OAR 860-021-0550: Termination of Local Exchange Residential Service for Telecommunications Customers at Significant Risk

(1) "At significant risk" means: (a) At risk of domestic violence, as defined in ORS 135.230; (b) At risk of unwanted sexual contact, as defined in 163.305; (c) A person with disabilities, as defined in ORS 124.005, who is at risk of abuse, as defined in 124.005(1)(a), (1)(d), or (1)(e); (d) An elderly person, as defined in 124.005, who is at risk of abuse, as defined in ORS 124.005(1)(a), (1)(d), or (1)(e); or (e) A victim of stalking, as described in ORS 163.732. (2) To establish that termination of local exchange residential service would significantly endanger the customer, or a person in the household of the customer, the customer must give the large telecommunications utility: (a) A copy of an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.732, 124.005 to 124.040, or 163.738 that restrains another person from contact with the customer, or a person in the household of the customer, at significant risk; or (b) A copy of any other court order that restrains another person from contact with the customer, or a person in the household of the customer, due to a significant risk; and (c) An affidavit signed by the customer stating that termination would place the customer, or a person in the household of the customer, at significant risk. The affidavit must include the name of the person to whom the court order applies, the relationship of the person to the customer, and the expiration date of the order. (3) A large telecommunications utility must establish and maintain procedures for receiving affidavits and orders from customers. (4) A customer submitting an affidavit and order under section (2) of this rule: (a) Remains responsible for payment of telecommunication services provided by the large telecommunications utility; and (b) Must enter into a time payment agreement with the large telecommunications utility pursuant to OAR 860-021-0575 if the customer has an overdue balance. This time payment agreement must be made within 10 days after submission of the affidavit and order. (5) If a customer who has submitted an affidavit and order fails to enter into or abide by the terms of a time payment agreement pursuant to OAR 860-021-0575, the large telecommunications utility may disconnect local exchange service after complying with all provisions of 860-021-0505. Five days' notice of disconnection must also be provided to the Commission's Consumer Services Section.