within 2 years before the application for service as described in paragraph (1).

(3) Prior utility payment history. The applicant has prior satisfactory credit history for use of utility service under § 56.32 (relating to credit standards). In all instances, the utility shall obtain from the applicant authorization as a condition for completing the utility credit search. If the applicant elects not to authorize completion of the credit search, the utility shall conduct a credit search in the manner prescribed under paragraph (4).

(4) Credit information. The applicant provides information and verification demonstrating that he is not an unsatisfactory credit risk.

(i) The absence of prior credit history does not, of itself, indicate an unsatisfactory credit risk and does not constitute grounds for requiring a deposit.

(ii) The LEC may request and consider information including the following:

(A) The applicant’s social security number.

(B) The name of the employer of the applicant.

(C) The place and length of employment.

(D) Residence during the previous 5 years.

(E) Letters of reference.

(F) Credit cards.

(G) A significant source of income other than from employment.

(iii) If a credit investigation is expected to take longer than 3 business days the LEC shall provide service pending completion of the investigation.

The provisions of this § 64.32 adopted November 30, 1984, effective January 1, 1985, 14 Pa.B. 4354; amended July 14, 1989, effective July 15, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 3042; amended July 21, 1995, effective July 22, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 2887. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (140293) to (140294).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 64.32 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 1301—1325 and 1501—1511.

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 64.36 (relating to method of making deposit); and 52 Pa. Code § 64.37 (relating to refund of deposits).