BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2003-1
ADOPTED 08/28/2003
TENANT OR LANDLORD’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR UTILITIES WHEN RENTAL PROPERTY IS VACATED
Utility services will be terminated upon a tenant’s request when he/she vacates a rental property. The utility service will then revert to the owner of the property. When there is a signed rental lease between the tenant and property owner, and the tenant does not fulfill his/her lease, utilities incurred after the tenant’s final billing will be the responsibility of the property owner to pay.
Brainerd Public Utilities will notify the owner of the vacated property after the tenant’s final billing is done.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2003-2
ADOPTED 08/28/2003
CUSTOMER CREDIT CARDS
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) customers will be allowed to pay their monthly utility bill by credit or debit card (Mastercard and VISA only) commencing October 1, 2003. The customer will not be charged a convenience fee at this time. However, BPU reserves the right to charge the customer a convenience fee, if deemed necessary, at a future date.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2003-2
Adopted 08/28/2003
Revised 12/20/05
CUSTOMER CREDIT CARDS
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) customers will be allowed to pay their monthly utility bill by credit or debit card (Mastercard and VISA only) commencing October 1, 2003.
Customers with a monthly utility bill in excess of $2,000 are subject to a three (3) percent convenience fee due to increased costs associated with processing credit card payments. The BPU reserves the right to review credit card limitations and convenience fees at any time.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2003-4
ADOPTED 10/28/2003
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF UTILITY METERS
BPU will administer a zero tolerance program for unauthorized use of utility meters.
When a customer of Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) deliberately commits, authorizes, attempts, solicits, aids, or abets bypassing, tampering, unauthorized connection, or unauthorized metering that results in damages to the utility; or knowingly receives service provided as a result of bypassing, tampering, unauthorized connection, or unauthorized metering, BPU has the authority to bring civil or criminal action per MN Statute 325E.026.
BPU will charge a three month average bill as a deposit to the customer receiving illegal power and/or water for this utility meter, as well as the energy and/or water charges for the period of illegal tampering, the charges described below, and any other charges BPU deems necessary.
BPU may recover double the costs of the actual billing charges incurred; including the costs and expenses for investigation, disconnection, reconnection, service calls, equipment and employees. Trial costs and witness fees of pursuing possible legal action will also be charged to the customer.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2003-5
ADOPTED 12/23/03
REVISED 06/26/12
FEES FOR WATER METERS
Effective January 1, 2004, Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) will charge for all residential water meters. Meters must be purchased from BPU and BPU will own and maintain the water meter.
All commercial and residential water meters that are broken or frozen will be replaced and charged to the customer, per BPU’s fee schedule.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2005-6
ADOPTED 08/30/05
METERING OF MULTI-UNIT DWELLINGS FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES
Electric service in a single-metered multi-unit residential building, as defined pursuant to MN Statute 504B.215, will be billed to the landlord/building owner.(MN Statute 504B.215 Sub d. 2 requires the landlord of a single-metered residential building be responsible for paying the utility bill, and shall be the customer on record contracting with the utility, and requires the landlord to advise the utility of the existence of a single-metered residential building). A single metered residential building includes the following situations: “shared meter” in which a utility meter measures service provided to a tenant’s dwelling and also measures such service to areas outside that dwelling or “mixed wiring” in which electric outlets, fixtures or devices outside the individual unit are included on another unit’s individual meter; or “mixed plumbing” when related to electric utility service such as when an electric water heater serves more than one individual unit.
If Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) discovers a single-metered residential or commercial building with shared metering, mixed metering, or mixed plumbing in which individual metered service has been established and is being billed to the tenant, BPU will immediately establish an account in the landlord/owner’s name and they will be responsible for the usage of all meters involved.
In order to re-establish individual metered service for the individual tenant unit(s), the landlord/building owner will be required to provide certification of a licensed electrician that all instances of mixed wiring, shared metering and/or mixed plumbing have been eliminated. The property will also have to be inspected by BPU personnel before the account will be put in a tenant’s name.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2005-7
Adopted 08/30/05
INACTIVE ACCOUNTS
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) will charge all customers a monthly fixed charge for utility services, regardless of the length of time an account will remain inactive. Residential accounts will be billed the monthly fixed charge for electric, water, and wastewater each month, plus any kilowatt hours used and all gallons of water used that are not included in the fixed charge. Commercial accounts will be billed the appropriate monthly fixed charge for electric and water utility services based on size of service. The wastewater charge is the same for both commercial and residential accounts.
Different options available to the customers are summarized below:
Customers will have the option to pay the utility bill in full each month, pre-pay the monthly fixed charges for the months they are going to be gone, and pay for the kilowatt hours and gallons of water used when they return, or pay the entire bill when they return.
Customers can avoid paying these charges by requesting BPU disconnect the electric meter and/or remove the water meter for the time period that the property is going to be vacant. If the meters are removed, there will be a $50 charge to have the electric reconnected and a $50 charge to have the water turned on.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2005-8
Adopted 12/06/05
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
The provision for customers to receive utility service from Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) shall be contingent upon the customer complying with the following policy requirements. These policy requirements can be amended when deemed necessary in the future.
Any customer that does not comply with the above list of requirements, will be considered an unauthorized user of BPU’s utility service and subject to immediate disconnection of service without further notice and/or legal action.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2005-9
Adopted 01/01/86
Revised 12/06/05
Revised 01/30/07
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
CUSTOMERS SUBJECT TO A DEPOSIT
To establish credit with Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU), a deposit may be required at the time of application for service. A deposit will be required from customers for the following reasons:
Residential Customers - The deposit will equal a two (2) month average billing based on the previous 12 months of bills. If there is no previous year’s billing available, there will be an estimate made based on an account of similar size to establish an average monthly bill and then doubled to satisfy the required deposit. A minimum deposit of $50 will be required.
Commercial Customers - The deposit will equal the highest monthly bill charged for the previous 12 months, rounded to the nearest ten (10) dollars. If there is no previous year’s billing available, there will be an estimate made based on an account of similar size to establish an estimated highest monthly billing which will then be considered the required deposit. A minimum deposit of $100 will be required. Deposits for new customers will be billed with their first monthly bill. Exceptions include being disconnected for non-payment of a customer’s utility bill or having a bad debt with BPU. The deposit will then have to be paid before utility service is allowed.
All deposits will earn interest at a rate that is set by the MN Department of Commerce each year in December [MN Statute 325E.02(b)]. Interest will be credited to the customer’s account annually in December and/or when a customer moves and a final billing is done.
All customers who have paid their bill on time and in full for at least 11 of 12 consecutive months will have their deposit refunded. The deposit will be refunded to only the primary name on the account. Deposits and any accrued interest are credited to the customer’s 13th month’s billing. When a customer moves out of their residence and a final billing is done, the deposit will be applied to their final bill. If the customer’s final bill is less than their deposit, the remaining balance will be mailed to them. Any refund less than $5 will not be returned to the customer.
A deposit can be transferred from one person to another residing at the same service location by coming into BPU and filling out a deposit transfer form.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2005-10
DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE
DISCONNECTION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF BILL
When BPU discovers that a BPU customer is deceased, the utility service(s) will be disconnected 30 days after finding out of the death, if BPU is not notified by the executor of the estate; or if another person moves into the deceased’s residence and does not transfer the utility bill into his/her name.
BPU may disconnect service to any customer without further notice for the following reasons:
Stealing electricity is dangerous and against the law. Tampering with any electric facility, including the meter box and its seals is dangerous. Anyone who breaks the seal and tampers with the meter exposes him/herself to the risk of electrocution. Per BPU Policy No. 2003-4 BPU will administer a zero-tolerance program for unauthorized use of utility meters. BPU has the authority to bring civil or criminal action per MN Statute 325E.026.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2007-11
Adopted 10/30/07
WATER TURN ON FEE
When a customer requests the water be turned off for their residence or business, the customer, or the new owner of the property, will be charged a $50 fee when the water is turned back on. When there is an after hours request the fee will be $150.
The $50 charge will be billed to the customer on their monthly bill, however, BPU has the right to require payment before the water is turned on.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2007-12
Adopted 10/30/07
FEE FOR CHECK READINGS AND TEST/CHANGE METERS
If a Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) customer requests BPU to check the reading of their electric and/or water meter, there will be a $25 fee for this service if it is requested more than one time, by the customer, within a 12 month period.
In the event a BPU customer requests their electric and/or water meter be tested and changed more than once in a three (3) year period, the customer will be charged a $25 fee. If the meter test indicates that the meter is not accurate, the meter will be repaired or replaced, and the $25 fee will be returned to the customer.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2008-13
Adopted – November 24, 2009
ACCESS TO PROPERTY
TO SERVICE/REPAIR WATER METERS
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) has the right to access a customer’s residence or business at reasonable times, whether it is for the reading, inspection, repairing and/or replacing a water meter; or for some other purpose reasonably necessary for the proper administration of the water service.
A notice will be sent to the customer stating the reason why BPU needs to have access to the water meter. If the customer does not respond back by the due date on the notice, to make arrangements with BPU to correct the problem, BPU has the right to turn the water service off until access is gained.
If the water service is turned off, the customer will have to pay a $50 water turn on fee before the service is reinstated.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2008-14
Identity Theft Prevention Program Procedures
Adopted 11/25/08
This program is intended to identify red flags, pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flags Rule which implements Section 114 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (16 C.F.R. § 681.2), that will alert Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) employees when new or existing accounts are opened using false information; protect against the establishment of false accounts; methods to ensure existing accounts were not opened using false information; and measures to respond to such events.
BPU has conducted an internal risk assessment to evaluate how at risk the current procedures are at allowing customers to create a fraudulent account and evaluate if current (existing) accounts are being manipulated. This risk assessment evaluated how new accounts were opened and the methods used to access the account information. Using the following information, BPU was able to identify the following red flags that were appropriate to prevent identity theft.
BPU adopts the following red flags to detect potential fraud. These are not intended to be all-inclusive and other suspicious activity may be investigated as necessary.
Responses to Red Flags
Any employee that may suspect fraud or detect a red flag will implement the following response as applicable.
The Identity Theft Program will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in risks to BPU customers and the reliability of BPU from identity theft. At least once a year, BPU’s Finance Director will consider BPU’s experiences with any identity theft situation(s) that have occurred, changes in identity theft methods, changes in identity theft detection and prevention methods, changes in types of accounts BPU maintains and changes in BPU’s business arrangements with other entities. After considering these factors, the Finance Director will determine whether changes to the identity theft program, including the listing of red flags, are warranted. If warranted, the Finance Director will update the Identity Theft Program or present the BPU Commission with his recommended changes and the BPU Commission will make a determination of whether to accept, modify, or reject those changes.
Responsibility for developing, implementing, and updating this program lies with an Identity Theft Committee for BPU. The Committee will consist of the Finance Director, Accounting Supervisor, and Information Technology Supervisor. The Finance Director will be responsible for the program administration, ensuring appropriate training of BPU staff, review any staff reports regarding the detection of red flags and the steps for preventing and mitigating identity theft, determine which steps of prevention and mitigation should be taken in particular circumstances, and considering periodic changes to the program.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2008-15
Adopted 12/30/08
NON-SUFFICIENT FUND CHECKS AND ACH PAYMENTS
If a check made payable to Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) is returned for nonsufficient funds (NSF) or the account has been closed, or if a customer has their utility bill paid by ACH, and notification is sent for non-sufficient funds or the account has been closed, the following procedures will take place.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY 2013-16
Adopted 10/29/2013
FEE FOR READING ELECTRIC AND/OR WATER METERS
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) will charge a $15 monthly fee to a customer of BPU who does not respond to notice(s) giving permission to BPU to install Automatic Meter Reading meter(s) at their residence or business. Three (3) attempts will be made to the customer:
1. Telephone call
2. Door hanger will be delivered
3. Send a letter
If after these three (3) attempts and there has not been an appointment set up by the customer, or if the appointment is cancelled, the following month the $15 fee will added as a line item to the customer’s bill each month until the new meter(s) is installed. If the meters have not been changed out within six months after receiving the last notice, the fee will increase to $25 per month.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2014-18
ADOPTED 09/23/2014
FEE FOR TEMPORARY ELECTRIC SERVICE
Effective October 1, 2014 Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) will charge a fee of $150 for temporary electric service requests for both commercial and residential customers. If a line extension is needed, additional costs may apply. In addition to the temporary service fee, the customer will also be charged the required electric meter service charge and for all kilowatt hours that are used
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
Budget Billing Policy
Policy 2016-18
September 1, 2016
This policy is in effect for Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) residential customers to sign up for budget billing to even out their utility costs by paying a consistent amount each month. Budget billing will help manage unanticipated high billings during summer and winter months.
A customer can enroll in the budget billing program in March and September of each year. An application will have to be filled out and returned to BPU by last day of chosen month. The application can be downloaded from BPU’s website www.bpu.org or picked up at BPU’s business office at 8027 Highland Scenic Road.
A budget billing amount will be determined by using the previous 12 months of billing history for the customer’s residence and dividing the total amount by 12. Budget billing accounts will be calculated twice a year; at the end of March, effective with the April billing and at the end of September, effective with the October billing. BPU has the right to increase or decrease the calculated amount at any time, if BPU believes it is necessary. The customer will be notified by BPU if a change is necessary.
To be eligible for budget billing the customer must:
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2016-20
Adopted 01/24/17
RECONNECTION OF ELECTRIC AND WATER SERVICE
In order to have electric and/or water service restored after a customer has been disconnected for non-payment of a utility bill, the customer is required to pay their bill in full and a reconnect fee will have to be paid for each service that is disconnected in accordance to Policy No. 2005-10 – Disconnection of Utility Services.
Payment will have to be paid to Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) Business Office by 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, in order to get service(s) reconnected the same day as disconnection of service occurs.
For any payment made after 3:00 p.m., service(s) will not be reconnected until the following business day.
This policy is in effect for all 12 months in the calendar year.
POLICY NO. 2017-21
A POLICY regulating nonessential water usage upon critical water deficiency as
authorized by Minn. Stat. § 103G.291, subd. 1 and 2.
Sec. 1-1. Purpose. This Policy establishes water conservation restrictions; and the plan will be in effect at any time the governor declares by executive order a critical water deficiency, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291.
Sec. 1-2. Application.
(a) This Policy applies to all customers of public water suppliers who own or control water use on any premises.
(b) No person shall make, cause, use, or permit the use of water received from a public water supply for residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, or any other purpose in any manner contrary to any provision in this Policy.
(c) Mandatory emergency conservation measures shall be implemented based upon the declaration of a critical water emergency by the governor.
Sec. 1-3. Declaration of critical water deficiency.
Upon the declaration of a critical water deficiency by the governor, Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) shall immediately notify all water users via social media tools, including but not limited to radio, Facebook, and website of the emergency declaration. BPU shall provide notification to the public as quickly as possible or through established water supply plans emergency response plans or procedures.
Sec. 1-4. Mandatory emergency water conservation measures.
Upon declaration of a water emergency and notification to the public, the following mandatory restrictions upon nonessential water use shall be enforced:
(1) Outdoor irrigation of yards, gardens, golf courses, parklands, and other non-agricultural land, except for those areas irrigated with reclaimed water, is prohibited.
(2) Washing or spraying of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas with water from any pressurized source, including garden hoses, except to alleviate immediate health or safety hazards, is prohibited.
(3) The outdoor use of any water-based play apparatus connected to a pressurized source is prohibited.
(4) Restaurants and other food service establishments are prohibited from serving water to their customers, unless water is specifically requested by the customer.
(5) Operation of outdoor misting systems used to cool public areas is prohibited.
(6) The filling of swimming pools, fountains, spas, or other exterior water features is prohibited.
(7) The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited, except at facilities equipped with wash water recirculation systems, and for vehicles requiring frequent washing to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Sec. 1-5. Variances.
BPU management is authorized to grant variances to this Policy where strict application of its provisions would result in serious hardship to a customer. A variance may be granted only for reasons involving health or safety. An applicant may appeal the denial of a variance within five (5) days of the decision by submitting a written appeal to BPU management. The BPU commission shall hear the appeal at the next commission meeting. The decision of the commission is final.
Sec. 1-6. Violation.
(a) Violations shall be determined and cited by the BPU management. A violator may appeal the citation within five (5) days of its issuance by submitting a written appeal to the commission. The BPU Commission shall hear the appeal at the next Commission meeting. The decision of the Commission is final. Violators may be granted an administrative waiver if evidence is provided that equipment failure was the cause of the violation. A letter from a qualified vendor or equipment invoice will be required to show proof of equipment failure.
(b) Upon discovery of a first violation, the violator shall be issued, either personally or by mail, a warning letter that sets forth the violation and which shall describe the remedy and fines for future violations.
(c) Upon subsequent violations at the same location, the violator shall be issued, either personally or by mail, a citation that sets forth the violation and shall describe the remedy. Fines shall be added to the monthly water bill of the owner or current occupant of the premises where the violation occurred. The imposition of the fine shall in no way limit the right of the City to pursue other legal remedies.
Sec. 1-7. Enforcement.
BPU management or his/her designee is authorized to designate city employees or law enforcement personnel to enforce the provisions of this Policy.
Sec. 1-8 Severability
If any provision of this Policy or the application of any provision to a particular situation is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portions of the Policy and the application of the Policy to any other situation shall not be invalidated.
Sec. 1-9 Effective date.
This Policy becomes effective on January 24, 2017 Passed by the BPU Commissionl of Brainerd January 24, 2017.
Approved:
BPU Commission President
Attested:
BPU Commission Secretary
Brainerd Public Utilities Policy Regarding Distributed Generation and Net Metering Policy 2018-02 Adopted March 20, 2018
To establish the application procedure and qualification criteria for all customers for the delivery, interconnection, metering and purchase of electricity from distributed generation facilities and to comply with applicable laws and rules governing distributed generation.
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) recognizes its obligation to provide an interconnection to qualifying facilities that are eligible for distributed generation and will comply with all applicable laws and rules governing distributed generation.
In the event an inconsistency exists between terms in this policy and those established by Statute, Rule or Court Order, then the definition so established shall supersede the definition used in this policy and shall govern.
For purposes of this policy, the following terms have the meaning given them:
A. Net Metering/Net Billing - the process whereby the customer and BPU compensate each other based on the difference in the amount of energy each sells to the other at the net metered facility.
B. Net Metered Facility - an electric generation facility constructed for the purpose of offsetting energy use through the use of renewable energy or high efficiency generation sources.
C. Average Retail Energy Rate - the average of the retail energy rates, exclusive of special rates based on income, age, or energy conservation, according to the
applicable rate schedule of BPU for sales to the class of customer of which the customer/qualifying facility belong.
D. Avoided Costs - the incremental costs to BPU of electric energy or capacity or both which, but for the purchase from the qualifying facility, BPU would generate itself or purchase from another source.
E. Interconnection Rules - means any applicable Utility Cogeneration Rules developed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 216B.164 and 216B.1611 that include issues outlined in the State of Minnesota Interconnection Process for Distributed Generation Systems, Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements, General Interconnection Application, Engineer Data Submittal and Interconnection Agreement.
F. Interconnection Application - the form to be used by the customer to submit its formal request for interconnection to BPU and which shall be substantially similar in form to that Application attached as Exhibit A to this policy. The customer signature on the interconnection application indicated the customer shall follow steps outlined in BPU Cogeneration Rules and the State of Minnesota Interconnection Process for Distributed Generation System. The interconnection between the qualifying facility or net metered facility and BPU must comply with the requirements as stated in the State of Minnesota Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements.
G. Contract - the written agreement between the customer/qualifying facility and BPU, as established in BPU Cogeneration Rules.
H. Total Generator Nameplate Capacity - the total kW output of a qualifying facility's generator. For purposes of this definition total output is determined by the nameplate capacity rating, or in the event that the nameplate capacity is not less than 40 kW, then the existence of any variable speed drive or other limiting device shall be factored into determining total generator nameplate capacity. The customer must fully, accurately and completely disclose in its interconnection application to BPU, the technical specifications for any capacity limiting device contemplated and the customer shall furnish BPU with any factory manuals or other similar documents requested from BPU regarding such limiting or other control devices which factor into the calculation of total generator nameplate capacity.
I. Measured Capacity - for purposes of determining capacity, it shall be measured based on the highest fifteen (15) minute average demand of the unit in any one billing period.
All customers are eligible for distributed generation, interconnection with BPU's distribution system and application of net metering upon the following terms and conditions.
1. The customer must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) *18 C.F.R. 292.303, 292.304 and Minnesota's Distributed Generation laws. Minn. Stat. §216B.164.
2. The customer shall complete, sign and return to BPU an Interconnection Application in the form prescribed in Exhibit A hereto. The Application shall be approved by BPU prior to the customer beginning the project.
3. The customer shall enter into a written contract with BPU using the uniform utility contract contained in BPU Cogeneration Rules – Exhibit B.
4. The qualifying facility shall pay BPU for all reasonable costs of interconnection including those costs outlined in Minnesota Statute 216B.164, the Minnesota Interconnection Process, and the Minnesota Interconnection Technical Requirements as established in PUC Docket CI-01-1023.
5. The qualifying facilities total generator nameplate capacity shall be less than 40 kW and the facility shall operate at a measured capacity of less than 40 kW at all times.
6. BPU may limit the capacity and operating characteristics of distributed generation single phase generators in a manner consistent with BPU limitations for single phase motors, when necessary to avoid a qualifying facility from causing problems with the service of other customers.
7. BPU may require the qualifying facility to discontinue parallel generation operations when necessary for system safety.
8. The power output from the qualifying facility must be maintained so that frequency and voltage are compatible with normal utility service and do not cause that service to fall outside the prescribed limits of interconnection rules and other standard limitations.
9. The qualifying facility shall keep in force liability insurance against personal or property damage due to the installation, interconnection, and operation of its electric generating facilities. The amount of insurance coverage shall be the maximum amount of said insurance for a qualifying facility or net metered facility as outlined in the State of Minnesota Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements.
10.Failure of the qualifying facility to operate its generators at a measured capacity below the 40 kW capacity limit established by M.S. 216B.164, Sub. 3 and as contemplated by this policy, shall result in the following. BPU will notify the customer/qualifying facility of the fact that its generating equipment has failed to operate below the 40 kW maximum capacity and will provide the customer/qualifying facility with the date, time and kW reading that substantiate this finding.
11.BPU shall compensate the customer/qualifying facility for all metered electricity produced by said qualifying facility during the thirty (30) day period during which the failure occurred, at BPU's Generation and Transmission Supplier's avoided cost rate.
12.BPU shall continue to pay the customer/qualifying facility for subsequent electricity produced and delivered pursuant to this distributed generation agreement, at BPU's Generation and Transmission Supplier's avoided cost rate until:
1. The problem with the generator that caused it to operate at or above the statutory maximum capacity has been remedied; and
2. BPU has been provided documentation adopted by a Minnesota Professional Engineer that confirms the problem with the generator
has been remedied.
13.Any customer account eligible for net metering and the net billing rate may not be eligible for any other load management discounts unless agreed to by BPU.
14.Payment for the purchase of distributed generation electricity herein shall be in the form of a credit on the customer’s monthly billing invoice or paid by check or electronic payment to the customer within fifteen (15) days of the billing date, whichever is selected and indicated in the Contract.
15.The customer must be, and continue to be, current with payment on its electric account with BPU.
16.The customer must not enter into any arrangement that violates BPU’s exclusive right to provide electric service in its service area under Minnesota Statutes §216B.40.
17.In the event that the distributed generator fails to meet the requirements of this policy for a Total Generator Nameplate Capacity of less than 40 kW, and fails to satisfy the corrective requirements set forth in Section 12 above, then BPU will have the right to (1) cancel the Contract with the owner of the distributed generator, and (2) enter into a new contract with the owner of the distributed generator that, among other changes, adjusts the distributed generator's rated capacity and specifies avoided cost pricing for the distributed generator's output. To the extent that BPU does not have the obligation to make purchases from qualifying facilities of 40 kW or greater due
to transfer of the obligation to BPU's wholesale supplier that has been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the new agreement will be between BPU's wholesale supplier and the distributed generator. In either case, BPU (and as applicable BPU’s wholesale supplier) and the owner of the distributed generator will cooperate in the transition from the form of contract set forth in BPU’s adopted cogeneration rules to a new form of contract appropriate to a distributed generator with a capacity of 40 kW or greater.
BRAINERD PUBLIC UTILITIES
POLICY NO. 2024-01
Adopted 02/27/24
FROZEN WATER SERVICE LINES
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU) is responsible for a frozen water main. Residential customers are responsible for waterlines from the curb stop to their residence. Commercial customers are responsible for waterlines from the main to their business.
Property owners (residential and commercial) are responsible for hiring and paying a licensed plumber, or other firm, capable of safely thawing their service lines. Property owners will assume all risk and liabilities of using a line thawing service.
If BPU is notified of a frozen water line, BPU staff will investigate the problem and determine if it’s the main or service line. Notifications received during regular working hours shall be responded to within that business day. Notifications received after working hours will be responded to the following working day, unless deemed an emergency for shut off.
If the water meter is damaged due to the frozen water service, the customer will be billed per the fee schedule to replace the meter. BPU may require this payment before installing the meter.
Customers are responsible for taking all the necessary precautions to avoid frozen water lines. These precautions can be found at www.bpu.org. The costs associated with this preventative measure will be incurred by the customer. If BPU determines it is necessary for the customer to run their water to avoid a water main freeze up, the customer’s water and wastewater charges will be adjusted to their average seasonal water consumption.
BPU reserves the right to deviate from this policy at any time if deemed to be in the best interest of BPU and its customers based on safety and economic considerations. Any deviation and the reason for the deviation shall be documented in writing.
Disconnect/Reconnect Electricity | |||
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (dropping lines, meter maintenance, etc) | No Charge | ||
After hours Emergency Disconnect/Reconnect | No Charge | ||
Temporary Service-If line is extended additional fees could be incurred | $150.00 | ||
Disconnected delinquent accounts & Foreclosures - 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | $50.00 | ||
Special Events | |||
Service Charge (Additional charges could be incurred) | $150.00 | ||
Electric commercial base service charge per meter | $25.00 | ||
Commercial kWh charge | $0.10581 | ||
Turn Off/On Water | |||
7:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. | No Charge | ||
After hours Emergency Turn Off | No Charge | ||
Disconnected delinquent accounts & Foreclosures - 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | $50.00 | ||
Tampering With Meter | |||
Tampering Fee | $350.00 | ||
Additional Reconnect Fee | $50.00 | ||
3 month average deposit | Varies | ||
New Water Service-1" (main to curb stop) RESTORATION IS OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY | Total Costs Incurred | ||
Water Main Tap | |||
3/4" or 1" plus materials | $300.00 | ||
1 1/2" or 2" plus materials | $600.00 | ||
Water Transmitter | $140.00 | ||
Water Meters | |||
5/8" - 1/2" Iperl | $235.00 | ||
3/4" Iperl | $235.00 | ||
1" Iperl | $325.00 | ||
1 1/2" Omni-C2 | $1,935.00 | ||
2" Omni-C2 | $2,235.00 | ||
3" Omni-C2 | $2,820.00 | ||
4" Omni T2 | $4,910.00 | ||
Bulk Water Sales | |||
Service Charge | $19.30 | ||
Charge per 1,000 gallons | $4.10 | ||
Hydrant Meter Deposit - (Refundable) | $1,000.00 | ||
Pole Attachments - annually per pole | $7.00 | ||
Security Lights - monthly per light | $12.50 + sales tax | ||
No charge to install if installed on existing pole | |||
Oversize Loads | |||
Under $500 estimate | Full estimate before move | ||
Over $500 estimate | $500 + 50% of est. cost over $500 | ||
BPU Equipment and Employees | |||
Hourly Rate Per Employee | $70/hr | ||
After Hours Hourly Rate Per Employee | $105/hr | ||
Materials | Materials + 20% & sales tax | ||
Truck | $100/day | ||
Backhoe | $45/hr | ||
Generator | $950/day + fuel |