Ordinance 14-F-18 - Exhibit Schedule of RatesCCenterPoint.
Energy
July 23, 2014
Mayor and City Council
City of Schertz
Schertz, Texas
Ladies and Gentlemen:
CenterPoint Energy
1111 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX 77002 -5231
P.O. Box 2628
Houston, TX 77252 -2628
By this letter, CenterPoint Energy is updating its Schedule of Rates on file with the City
of Schertz. The attached rates are currently effective for bills rendered on or after July 14, 2014,
in the City of Schertz. These rates must be observed by CenterPoint until changed as provided
by the Gas Utility Regulatory Act.
Please find attached the following CenterPoint Energy rate schedules:
Rate Schedule No. R- 2085 -GRIP 2014
Rate Schedule No. GSS- 2085 -GRIP 2014
Rate Schedule No. GSLV- 616 -GRIP 2014
Rate Schedule No. PGA -10
Rate Schedule No. TA -10
Rate Schedule No. FFA -4
Rate Schedule No. MISC -11
General Rules and Regulations
No action on the part of the City is required. If you have any questions regarding these
rate schedules, please contact Keith Wall, Director of Regulatory Affairs, at 713 - 207 -5946.
Sincerely,
Keith L. Wall
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Attachments
DELIVERED
, LLJ of
NAME OFFICE (Ma or, City Secretary, etc.)
the City of Schertz on thi o day of July, 2014.
r
SIGNATURE
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
RATE SCHEDULE NO. R -2085 -GRIP 2014
APPLICATION OF SCHEDULE
This schedule is applicable to any customer to whom service is supplied in a single private dwelling unit and its
appurtenances, the major use of which is for household appliances, and for the personal comfort and convenience of
those residing therein.
Natural gas supplied hereunder is for the individual use of the customer at one point of delivery and shall not be
resold or shared with others.
MONTHLYRATE
For bills rendered on and after the effective date of this rate schedule, the monthly rate for each customer receiving
service under this rate schedule shall be the sum of the following:
(a) The Base Rate consisting of:
(1) Customer Charge— $17.89*
(2) Commodity Charge --
For customers billed at a 14.65 Pressure Base:
All Ccf @ 14.65 $0.2180
For customers billed at a 14.95 Pressure Base:
All Ccf @ 14.95 $0.2225
(b) Tax Adjustment — The Tax Adjustment will be calculated and adjusted periodically as defined in the
Company's applicable Tax Adjustment Rate Schedule and applicable Franchise Fee Adjustment Rate
Schedule.
(c) Gas Cost Adjustment— The applicable Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate —as calculated on a per
Ccf basis and adjusted periodically under the applicable Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate
Schedule— for all gas used.
PAYINIENT
Due date of the bill for service shall not be less than 15 days after issuance or such other period of time as may be
provided by order of the regulatory authority. A bill for utility service is delinquent if unpaid by the due date.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Service under this schedule shall be furnished in accordance with the Company's General Rules and Regulations, as
such rules may be amended from time to time. A copy of the Company's General Rules and Regulations may be
obtained from Company's office located at 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas.
*Customer Charge
$13.95
2012 GRIP Charge
1.33
2013 GRIP Charge
1.61
2014 GRIP Charge
1_00
Total Customer Charge
$17.89
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -SMALL
RATE SCHEDULE NO. GSS- 2085 -GRIP 2014
APPLICATION OF SCHEDULE
This schedule is applicable to natural gas service to any customer engaging in any business, professional or
institutional activity, for all uses of gas, including cooking, heating, refrigeration, water heating, air conditioning,
and power.
This schedule is applicable to any general service customer for commercial uses and industrial uses, except standby
service, whose average monthly usage for the prior calendar year is 150,000 cubic feet or less. Natural gas supplied
hereunder is for the individual use of the customer at one point of delivery and shall not be resold or shared with
others.
MONTHLY RATE
For bills rendered on and after the effective date of this rate schedule, the monthly rate for each customer receiving
service under this rate schedule shall be the sum of the following:
(a) The Base Rate consisting of
(1) Customer Charge —$27.96*
(2) Commodity Charge-
For customers billed at a 14.65 Pressure Base:
All Ccf@ 14.65 $0.1046
For customers billed at a 14.95 Pressure Base:
All Ccf@ 14.95 $0.1067
(b) Tax Adjustment — The Tax Adjustment will be calculated and adjusted periodically as defined in the
Company's applicable Tax Adjustment Rate Schedule and applicable Franchise Fee Adjustment Rate
Schedule.
(c) Gas Cost Adjustment — The applicable Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate — as calculated on a per
Ccf basis and adjusted periodically under the applicable Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate
Schedule — for all gas used.
PAYMENT
Due date of the bill for service shall not be less than 15 days after issuance or such other period of time as may be
provided by order of the regulatory authority. A bill for utility service is delinquent if unpaid by the due date.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Service under this schedule shall be furnished in accordance with the Company's General Rules and Regulations, as
such rules may be amended from time to time. A copy of the Companys General Rules and Regulations may be
obtained from Compan}?s office located at 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas.
*Customer Charge $20.00
2012 GRIP Charge 2.67
2013 GRIP Charge 3.26
2014 GRBP Charge 2.03
Total Customer Charge $27.96
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO. GSLV- 616 -GRIP 2014
AVAILABILITY
This schedule is available at points on existing facilities of adequate capacity and suitable pressure in the area
designated in the Rate Book of CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP., DB /A CENTERPOINT
ENERGY ENTEX AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS (hereinafter called "Company ").
APPLICATION OF SCHEDULE
This schedule is applicable to any general service customer for commercial uses and industrial uses whose average
monthly usage for the prior calendar year is more than 150,000 cubic feet. Gas supplied hereunder is for the
individual use of the Consumer at one point of delivery and shall not be resold or shared with others. If the
Consumer has a written contract with Company, the terms and provision of such contract shall be controlling.
MONTHLY RATE
For bills rendered on and after the effective date of this rate schedule, the monthly rate for each customer receiving
service under this rate schedule shall be the sum of the following:
(a) The Base Rate consisting of:
(1) Customer Charge— $148.09*
(2) Commodity Charge —
All Ccf @ $0.0412
(b) Tax Adjustment — The Tax Adjustment will be calculated and adjusted periodically as defined in the
Company's applicable Tax Adjustment Rate Schedule and applicable Franchise Fee Adjustment Rate
Schedule.
(c) Gas Cost Adjustment — The applicable Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate — as calculated on a per
Mcf basis and adjusted periodically under the applicable Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate
Schedule — for all gas used.
In order to receive a delivery from Company of more than 25 Mcf during any one day, the Consumer must execute a
written contract with Company on Company's form of contract covering the sale of gas by Company to it. In the
case of existing Consumers, the maximum gas usage during any one day shall be obtained from the records of the
Company, except in cases where the existing Consumer will be purchasing increased volumes of gas from Company
because of expansions or for any other reasons, in which event the Company may estimate usage by such Consumer.
Also in the case of new Consumers, the Company may estimate usage by the Consumer. Any such estimates made
by Company shall be binding on Consumer in determining whether or not a contract is required. Such written
contract shall be executed by Consumer upon request of Company and Company shall not be obligated to serve any
such Consumer more than 25 Mcf during any one day until such written contract is executed and delivered by
Consumer.
*Customer Charge $100.00
2012 GRIP Charge
16.34
2013 GRIP Charge
19.21
2014 GRIP Charge
12.54
Total Customer Charge
$148.09
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO. GSLV- 616 -GRIP 2014
MEASUREMENT
The term "cubic foot of gas" for the purpose of measurement of the gas delivered and for all other purposes is the
amount of gas necessary to fill a cubic foot of space when the gas is at an absolute pressure of 14.65 pounds per
square inch and at a base temperature of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit.
The term "Mcf' shall mean 1,000 cubic feet of gas.
The Sales Unit shall be one Mcf.
Assumed Atmospheric Pressure - The average atmospheric pressure shall be assumed to be fourteen and seven -
tenths (14.7) pounds per square inch, irrespective of actual elevation or location of the point of delivery above sea
level or variation in such atmospheric pressure from time to time.
Orifice Meters - When orifice meters are used for the measurement of gas, such orifice meters shall be constructed
and installed, and the computations of volume made, in accordance with the provisions of Gas Measurement
Committee Report No. 3 of the American Gas Association as revised September, 1969 ( "A.G.A. Report No. 3), with
any subsequent amendments or revisions which may be mutually acceptable.
The temperature of the gas shall be determined by a recording thermometer so installed that it may record the
temperature of the gas flowing through the meter or meters. The average of the record to the nearest one (1) degree
Fahrenheit, obtained while gas is being delivered, shall be the applicable flowing gas temperature for the period
under consideration.
The specific gravity of the gas shall be determined by a recording gravitometer owned and operated by the pipeline
company from whom Company purchases its gas, so installed that it may record the specific gravity of the gas
flowing through the meter or meters; provided, however, that the results of spot tests made by the pipeline company
with a standard type specific gravity instrument shall be used at locations where the pipeline company does not have
a recording gravitometer in service. If the recording gravitometer is used, the average of the record to the nearest
one - thousandth (0.001), obtained while gas is being delivered, shall be the applicable specific gravity of the gas for
the period under consideration. If the spot test method is used, the specific gravity of the gas delivered hereunder
shall be determined once monthly, the result obtained, to the nearest one - thousandth (0.001), to be applicable during
the succeeding billing month.
Adjustment for the effect of supercompressibility shall be made according to the provisions of A.G.A. Report No. 3,
bereinabove identified, for the average conditions of pressure, flowing temperature and specific gravity at which the
gas was measured during the period under consideration, and with the proportionate value of each carbon dioxide
and nitrogen in the gas delivered included in the computation of the applicable supercompressibility factors.
Company shall obtain appropriate carbon dioxide and nitrogen fraction values as may be required from time to time.
Positive Displacement Meters and Turbine Meters - When positive displacement meters and/or turbine meters are
used for the measurement of gas, the flowing temperature of the gas metered shall be assumed to be sixty (60)
degrees Fahrenheit, and no correction shall be made for any variation therefrom; provided however, that company
shall have the option of installing a recording thermometer, and if company exercises such option, corrections shall
be made for each degree variation in the applicable flowing temperature for the period under consideration.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATE SHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO. GSLV- 616 -GRIP 2014
The volumes of gas determined shall be adjusted for the effect of supercompressibility as follows:
(A) When the flowing temperature of gas is assumed to be sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit, the
supercompressibility factor shall be the square of the factor, Fpv, computed in accordance with
the principles of the A.G. A. Report No. 3, hereinabove identified, for a pure hydrocarbon gas of
six- tenths (0.6) specific gravity and for the average pressure at which the gas was measured.
(B) When the flowing gas temperature is recorded and applied according to the option above, the
supercompressibility factor shall be the square of the factor, Fpv, computed in accordance with
the principles of the American Gas Association Gas Measurement Committee Report No. 3,
hereinabove identified, for a pure hydrocarbon gas of six- tenths (0.6) specific gravity and for the
average conditions of pressure and flowing temperature at which the gas was measured.
Total or partial interruption of gas deliveries due to acts of God, the elements, requirements for residential and other
uses declared superior to Consumers by law, or to other causes or contingencies beyond the control of Company or
not proximately caused by Company's negligence, shall not be the basis for claims- delivery and receipt of gas to be
resumed whenever any such cause or contingency shall end.
CHARGES FOR UNAUTHORIZED OVER -RUN GAS
Any gas taken during any day by Consumer which exceeds the maximum daily quantity specified in Consumers
contract with Company shall be considered to be unauthorized over -run gas. Any gas taken by Consumer after the
effective hour of an order calling for a complete curtailment of all gas deliveries, and prior to the authorized
resumption of natural gas service, hereunder shall be considered to be unauthorized over -run gas. Any gas taken by
Consumer after the effective hour of an order calling for a partial curtailment, and prior to the authorized resumption
of natural gas service, which exceeds the stated amount of gas deliveries Consumer may take during such partial
curtailment, shall be considered to be unauthorized over -run gas. Company shall bill, and Consumer shall pay for
unauthorized over -run gas at the rate of $10.00 per Mcf, in addition to the Monthly Rate specified herein for such
gas. The payment of such additional charge for unauthorized over -run gas shall not, under any circumstances, be
considered as giving the Consumer the right to take unauthorized over -run gas, nor shall such payment be
considered to exclude or limit any other remedies available to Company against the Consumer for exceeding the
maximum daily quantity specified in Consumers contract with Company, or for failure to comply with curtailment
orders issued by Company hereunder.
The additional amount specified above charged for unauthorized over -run gas shall be adjusted, either plus or minus,
to conform to the change made by Company's supplier in its rate schedule under which Company purchases its gas
supply for resale under this schedule.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Service under this schedule shall be furnished in accordance with the Company's General Rules and Regulations, as
such rules may be amended from time to time. A copy of the Company's General Rules and Regulations may be
obtained from Company's office located at 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. PGA -10
1. PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT (PGA) APPLICABILITY
The Monthly Rate contained in the Company's total billing to residential and general service customers
shall include the cost of natural gas purchased for resale hereunder.
2. RATE CALCULATION
The Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate shall be calculated according to the following formula and
included in the Monthly Rate:
PGA Rate (per Mcf sold) _ [(G *R) t DA] rounded to the nearest $0.0001
PGA Rate (per Ccf sold) = PGA Rate (per Mcf sold) . 10
Definitions:
G = The Company's best estimate of the cost of natural gas (per Mcf) to be purchased for resale
hereunder during the period that the PGA Rate is to be effective. The cost of natural gas shall
include the cost of gas supplies purchased for resale hereunder, upstream transportation
charges, storage charges, the cost of gas withdrawn from storage less the cost of gas injected
into storage, and any transaction- related fees, gains or losses and other transaction costs
associated with the use of various financial instruments used by the Company to stabilize
prices.
R = Ratio derived by dividing the actual Mcf purchased for the customers billed hereunder for the
twelve months ended the preceding August by the actual Mcf sold to the customers billed
hereunder during the same period.
DA= Surcharge or surcredit, calculated on a per Mcf basis, relating to Deferred Purchased Gas Cost
Accounts, as defined below.
3. PGA FILINGS
PGA filings shall be filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas (the 'Regulatory Authority") by the last
business day of the month immediately preceding the month the proposed new PGA factor will be
implemented. The PGA filing shall include a calculation of the estimated PGA Rate together with
supporting documents. Each such tentative PGA Rate shall become effective for bills rendered on and after
the first day of the calendar month and shall continue to be in effect until the next filing, unless after the
PGA filing, the Regulatory Authority takes action to disapprove or modify such PGA rate. In the event that
the Regulatory Authority takes such action, then the PGA rate shall be in effect on an interim basis pending
the final decision of the Regulatory Authority, and any person designated by the Regulatory Authority shall
have the right and power to order the filing of any reasonable additional information. Any adjustment to
the PGA Rate relating to a prior period shall be made prospectively.
4. DEFERRED PURCHASED GAS COST ACCOUNTS
The Company shall establish and maintain Deferred Gas Cost Account(s) in which shall be recorded: (a)
the balance of over or under recoveries of the cost of gas purchased for resale hereunder, determined for the
period ending on the last day prior to the effective day of this revised Purchased Gas Adjustment rate
schedule, including subsequent corrections and amendments thereto; and (b) any over or under recovery of
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATE SHEET
PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. PGA -10
the cost of gas purchased for resale hereunder resulting from the operation of the PGA procedure
commencing with the First day of this revised purchased gas cost adjustment. Such ongoing over or under
recovery shall include: (a) gas cost revenue recovery amounts for the revenue month; (b) the cost of gas
purchased for resale hereunder for the same month as the revenue month; (c) carrying charge or credit
amounts calculated based on the arithmetic average of the beginning and ending month balance of under or
over recovery for the revenue -cost month times six percent (6 %o); and (d) carrying charge calculated based
on the arithmetic average of the beginning and ending balance of gas in storage inventory for the prior
calendar month times the pre -tax rate of return as determined in Docket No. GUD 10038.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/B /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
TAX ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. TA -10
The Customers shall reimburse the Company for the Customers' proportionate part of any tax, charge, impost,
assessment or fee of whatever kind and by whatever name (except ad valorem taxes and income taxes) levied upon
the Company by any governmental authority under any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, or agreement (hereinafter
referred to as "the Tax"). If the law, rule, regulation, ordinance, or agreement levying the Tax specifies a method of
collection from Customers, then the method so specified shall be utilized provided such method results in the
collection of taxes from the Customers equal to the taxes levied on the Company. If no method of collection is
specified, then the Company shall collect an amount calculated as a percentage of the Customers' bills applicable
directly to those Customers located solely within the jurisdiction imposing the tax and/or within the jurisdiction
Where the tax is applicable. The percentage shall be determined so that the collection from Customers within the
Company's different legal jurisdictions (municipal or otherwise defined) encompassing the South Texas Division is
equal to the taxes levied on the Company.
The initial Tax Adjustment Rate shall be based on the Taxes that are levied upon the Company on the effective date
of this Rate Schedule. The Company will initiate a new or changed Tax Adjustment Rate beginning with the billing
cycle immediately following the effective date of the new or changed Tax as specified by the applicable law, rule,
regulation, ordinance, or agreement, provided that the Company has the customer billing data necessary to bill and
collect the Tax. If at any time there is a significant change that will cause an unreasonable over or under collection
of the Tax, the Company will adjust the Tax Adjustment Rate so that such over or under collection will be
minimized. The Tax Adjustment Rate (calculated on a per Ccf or per Mcf basis, as appropriate) shall be reported to
the applicable governmental authority by the last business day of the month in which the Tax Adjustment Rate
became effective.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB1A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
FRANCHISE FEE ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. FFA -4
APPLICATION
Applicable to Customers inside the corporate limits of an incorporated municipality that imposes a municipal
franchise fee upon Company for the Gas Service provided to Customer.
MONTHLY ADJUSTMENT
Company will adjust Customer's bill each month in an amount equal to the municipal franchise fees payable for the
Gas Service provided to Customer by Company. Municipal franchise fees are determined by each municipality's
franchise ordinance. Each municipality's franchise ordinance will specify the percentage and applicability of
franchise fees.
RAILROAD COMMISSION REPORTING
CenterPoint shall maintain on file with the Commission a current listing of Cities and applicable franchise fees
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATE SHEET
SCHEDULE OF MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE CHARGES
RATE SCHEDULE NO. MISC -11
GAS SERVICE
1. Institution of service to residential or general service
After -hours surcharge for each after -hours service call
$40
$47
2. Restore service after termination for non - payment, cut -off by customer or agent or for $40
convenience of customer
After -hours surcharge for each after -hours service call
$47
3. Turning off service to active meter — account not finalled (per trip)
$20
After -hours surcharge for each after -hours service call
$47
4. Special meter test at customer's request (see General Rules and Regulations for special situations)
$15
— same customer at same location is allowed one test free of charge every four years)
5. Change customer meter
$55
6. Change residential meter location: Minimum charge
$350
Additional meters in manifold each
$55
(Plus cost of materials)
7. Tap Charge
N.C.*
8. Installation of remote read device where company cannot get access to read meter
$180
9. Disconnect service at main
$300
(Plus any costs arising out of any city ordinance or regulation governing work in city streets)
10. Restore service at main after termination for non - payment
$300
(Plus cost of materials)
11. Temporary transfer of individually metered multi - family service from vacating tenant to apartment
N.C.
complex owner. (Applicable to read and transfer transactions only. Precedent written agreement
required.)
*Except where Company is required to pay tap charge to pipeline supplier to serve the consumer, the consumer
shall reimburse Company.
OTHER CHARGES
12. Collection call - trip charge (not collected under miscellaneous service item no. 3 - Turning off $20
service to active meter)
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
SOUTH TEXAS DIVISION
RATESHEET
SCHEDULE OF MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE CHARGES
RATE SCHEDULE NO. MISC -11
13. Returned check $Zp
DEPOSITS
Up to the maximum amount allowed under the Railroad Commission of Texas Quality of Service Rule
§7.45(5)(C)(ii) (the "one -sixth rule "). If there is no billing history on the customer's account, then the one -sixth
rule will be applied to the customer's account based on similarly - situated customers located in flee geographic area.
TAX ADJUSTMENT
The Tax Adjustment will be calculated and adjusted periodically as defined in the Company's Tax Adjustment
Rate Schedule and Franchise Fee Adjustment Rate Schedule.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
1. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Consumer, Customer and Applicant" are used interchangeably and mean a person or organization utilizing
services or who wants to utilize services to CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX. .
(b) "Company" means CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX, its successors and assigns.
(c) "Cubic Foot of Gas ": Unless otherwise expressly provided by rate schedule or written contract (or
agreement), the amount of gas necessary to fill a cubic foot of space when the gas is at a gauge pressure
of four (4) ounces above atmospheric pressure and/or in the event that the gas delivered to the Consumer
is measured at a pressure in excess of four (4) ounces per square inch gauge, the measurement of gas shall
be on the same basis as that outlined in the rate schedules for Large Volume Natural Gas Service.
(d) "Service Line ": The pipe and attached fittings which convey gas from Company's mains to the
property line of Consumer's premises.
(e) "Yard Line ": The pipe and attached fittings which convey gas from the Consumer's property line to and
including the stopcock on the riser for the Consumer's meter.
(f) "Consumers Housepiping ": All pipe and attached fittings which convey gas from the outlet side of the
meter to the Consumer's connection for gas appliances.
(g) "Point of Delivery': The point where the gas is measured for delivery into Consumer's housepiping.
2. APPLICATION OF RULES
(a) Unless otherwise expressly stated, these rules apply to all Consumers regardless of classification, except
insofar as they are changed by or are in conflict with any statute of the State of Texas, valid municipal
ordinance, valid final order of any court or of the Railroad Commission of Texas, or written contract
executed by Company, in which case such statute, ordinance, order or contract shall control to the extent
that it is applicable to the Consumer(s) in question. Whenever possible, these rules shall be construed
harmoniously with such laws, contracts, ordinances, and orders.
(b) The use of gas service shall constitute an agreement by the Consumer to utilize such service in
accordance with the applicable rules of the Company as set forth herein.
(c) These rules, and all subsequently enacted rules, may be abrogated, modified, or added to in whole or in
part, by the Company and such rules as abrogated, modified, or added to, shall become effective when
filed with the appropriate regulatory authority.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/B /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
3. CLASSIFICATION FOR RATE AND CONTRACT PURPOSES
For purposes of determining rates, Consumers shall be classified as either Residential, Commercial or Large
Volume Consumers as defined in Company's applicable rate schedules. Service by Company to Consumers
classified herein as Residential and Commercial is available without a written contract between Consumer and
Company at the standard rates and charges applicable to such Consumers from time to time. Company shall have
no obligation to deliver more than 25,000 cubic feet of gas in any day to any Consumer not having a written gas
sales contract with Company. A contract may be required from Large Volume Consumers using less than 25,000
cubic feet per day, provided this requirement shall be uniformly applied to all such Consumers within each munic-
ipal rate jurisdiction. In the case of existing Consumers, the maximum gas usage during any one day shall be
obtained from records of the Company, except in cases where the existing Consumer will be purchasing increased
volumes of gas from Company because of expansions or for any other reason, in which event the Company may
estimate usage by such Consumer. Also in the case of new Consumers, the Company may estimate usage by the
Consumer. Any such estimates made by Company shall be binding on Consumer in determining rate classification
and whether or not a contract is required. Company's obligation to provide service to nny Large Volume
Consumer is contingent upon Company's determination that there will be an adequate supply of gas to serve such
Large Volume Consumer, and that existing facilities are of adequate capacity and suitable pressure.
4. LIMITATION OF USE
All gas delivered through Company's meters is for use only at the point of delivery and shall not be redelivered or
resold to others without Company's written consent.
5. SERVICE
(a) Tap Charge: Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable ordinance or rule, Company may impose a
reasonable charge for the connection of a new Consumer to its distribution mains. The service areas
where a tap charge is to be collected and the amount and conditions under which such charge will be
imposed are set out in the Schedules of Miscellaneous Service Charges filed with the appropriate
regulatory authorities.
(b) Service Line: Company shall install and maintain all service lines and to the extent permitted by
applicable ordinance shall be entitled to make a reasonable charge for such installation as set out in the
Schedules of Miscellaneous Service Charges filed with appropriate regulatory authorities. A service line
may be used to supply a single building or single group of buildings which may or may not be located on
a single lot, such as a group of factory buildings, hospital buildings, or institutional buildings, all under
one ownership or control. However, gas service supplied to Consumer for use on separate lots physically
divided by other private or public property (including streets, alleys and other public ways) must be
supplied through separate service lines and be separately metered and billed. More than one service line
to supply a Consumer's premises may be constructed by agreement between Company and Consumer.
(c) Yard Line: Company shall install all yard lines and to the extent permitted by applicable ordinance shall
be entitled to make a reasonable charge for such installation as set out in the Schedules of Miscellaneous
Service Charges filed with the appropriate regulatory authorities. Company has title to all yard lines and
mains and is responsible for their maintenance and repair.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(d) Housepiping: Consumer shall be responsible for installing and maintaining Consumers housepiping.
Company may refuse service to any consumer whose housepiping is inadequate or unsafe, but Company
shall have no responsibility for determining whether or not Consumer has complied with applicable
safety codes, inspecting Consumer's housepiping or in any way establishing or enforcing housepiping
specifications. Information relating to piping may be obtained at the Company's local offices.
(e) Gas Main Extensions: Company shall extend its gas mains to provide new or additional service as set out
in the applicable franchise, or where there is no franchise provision a total distance of one hundred (100)
feet of pipe not to exceed two inches in diameter. Gas main extensions of a greater distance or size than
that specified above shall be made at Companys expense only where the probable expected use of all
facilities necessary for such service will provide a reasonable and compensatory return to Company on
the value of such facilities. Otherwise, gas main extensions shall be made only under the following
conditions:
(1) Individual Residential and Commercial Consumers -- upon payment of the fee for gas main
extension set out in the Schedule of Miscellaneous Service Charges or upon execution of
Companyfs form "Gas Main Extension Contract," as filed with the appropriate regulatory
authority.
(2) Developers of residential or business subdivisions -- upon execution of Company's form "Gas
Main Extension Contract" or "Predevelopment Gas Main Extension Contract," as filed with the
appropriate regulatory authority, or under special circumstances where, in Company's opinion,
such forms are not appropriate, upon execution of a special agreement providing for
reimbursement to Company for cost of the necessary gas main extension.
(3) Large Volume Consumers -- upon execution of a special agreement providing for reimbursement
to Company for the cost of the necessary gas main extension. -
6. ADDITIONAL CHARGES RELATING TO GAS SERVICE
Charges for services other than delivering natural gas may be made in accordance with the Schedules of
Miscellaneous Service Charges filed with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
7. APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
Where no written contract for service is necessary, an application by telephone, in person, or in writing may be
made to request initiation of service. Upon request, Consumer shall provide information necessary for purposes of
rate classification, billing, and determining whether a deposit will be required.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
8. REFUSAL TO INSTITUTE SERVICE AND TERMINATION OF SERVICE
(a) Refusal of service.
(1) Compliance by applicant. The Company may decline to serve an applicant for whom service is
available from previously installed facilities until such applicant has complied with the state and
municipal rules, regulations or laws, and with approved rules and regulations of the Company on
file with the appropriate regulatory authority governing the service applied for, or for the
following reasons:
(A) the applicant's installation or equipment is known to be hazardous or of such character
that satisfactory service cannot be given;
(B) the applicant is indebted to any Company for the same kind of service as that applied
for; provided, however, that in the event the indebtedness of the applicant for service is
in dispute, the applicant shall be served upon _complying with the applicable deposit
requirement;
(C) the applicant refuses to make a deposit if applicant is required to make a deposit under
these rules;
(D) where an unsafe condition exists at any point on Consumer's premises;
(E) for use of gas in violation of Company's rules;
(F) in the event Company's representatives are refused access to such premises for any
lawful purpose;
(G) when Company's property on the Consumer's premises is tampered with, damaged, or
destroyed;
(2) Applicant's recourse. In the event that the Company shall refuse to serve an applicant under the
provisions of these rules, the Company shall inform the applicant of the basis of its refusal and
that the applicant may file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority thereon.
(3) Insufficient grounds for refusal to serve. The following shall not constitute sufficient cause for
refusal of service to a present residential or commercial customer or applicant:
(A) delinquency in payment- for service by a previous occupant of the premises to be
served;
(B) failure to pay for merchandise or charges for non - utility service purchased from the
Company;
(C) failure to pay a bill to correct previous underbilling due to misapplication of rates more
than six months prior to the date of application;
(D) violation of the Company's rules pertaining to the operation of nonstandard equipment
of unauthorized attachments, which interfere with the service of others, unless the
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB1A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
customer has first been notified and been afforded reasonable opportunity to comply
with these rules;
(E) failure to pay a bill of another customer as guarantor thereof, unless the guarantee was
made in writing to the Company as a condition precedent to service; and
(F) failure to pay the bill of another customer at the same address except where the change
of customer identity is made to avoid or evade payment of a utility bill.
(b) Discontinuance of service.
(1) Bills are due and payable when rendered; the bill shall be past due not less than 15 days after
issuance or such other period of time as may be provided by order of the regulatory authority. A
bill for utility service is delinquent if unpaid by the due date.
(2) The Company may offer an inducement for prompt payment of bills by allowing a discount in
the amount of 5% for payment within 10 days of their issuance. In the event of any
inconsistency between these Rules and Regulations and the applicable rate tariff, the rate tariff
shall control.
(3) A customer's utility service may not be terminated unless the Company has made a reasonable
effort to offer the customer the option of paying a delinquent bill in installments. A customer's
utility service may be disconnected if the bill has not been paid or a suitable written arrangement
for payment in installments entered into within 5 working days after the bill has become
delinquent and if proper notice has been given. Proper notice shall consist of a mailing or hand
delivery at least five working days prior to a stated date of disconnection. Said notice shall be
provided in English and Spanish as necessary and shall include:
(A) the words "Disconnect Notice" or similar language prominently displayed;
(B) the reason service is to be terminated;
(C) what customer must do to prevent termination;
(D) in the case of a past -due bill, the amount past due and the hours, address, and telephone
number where payment may be made; and
(E) a statement that if a health or other emergency exists, the Company may be contacted
concerning the nature of the emergency and the relief available, if any, to meet such
emergency.
(4) Utility service may be disconnected for any of the following reasons:
(A) failure to pay a delinquent account or failure to comply with the terms of a written
agreement for installment payment of a delinquent account;
(B) violation of the Company's rules pertaining to the use of service in a manner which
interferes with the service of others or the operation of nonstandard equipment, if a
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
reasonable attempt has been made to notify the customer and the customer is provided
with a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation;
(C) failure to comply with deposit or guarantee arrangements where required by these rules
and regulations;
(D) without notice where a known dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition
exists;
(E) tampering with the Company's meter or equipment or bypassing the same;
(F) for use of gas in violation of Company's rules;
(G) in the event Consumer's premises are vacated;
(H) in the event Company's representatives are refused access to such premises for any
lawful purpose;
(I) when Company's property on the Consumer's premises is tampered with, damaged or
destroyed;
(.1) for use of gas in violation of any law, ordinance or regulation;
(K) for fraudulent misrepresentation in relation to the consumption of gas or any other fraud
practiced by Consumer, with regard to the matters referred to in these rules or
Consumer's contract.
(5) Utility service may not be disconnected for any of the following reasons:
(A) delinquency in payment for service by a previous occupant of the premises;
(B) failure to pay for merchandise or charges for non - utility service by the Company;
(C) failure to pay for a different type or class of utility service unless fee for such service is
included on the same bill;
(D) failure to pay the account of another customer as guarantor thereof, unless the Company
has in writing the guarantee as a condition precedent to service;
(E) failure to pay charges arising from an underbilling occurring due to any misapplication
of rates more than six months prior to the current billing;
(F) failure to pay charges arising from an underbilling due to any faulty metering, unless
the meter has been tampered with or unless such underbilling charges are due; and
(G) failure to pay an estimated bill other than a bill rendered pursuant to any approved
meter reading plan, unless the Company is unable to read the meter due to
circumstances beyond its control.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(6) Unless a dangerous condition exists, or unless the customer requests disconnection, service shall
not be disconnected on a day, or on a day immediately preceding a day, when personnel of the
Company are not available to the public for the purpose of making collections and reconnecting
service.
(7) The Company shall not abandon a customer without written approval from the regulatory
authority.
(8) The Company shall not discontinue service to a delinquent residential customer permanently
residing in an individually metered dwelling unit when that customer establishes that
discontinuance of service will result in some person residing at that residence becoming
seriously ill or more seriously ill if service is discontinued. Any customer seeking to avoid
termination of service under this provision must make a written request to the Company
supported by a written statement from a licensed physician. Both the request and the statement
must be received by the Company within five working days of the issuance of the utility bill.
The prohibition against service termination as provided herein shall last twenty (20) days from
the date of receipt by the Company of the request and statement or such lesser period as may be
agreed upon by the Company and the customer. The customer who makes such request shall
sign an installment agreement which provides for payment of such service along with timely
payments for subsequent monthly billings.
9. LOCATION OF METERS
Wherever practical, all new meter installations shall be installed near the building in which Consumers gas
appliances are located. All meters shall be accessible at all times for inspection, reading, and change out for
testing. Whenever the Company shall permanently discontinue the delivery of gas to any of Consumer's premises,
it shall have the right at any reasonable time thereafter to enter upon the premises and remove therefrom its meter,
and any other of its equipment there located.
10. METER TESTS AND BILL ADJUSTMENTS WITH RESPECT TO METER ACCURACY
(a) Meter requirements.
(1) Use of meter. All gas sold by the Company shall be charged for by meter measurements, except
where otherwise provided for by applicable law, regulation of the regulatory authority or tariff.
(2) Installation by Company. Unless otherwise authorized by the regulatory authority, the Company
shall provide and install and will continue to own and maintain all meters necessary for
measurement of gas delivered to its customers.
(3) Standard type. The Company shall not furnish, set up, or put in use any meter which is not
reliable and of a standard type which meets generally accepted industry standards; provided,
however, special meters not necessarily conforming to such standard types may be used for
investigation, testing, or experimental purposes.
(b) Meter records. The Company shall keep the following records:
(1) Meter equipment records. The Company shall keep a record of all its meters, showing the
customer's address and date of the last test.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(2) Records of meter tests. All meter tests must be properly referenced to the meter record provided
for therein. The record of each test made on request of a customer must show the identifying
number and constants of the meter, the standard meter and other measuring devices used, the
date and kind of test made, by whom made, the error (or percentage of accuracy) at each load
tested, and sufficient data to permit verification of all calculations.
(c) Meter readings.
(1) Meter unit location. In general, each meter must indicate clearly the units of service for which
charge is made to the customer.
(d) Meter tests on request of customer.
(1) The Company shall, upon request of a customer make a test of the accuracy of the meter serving .
that customer. The Company shall inform the customer of the time and place of the test, and
permit the customer or his authorized representative to be present if the customer so desires. If
no such test has been perforated within the previous four years for the same customer at the
same location, the test shall be performed without charge. If such a test has been performed for
the same customer at the same location within the previous four years, the Company may charge
a fee for the test, not to exceed $15.00, or such other fee for the testing of meters as may be set
forth in the Company's tariff properly on file with the regulatory authority. The customer must
be properly informed of the result of any test on a meter that serves him.
(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1), above, if the meter is found to be more than nominally defective,
to either customers or the Company's disadvantage, any fee charged for a meter test must be
refunded to the customer. More than nominally defective means a deviation of more than (2 %)
from accurate registration.
(3) If any meter test requested by a customer reveals a meter to be more than nominally defective,
the Company shall correct previous readings consistent with the inaccuracy found in the meter
for the period of either
(i) the last six months, or
(ii) the last test of the meter, whichever is shorter. Any resulting underbillings or overbillings
are to be corrected in subsequent bills, unless service is terminated, in which event a monetary
adjustment is to be made. This requirement for a correction may be foregone by the Company if
the error is to the Company's disadvantage.
(4) If a meter is found not to register for any period of time, the Company may make a charge for
units used but not metered, for a period not to exceed three months previous to the time the
meter is found not to be registering. The determination of amounts used but not metered is to be
based on consumption during other like periods by the same customer at the same location when
available, and on consumption under similar conditions at the same location or of other similarly
situated customers when not available.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(e) Meter Exchange.
(1) The Company follows the practice of testing and repairing its meters on periodic schedules in
accordance with good operating practice. The "periodic meter test interval' is based on the
results of accuracy tests of its meters randomly sampled of varying ages. The period of
presumed accuracy is the period during which not less than 70% of the randomly sampled
meters exhibit accuracy in the range of 2% fast to 2% slow.
11. DEPOSITS FROM CONSUMERS TO GUARANTEE PAYMENTS OF BILLS
(a) Establishment of credit for residential applicants.
(1) The Company may require a residential applicant for service to satisfactorily establish credit but
such establishment of credit shall not relieve the customer from complying with rules for prompt
payment of bills. Subject to these rules, a residential applicant shall not be required to make a
deposit;
(A) if the residential applicant has been a customer of any utility for the same kind of
service within the last two years and is not delinquent in payment of any such utility
service account and during the last twelve consecutive months of service did not have
more than one occasion in which a bill for such utility service was paid after becoming
delinquent and never had service disconnected for nonpayment; or
(B) if the residential applicant furnishes in writing a satisfactory guarantee to secure
payment of bills for the service required;
(C) if the residential applicant demonstrates a satisfactory credit rating by appropriate
means, including but not limited to, the production of generally acceptable credit cards,
letters of credit reference, the names of credit references which may be quickly and
inexpensively contacted by the utility, or ownership of substantial equity.
(b) Reestablishment of credit. Every applicant who has previously been a customer of the Company and
whose service has been discontinued for nonpayment of bills shall be required before service is rendered
to pay all his amounts due the Company or execute a written deferred payment agreement, if offered, and
reestablish credit as provided herein.
(c) Amount of deposit and interest for residential service and exemption from deposit.
(1) The required residential deposit shall not exceed an amount equivalent to one -sixth of the
estimated annual billings (rounded up to the nearest $5.00). If actual use is at least twice the
amount of the estimated billings, a new deposit requirement may be calculated and an additional
deposit may be required within two days. If such additional deposit is not made, the Company
may disconnect service under the standard disconnection procedure for failure to comply with
deposit requirements.
Estimated Annual Billings as such term is used in this Section shall be either (i) the 12 -month
billing history at the service address involved (if a billing history is available for the service
address), or (ii) the average annual residential bill in the Division serving the customer (if a
billing history is not available at the service address); provided, that such average annual
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
residential bill determined pursuant to clause (ii) hereof, shall be determined periodically but no
less frequently than annually.
(2) All applicants for residential service who are sixty-five years of age or older will be considered
as having established credit if such applicant does not have an outstanding account balance with
the Company or another utility for the same utility service which accrued within the last two
years. No cash deposit shall be required of such applicant under these conditions.
(3) The Company shall pay a minimum interest on such deposits according to the rate as established
by law; provided, if refund of deposit is made within thirty days of receipt of deposit, no interest
payment shall be made. If the Company retains the deposit more than thirty days, payment of
interest shall be made retroactive to the date of deposit.
(A) payment of interest to the customer shall be annually or at the time the deposit is
returned or credited to the customer's account.
(B) the deposit shall cease to draw interest on the date it is returned or credited to the
customer's account.
(4) Each gas utility shall waive any deposit requirement for residential service for an applicant who
has been determined to be a victim of family violence as defined in Texas Family Code,
§71.004, by a family violence center, by treating medical personnel, by law enforcement agency
personnel, or by a designee of the Attorney General in the Crime Victim Services Division of the
Office of the Attorney General. This determination shall be evidenced by the applicant's
submission of a certification letter developed by the Texas Council on Family Violence and
made available on its web site. Effective: November 10, 2003; amended July 12, 2004.
(d) For commercial and large volume customers, Company may require a deposit where the applicant is
unable to establish good credit by standards generally accepted as evidence of credit worthiness. The
amount of any deposit, where required, shall be in an amount sufficient to protect Company but shall not
exceed the amount of the estimated highest two (2) months' billing. Interest shall be paid at the legal rate
on all deposits. Deposits shall be refunded after three (3) years of prompt payment, with refund including
any interest to be made in cash or by credit to the Consumer's bill. Deposits may be refunded sooner if
Consumer can establish a record of credit worthiness which would have entitled him to initial service
without a deposit and otherwise has a record of prompt payment.
(e) Deposits for temporary or seasonal service and for weekend or seasonal residences. The Company may
require a deposit sufficient to reasonably protect it against the assumed risk, provided, such a policy is
applied in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner.
(f) Records of deposits.
(1) The Company shall keep records to show:
(A) the name and address of each depositor;
(B) the amount and date of the deposit; and
(C) each transaction concerning the deposit.
(2) The Company shall issue a receipt of deposit to each applicant from whom a deposit is received
and shall provide means whereby a depositor may establish claim if the receipt is lost.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(3) A record of each unclaimed deposit shall be maintained for at least four years, during which time
the Company shall make a reasonable effort to return the deposit.
(g) Refund of deposit.
(1) If service is not connected or after disconnection of service, the Company shall promptly and
automatically refund the customer's deposit plus accrued interest or the balance, if any, in excess
of the unpaid bills for service furnished.
The transfer of service from one premise to another within the service area of the Company shall not be
deemed a disconnection within the meaning of these rules, and no additional deposit may be demanded
unless permitted by these rules.
(2) When the residential customer has paid bills for service for twelve consecutive residential bills
without having service disconnected for nonpayment of bills and without having more than two
occasions in which a bill was delinquent and when the customer is not delinquent in the payment
of fire current bills, the Company shall promptly and automatically refund the deposit plus
accrued interest to the customer in the form of cash or credit to a customers account. Deposits
may be refunded sooner if Consumer can establish a record of credit worthiness which would
have entitled him to install service without a deposit and otherwise has a record of prompt
payment.
(h) Upon sale or transfer of Company. Upon the sale or transfer of the Company or operating units thereof,
the Company shall file with the Commission under oath, in addition to other information, a list showing
the names and addresses of all customers served by the Company or unit who have to their credit a
deposit, the date such deposit was made, the amount thereof, and the unpaid interest thereon.
(i) Complaint by applicant or customer. The Company shall direct its personnel engaged in initial contact
with an applicant or customer for service seeking to establish or re- establish credit under the provisions of
these rules to inform the customer, if dissatisfaction is expressed with the Company decision, of the
customer's right to file a complaint with the regulatory authority thereon.
12. DISCONTINUANCE BY CONSUMER
A Consumer who wishes to discontinue the use of gas (provided he otherwise has the right to do so) must give
notice of his intent to do so to Company at its nearest office. Consumer shall be obligated to pay for all service
which is rendered by the Company (including applicable minimum charges therefor) prior to the time Company
receives such notice.
13. RECORDS OF GAS SUPPLIED
Company shall keep accurate records of the amount of gas registered by its meters, and such records shall be
accepted at all times and in all places as prima facie evidence of the true amount of gas consumed.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB1A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
14. ESCAPING GAS
Immediate notice must be given to Company by Consumer of any escaping gas on Consumer's premises. No
flame shall be taken near the point where gas is escaping and as an added precaution, the gas should immediately
be shut off at the meter by Consumer. Company shall not be liable for any damage or loss caused by the escape of
gas from Consumer's housepiping or Consumer's appliances.
15. DAMAGE AND REPAIR TO AND TAMPERING WITH COMPANY'S FACILITIES
Consumer shall immediately notify Company in the event of damage to company's property on Consumer's
premises. Consumer shall not permit anyone other than authorized employee of Company to adjust, repair,
connect, or disconnect, or in any way tamper with the meter, lines or any other equipment of Company used in
serving Consumer's premises.
16. ACCESS TO PREMISES
The Companys representatives shall have the right at all reasonable hours to enter upon the premises and property
of Consumer to read the meter; and to remove, to inspect, or to make necessary repairs and adjustments to, or
replacements of, service lines, meter loop, and any property of the Company located thereon, and for any other
purpose connected with Company's operation. The Company's representatives shall have the right at all times to
enter upon the premises and property of Consumer in emergencies pertaining to Company's service. All dogs and
other animals which might hinder the performance of such operations on the Consumer's property shall be kept
away from such operations by the Consumer upon notice by the Company representatives of their intention to
enter upon the Consumer's premises.
17. NON - LIABILITY
(a) The Company shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by variation in gas pressure, defects in
pipes, connections and appliances, escape or leakage of gas, sticking of valves or regulators, or for any
other loss or damage not caused by the Company's negligence arising out of or incident to the furnishing
of gas to any Consumer.
(b) Company shall not be liable for any damage or injury resulting from gas or its use after such gas leaves
the point of delivery other than damage caused by the fault of the Company in the manner of installation
of the service lines, in the manner in which such service lines are repaired by the Company, and in the
negligence of the Company in maintaining its meter loop. All other risks after the gas left the point of
delivery shall be assumed by the Consumer, his agents, servants, employees, or other persons.
(c) The Company agrees to use reasonable diligence in rendering continuous gas service to all Consumers,
but the Company does not guarantee such service and shall not be liable for damages resulting from any
interruption to such service.
(d) Company shall not be liable for any damage or loss caused by stoppage or curtailment of the gas supply
pursuant to order of a governmental agency having jurisdiction over Company or Company's suppliers, or
caused by an event of force majeure. The term "force majeure" as employed herein means acts of God;
strikes, lockouts, or other industrial disturbances; acts of the public enemy; wars; blockades;
insurrections; riots; epidemics; landslides; lightning; earthquakes; fives; storms; floods; washouts; arrests
and restraints of the government, either federal or state, civil or military; civil disturbances; explosions;
breakage or accident to machinery or lines of pipe; freezing of wells or lines of pipe; shortage of gas
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
supply, whether resulting from inability or failure of a supplier to deliver gas; partial or entire failure of
natural gas wells or gas supply; depletion of gas reserves; and any other causes, whether of the kind
herein enumerated or otherwise.
18. TEMPORARY INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE
(a) The Company shall make all reasonable efforts to prevent interruptions of service. When interruptions
occur, the Company shall reestablish service within the shortest possible time consistent with prudent
operating principles so that the smallest number of customers are affected.
(b) The Company shall make reasonable provisions to meet emergencies resulting from failure of service,
and shall issue instructions to its employees covering procedures to be followed in the event of an
emergency in order to prevent or mitigate interruption or impairment of service.
(c) In the event of national emergency or local disaster resulting in disruption of normal service, the
Company may, in the public interest, interrupt service to other customers to provide necessary service to
civil defense or other emergency service agencies on a temporary basis until normal service to these
agencies can be restored.
(1) Record of interruption. Except for momentary interruptions which do not cause a major
disruption of service, the Company shall keep a complete record of all interruptions,
both emergency and scheduled. This record shall show the cause of such interruptions,
date, time duration, location, approximate number of customers affected, and, in cases
of emergency interruptions, the remedy and steps taken to prevent recurrence.
(2) Report to Commission. The Commission shall be notified in writing within forty-eight
hours of interruptions in service affecting the entire system or any major division
thereof lasting more than four hours. The notice shall also state the cause of such
interruptions. If any service interruption is reported to the Commission otherwise (for
example, as a curtailment report or safety report), such other report is sufficient to
comply with the terms of this paragraph.
19. WAIVER OF RULES
No agent or representative of the Company is authorized to add to, alter, waive, or otherwise change any of the
foregoing rules except by agreement in writing signed by an officer in the Company.
20. BILLING
(a) Bills for gas service shall be rendered monthly, unless otherwise authorized or unless service is rendered
for a period less than a month. Bills shall be rendered as promptly as possible following the reading of
meters.
(b) The customers bill must show all the following information:
(1) If the meter is read by the Company, the date and reading of the meter at the beginning and end
of the period for which rendered;
(2) The number and kind of units billed;
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(3) The applicable rate schedule title or code;
(4) The total base bill;
(5) The total of any adjustments to the base bill and the amount of adjustments per billing unit;
(6) The date by which the customer must pay the bill in order to avoid penalty;
(7) The total amount due after addition of any penalty for nonpayment within a designated period;
and
(8) A distinct marking to identify an estimated bill. The information required above shall be
arranged and displayed in such a manner as to allow the customer to compute his bill with the
applicable rate schedule. The applicable rate schedule must be mailed to the customer on
request of the customer. The Company may exhaust its stock of non - conforming bill forms
existing on the effective date hereof before compliance is required with this section.
(c) Where there is a good reason for doing so, estimated bills may be submitted provided that an actual meter
reading is taken at least every six months. For the second consecutive month in which the meter reader is
unable to gain access to the premises to read the meter on regular meter reading trips, or in months where
meters are not read otherwise, the Company shall provide the customer with a postcard and request that
the customer read the meter and return the card to the utility if the meter is of a type that can be read by
the customer without significant inconvenience or special tools or equipment. If such a postcard is not
received by the Company in time for billing, the Company may estimate the meter reading and render the
bill accordingly.
(d) Disputed bills.
(1) In the event of a dispute between the customer and the Company regarding the bill, the
Company shall forthwith make such investigation as is required by the particular case and report
the results thereof to the customer. If the customer wishes to obtain the benefit of subsection (2)
hereunder, notification of the dispute must be given to the Company prior to the date the bill
becomes delinquent. In the event the dispute is not resolved, the Company shall inform the
customer of the complaint procedures of the appropriate regulatory authority.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of these rules and regulations, the customer shall not be
required to pay the disputed portion of the bill which exceeds the amount of that customer's
average usage for the billing period at current rates until the earlier of the following: (1)
resolution of the dispute; or (2) the expiration of the sixty (60) day period beginning on the day
the disputed bill is issued. For purposes of this section only, the customer's average usage for
the billing period shall be the average of the customer's usage for the same billing period during
the preceding two (2) years. Where no previous usage history exists, the average usage shall be
estimated on the basis of usage levels of similar customers and under similar conditions.
21. NEW CONSTRUCTION
(a) Standards of construction. The Company shall construct, install, operate, and maintain its plant,
structures, equipment, and lines in accordance with the provisions of such codes and standards as are
generally accepted by the industry, as modified by rule or regulation of the regulatory authority, or
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
otherwise by law, and in such manner to best accommodate the public and to prevent interference with
service furnished by other public utilities insofar as practical.
(b) Response to request for residential and commercial service. The Company shall serve each qualified
residential and commercial applicant for service within its service area as rapidly as practical. As a
general policy, those applications not involving line extensions or new facilities should be filled within
seven working days. Those applications for individual residential service requiring line extensions
should be filled within ninety days unless unavailability of materials or other causes beyond the control of
the Company result in unavoidable delays. In the event that residential service is delayed in excess of
ninety days after an applicant has met credit requirements and made satisfactory arrangements for
payment of any required construction charges, a report must be made to the regulatory authority listing
the name of the applicant, location, and cause for delay. Unless such delays are due to causes which are
reasonably beyond the control of the Company, a delay in excess of ninety days may be found to
constitute a refusal to serve.
22. CUSTOMER RELATIONS
(a) Information to customers. The Company shall:
(1) Maintain a current set of maps showing the physical location of its facilities. All distribution
facilities shall be labeled to indicate the size or any pertinent information which will accurately
describe the utilitys facilities. These maps, or such other maps as may be required by the
regulatory authority, shall be kept by the Company in a central location and will be available for
inspection by the regulatory authority during normal working hours. Each business office or
service center shall have available up -to -date maps, plans, or records of its immediate area, with
such other information as may be necessary to enable the utility to advise applicants and others
entitled to the information as to the facilities available for serving that locality;
(2) Assist the customer or applicant in selecting the most economical rate schedule;
(3) In compliance with applicable law or regulations, notify customers affected by a change in rates
or schedule or classification;
(4) Post a notice in a conspicuous place in each business office of the utility where applications for
service are received informing the public that copies of the current rate schedules and rules
relating to the service of the Company, as filed with the Commission, are available for
inspection;
(5) Furnish such additional information on rates and services as the customer may reasonably
request;
(6) Upon request, inform its customers as to the method of reading meters; and
(7) As required by law or the rules of the appropriate regulatory authority, provide its customers
with a pamphlet containing customer service information. At least once each calendar year, the
Company shall notify its customers that customer service information is available on request and
without charge.
(b) Customer complaints. Upon complaint to the Company by residential or small commercial customers
either at its office, by letter, or by telephone, the Company shall promptly make a suitable investigation
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
and advise the complainant of the results thereof. It shall keep a record of all complaints which shall .
show the name and address of the complainant, the date and nature of the complaint, and the adjustment
and disposition thereof for a period of two years subsequent to the final disposition of the complaint.
Complaints which require no further action by the Company need not be recorded.
(c) Company response. Upon receipt of a complaint, either by letter or by telephone, from the regulatory
authority on behalf of a customer, the Company shall make a suitable investigation and advise the
regulatory authority and complainant of the results thereof. Initial response shall be made within 30 days.
The Commission encourages all customer complaints to be made in writing to assist the regulatory
authority in maintaining records of the quality of service of the Company.
(d) Deferred payment plan. The Company may, but is not required to, offer a written deferred payment plan
for delinquent residential accounts. If such a plan is offered, it shall conform to the following guidelines:
(1) Every deferred payment plan entered into due to the customer's inability to pay the outstanding
bill in full must provide that service will not be discontinued if the customer pays current bills
and a reasonable amount of the outstanding bill and agrees to pay the balance in reasonable
installments until the bill is paid.
(2) For purposes of determining reasonableness under these rules the following shall be considered:
size of delinquent account; customer's ability to pay; customers payment history; time that the
debt has been outstanding; reasons why debt has been outstanding; and other relevant factors
concerning the circumstances of the customer.
(3) A deferred payment plan offered by the Company shall state, immediately preceding the space
provided for the customer's signature and in bold face print at least two sizes larger than any
other used, that "If you are not satisfied with this agreement, do not sign. If you are satisfied
with this agreement, you give up your right to dispute the amount due under the agreement
except for the utility's failure or refusal to comply with the terms of this agreement ".
(4) A deferred payment plan may include a one time five per cent penalty for late payment on the
original amount of the outstanding bill except in cases where the outstanding bill is usually high
as a result of the Company's error (such as an inaccurately estimated bill or an incorrectly read
meter). A deferred payment plan shall not include a finance charge.
(S) If a customer for utility service has not fulfilled terms of a deferred payment agreement or
refuses to sign the same, the Company shall have the right to disconnect pursuant to
disconnection rules herein and, under such circumstance, it shall not be required to offer a
subsequent negotiation of a deferred payment plan prior to disconnection.
(6) If the Company institutes a deferred payment plan it shall not refuse a customer participation in
such a program on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, or marital status.
(e) Delayed payment of bills by elderly persons.
(1) Applicability. This subparagraph applies only to:
(A) A utility that assesses late payment charges on residential customers and that suspends
service before the 261' day after the date of the bill for which collection action is taken;
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(B) Utility bills issued on or after August 30, 1993; and
(C) An elderly person, as defined in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, who is a residential
customer and who occupies the entire premises for which a delay is requested.
(2) Definitions.
(A) Elderly person - -A person who is 60 years of age or older.
(B) Utility- -A gas utility or municipally owned utility, as defined in Texas Utilities Code,
§§ 101.003(7), 101.003(8), and 121.001- 121.006.
(3) An elderly person may request that the utility implement the delay for either the most recent
utility bill or for either the most recent utility bill and each subsequent utility bill.
(4) On request of an elderly person, a utility shall delay without penalty the payment date of a bill
for providing utility services to that person until the 251h day after the date on which the bill is
issued.
(5) The utility may require the requesting person to present reasonable proof that the person is 60
years of age or older.
(6) Every utility shall notify its customers of this delayed paymenboption no less often than yearly.
A utility may include this notice with other information provided pursuant to subparagraph (A)
of this paragraph.
23. RESIDENTIAL AVERAGE MONTHLY BILLING PROGRAM
(a) DEFIMTIONS
(1) Under this provision, qualified Residential customers would have the option of participating in
the Company's Average Monthly Billing Program ( "AMB ") as an alternative to the Company's
normal billing procedure. For "AMB" purposes, the following definitions shall apply:
(A) `Normal Bill" is an amount computed using the Company's applicable residential rate
schedule for service provided during a billing month.
(B) "Qualifying Customer' is a residential customer of the Company who has not had gas
services suspended for non - payment and has not had a "Past Due" notice issued on an
account during the immediately preceding twelve month period.
(b) AVAILABILITY
(1) The Average Monthly Billing Program is available to any Qualifying Customer of the Company.
(c) OPERATION OF PROGRAM
(1) Computation of Bills under theAMB:
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/B /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(A) Under the AMB, the qualifying customer shall receive a monthly "Average Bill"
computed using the most recent 12 months rolling average of the customer's Normal
Bills rounded to the nearest dollar. The amount of the Average Bill and Normal Bill
will appear on the customer's monthly billing statement. The cumulative difference
between Normal Bills which have been deferred and the Average Bills rendered under
the AMB will be carried in a deferred balance that will accumulate both debit and credit
differences.
(2) Effect of AMB on other Tariff Provisions:
(A) Except as modified herein, participation in the AMB will have no effect on the
Company's approved rate schedules or other billing charges used to calculate the
customer's Normal Bill. Participation in the AMB shall have no effect on any other
term or condition for providing service contained in the Company's tariffs including
those provisions relating to termination or suspension of service.
(3) Effects of Customer Discontinuance of AMB or Termination or Suspension of Service:
(A) The customer may discontinue the AMB at any time by notifying the Company. If a
customer requests discontinuance of AMB, if an account is final billed, or if the service
is suspended by the Company as a result of past due amounts on an account, any
outstanding balance owed the Company at the time, including any differences between
billings under the AMB and Normal Bills which would have been rendered under
normal billing procedures, shall be immediately due and payable. Likewise, any credit
due to the customer shall be applied to the next bill or refunded, as appropriate.
(4) Annual Automatic Enrollment Program:
(A) The AMB Program may be made available to non-qualifying customers through an Annual
Automatic Enrollment Program ( "AAEP "). By enrolling in the AAEP, a non - qualifying
customer may participate in the AAEP.
24. SUSPENSION OF GAS UTILITY SERVICE DISCONNECTION DURING AN EXTREME
WEATHER EMERGENCY (Effective: May 12, 2002)
(a) Applicability and scope. This rule applies to gas utilities, as defined in Texas Utilities Code, §101.003(7)
and §121.001, and to owners, operators, and managers of mobile home parks or apartment houses who
purchase natural gas through a master meter for delivery to a dwelling unit in a mobile home park or
apartment house, pursuant to Texas Utilities Code, § §124.001 - 124.002, within the jurisdiction of the
Railroad Commission pursuant to Texas Utilities Code, §102.001. For purposes of [his section, all such
gas utilities and owners, operators and managers of master meter systems shall be referred to as
"providers." Providers shall comply with the following service standards. A gas distribution utility shall
file amended service rules incorporating these standards with the Railroad Commission in the manner
prescribed by law.
(b) Disconnection prohibited. Except where there is a known dangerous condition or a use of natural gas
service in a manner that is dangerous or unreasonably interferes with service to others, a provider shall
not disconnect natural gas service to:
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
(1) a delinquent residential customer during an extreme weather emergency. An extreme weather
emergency means a day when the previous days highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees
Fahrenheit and the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours
according to the nearest National Weather Station for the county where the customer takes
service.
(2) a delinquent residential customer for a billing period in which the provider receives a written
pledge, letter of intent, purchase order, or other written notification from an energy assistance
provider that it is forwarding sufficient payment to continue service; or
(3) a delinquent residential customer on a weekend day, unless personnel or agents of the provider
are available for the purpose of receiving payment or making collections and reconnecting
service.
(o) Payment plans. Providers shall defer collection of the full payment of bills that are due during an extreme
weather emergency until after the emergency is over, and shall work with customers to establish a
payment schedule for deferred bills as set forth in paragraph (2)(D) of §7.45 of this title, relating to
Quality of Service.
(d) Notice. Beginning in the September or October billing periods utilities and owners, operators, or
managers of master metered systems shall give notice as follows:
(1) Each utility shall provide a copy of this rule to the social services agencies that distribute funds
from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program within the utility's service area.
(2) Each utility shall provide a copy of this rule to any other social service agency of which the
provider is aware that provides financial assistance to low income customers in the utility's
service area.
(3) Each utility shall provide a copy of this rule to all residential customers of the utility and
customers who are owners, operators, or managers of master metered systems.
(4) Owners, operators, or managers of master metered systems shall provide a copy of this rule to all
of their customers.
(e) In addition to the minimum standards specified in this section, providers may adopt additional or
alternative requirements if the provider files a tariff with the Commission pursuant to §7.44 of this title
(relating to Filing of Tariffs). The Commission shall review the tariff to ensure that at least the minimum
standards of this section are met.