HOLLY SPRINGS UTILITY DEPARTMENT SERVICE PRACTICE STANDARDS

 The following items shall constitute the official Service Policy or Service Practice Standards of the Holly Springs Utility Department. These regulations shall govern all actions of the power distributor in dealing with the public, its customers. Although this policy statement, as outlined below, is deemed to be complete, it is subject to revision or amendment, as judged appropriate by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Holly Springs, and will conform in general to the TVA guidelines incorporated in the current TVA/Power Distributor Contract. Item 1: Application for Service. As a first step in securing any utility service, the prospective Customer must appear in person at the offices of the Holly Springs Utility Department, located at 1050 Highway 4 East, in Holly Springs, and he or she must fill out a standard Application for Service form. (Note: Rural residents of Marshall County must bring necessary building permits and related documents. See Amendment 1A.) Separate application forms are available for homeowners, renters, and business proprietors. In addition to furnishing specific information about himself, the Customer, in signing the form, agrees to be responsible for payment of the utility billing and if he/she is a homeowner or proprietor of a business, grants the City of Holly Springs a right-of-way easement for installation and maintenance of water, sewer, electrical and gas lines over, under or across the property being served by the utilities. Anyone desiring utility service to a mobile home must bring their mobile home registration receipt from the Tax Assessors Office of Marshall County, Benton County, or Lafayette County. All applicants are required to furnish valid state issued picture identification as well as their social security card at the time of application for service. Applicants must also furnish proof of ownership or a lease / rental agreement. See Attachment A (Steps to Take to Apply for Electric Service for Permanent Structures) and /or Attachment B (Steps to Take to Apply for Electric Service to Mobile Homes) for specific step-by-step instruction in applying for service. AMENDMENT 1A: Subject Marshall County Zoning Ordinance, as adopted by the Marshall County Board of Supervisors on October 27, 1986, and as amended on March 2, 1987 and on April 21, 1987. (This Ordinance applies ONLY to Marshall County, excluding the incorporated municipalities of Holly Springs, Byhalia, and Potts Camp. In accordance with the aforesaid Zoning Ordinance, the Holly Springs Utility Department will make no new electrical connections in rural Marshall County until the prospective customer furnishes the documents described below. Before applying for temporary electrical service, the homeowner must obtain a temporary Building Permit from the Zoning Administrators Office in Marshall County. This permit must be brought to the Utility Department for verification when the customer applies for service. Next, prior to obtaining permanent electric service, the customer must go to the Marshall County Board of Health and obtain a certificate of approval for their septic tank or other sewage disposal system. Once this is done, the customer can apply for a permanent Building Permit from the Zoning Administratorss Office and then apply for permanent electric service from the Holly Springs Utility Department. Mobile home owners must furnish the following documents prior to obtaining electrical service: (1) A certificate of approval of the septic tank/sewage disposal system from the Marshall County Board of Health, ( 2) A building Permit from the Zoning Administrators Office and (3) A mobile home registration certificate from the Marshall, Benton or Lafayette County Tax Assessors Office. Item 2: Deposits. A security deposit is required of the Customer for each account serviced by the Utility Department. Separate deposits shall be required for electricity, gas, and water before these services are supplied. All deposits are held by the Utility Department until the Customer transfers or terminate service. If the customer moves to another place of residence within the service area of the Utility Department, the deposit on record may be transferred to the Customers new account. If the customer moves outside the Holly Springs service area or terminates service, the deposit(s) may be applied against the final bill or any unpaid bills of customer; any balance remaining after the final billing is settled shall be refunded to the Customer. 2A. Updating of Deposits. Deposits of long standing, involving lower deposit amounts than those currently required, do not have to be raised or updated to present levels as long as the Customer remains at his/her present place of residence in good standing; however, when the Customer moves to another location within the Holly Springs service area or reinstates an account for which there is no deposit on record, an updated deposit which meets current standards must be made. 2B. Amount of Deposits. Security deposits currently in effect are as follows: (1) Residential Service: a. Electric Deposit. The deposit for all residential customers with good credit as determined by our credit bureau is $100.00. A $200.00 deposit can be requested if the home owner is a poor credit risk as determined by our credit bureau or by past delinquent accounts at the utility. A deposit equal to twice the average monthly bill or the greater of $300.00 may be required to update an account terminated because of nonpayment. All deposit greater than one months average bill and retained longer than six months shall earn interest. Such earned interest shall be paid or credited against the customers power bill in July or August annually. b. Gas Deposit. For a homeowner, the deposit is $15.00. The rental deposit is equal to two months estimated usage, based on past history of the account. c. Water Deposit. This deposit is $15.00 for both homeowner and renter. d. Yard Lights. There is a $15.00 deposit for any outside light installed on residential or business property. If a pole must be relocated, a relocation charge of $50.00 shall apply. (2) Commercial Service: a. Electric Deposit. Deposits may range from a minimum of $30.00 to a two months estimated bill (based on past history and credit ratings). b. Gas Deposit. For small commercial, the deposit is $30.00; for large commercial, two months estimated bill. c. Water Deposit. This deposit is normally $15.00 (excluding beauty shops, service stations, car washes, and the like, whose deposits must be based on usage). For large commercial, one months estimated bill is required as a deposit. 2C. Servicemans Connection Fee. In addition to the above deposits, there is a one-time connection fee of $15.00, which covers all utility services. This fee, which usually appears on the initial utility bill only, is intended to cover the Utilitys expenses in sending a serviceman to turn on the services; however, any additional trips of this nature requested by the Customer will also result in a $25.00 fee for each trip. Item 3: Point of Delivery. The point of delivery is that point on the Customers premises where current is to be delivered to a structure or to the premises. Unless otherwise specified, (as in an investment type installation, etc.), the point of delivery designated by the Distributor is to be the weather head. All wiring and equipment beyond this delivery point shall be provided and maintained by the Customer; likewise, all expenses and responsibility for said wiring and equipment shall be borne solely by the Customer. For service other than single-point delivery (i.e., service supplied through a single delivery and metering point, and at a single voltage), refer to Item 20 Non-Standard Service, in Distributors Schedule of Rules and Regulations. Item 4: Customers Wiring Standards. All wiring of the Customer must comply with Distributors requirements and accepted current standards, as exemplified by the requirements set forth in the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code. All commercial wiring on Distributors system must be in conduit or acceptable equivalent. Either thin wall or rigid conduit or acceptable equivalent. Either thin wall or rigid conduit is permitted, as well as Schedule 40 PVC, or Greenfield or BX. Item 5: Inspections. Distributor shall have the right to inspect any wiring installation before providing electrical service or at any later time, and reserves with exception the right to reject any wiring or appliances not in accordance with distributors standards; however, Distributor is not obligated to inspect, and such inspection or failure to inspect or reject shall in no wise render Distributor liable or responsible for any loss or damage resulting from defects in the installation, wiring, or accidents which may occur upon Customers premises. All wiring, whether residential or commercial, new installation or re-wiring, shall be subject to at least two inspections, rough-in and final, by the Distributors electrical inspector. Item 6: Underground Service Lines. Customers desiring underground service lines from Distributors overhead system must bear the excess cost incident thereto. Customer will install, own, and maintain such underground service at his own expense; Distributor agrees to reimburse Customer for the cost of an overhead service, and Distributor will provide metering at the pole. Utility Department further agrees to disconnect service at the pole. Utility Department further agrees to disconnect service at the pole for any future repairs to be done by Customer and to reconnect service after repairs are completed. Underground service may be installed in a raceway but must conform to requirements of the National Electric Code in all respects. Item 7: Customers Responsibility for Distributors Property. All meters, service connections, outdoor lights, and other equipment furnished by the Distributor are, and shall remain, the property of the Distributor. The Customer shall provide space for aforesaid equipment and devices and shall exercise proper care to protect all property of the Distributor on his (the Customers) premises; and in the event of loss or damage to Distributors property arising from negligence on the part of the customer in caring for the same, the cost of necessary repairs or replacements shall be paid by the Customer. Action of willful and malicious destruction of Distributors property shall result in legal prosecution of those individuals responsible for such acts, and full monetary restitution shall be made for any damages. Responsibility for offenses perpetrated by minors shall revert to minors parents or legal guardians. Item 8: Right of Access. Distributors designated employees shall have access to Customers premises at all times for the purpose of reading meters, testing, repairing, installing, removing, or exchanging any or all equipment belonging to the Distributor. 8A. Customers shall not willfully or intentionally cover or conceal Distributors metering. In order for meter readers to obtain accurate monthly readings, ample access space is required, as well as a clear, unobstructed view of the meter. It is the Customers duty to cut bushes and undergrowth, to clean premises, to confine or restrain animals that are vicious or of doubtful temperament, and to provide the Utility Department with a key to any locked gates or doors or allow the Distributor to interlock one of their locks with the Customers lock. 8B. The Distributor will exercise diligence and care in protecting and securing Customers property while upon the Customers premises and upon entry to or departure there from. 8C. Distributor will notify the Customer in writing of any of the above circumstances which prevent access to the Customers premises or which hinder or deter Utility employees from performance of their prescribed duties. Upon receipt of such notification by mail, the Customer shall have three (3) weeks in which to correct conditions which restrict or impede access. In as much as failure to comply on the part of the Customer may have a deleterious effect upon delivery of service or accuracy in billing, the Customers cooperation is earnestly solicited. Item 9: Billing. Bills for utility service will be rendered monthly and shall be paid at the office of the Distributor (Holly Springs Utility Department) or at other payment locations designated by the Distributor. Payment by bank drafts is acceptable. Payment by credit cards and echecks can be made online or by telephone through our third party vendor. Failure to receive a bill will not release the Customer from his or her payment obligation. Customers may request email notification of their bills. Bills may also be view on line at the HSUD web site. All bills are due and payable when received. There are approximately ten (10) days from the time the bills are mailed to the Customer until the discount date. If a payment is not made by this specified date, a five percent (5%) penalty will be added. Should the discount date fall on the weekend or on a holiday observed by the Utility Department, the next business day following will be considered a day of grace for receiving payment in the new or smaller amount. Remittance received by mail after the discount date will not be subject to penalties if the incoming envelope bears United States Postal Service date stamp of the due date or any date prior thereto. Item 10: Discontinuance or Termination of Service by Distributor. One (1) written notice shall be mailed if payment is not received within five (5) days after the discount date. This notice advises the Customer that his bill is past due. Any questions regarding the bill should be made directly to the Utility Office and payment must be made no later than fifteen (15) days after the discount date or service will be discontinued without further notice. 10A. There will be no discontinuation of service for nonpayment for a residential customer on any Friday or any day prior to a holiday observed by the utility. 10B. A customer may request four extensions in a twelve month period. The extension must be in writing and must be delivered in person to the general manager or the office manager. The extension may not go past the current bills due date. 10C. A customer may avoid discontinuation of service for a period of sixty (60) days for nonpayment when the utility receives written notice from a medical doctor licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi, or any adjoining state, certifying that discontinuance of service would create a life threatening situation for the customer or other permanent resident of the customers household. A medical notice can only be used once in a twelve month period. On the sixty-first day, the past due payment must be paid in the office to prevent disconnection. 10D. In addition to disconnection for non-payment of bills, the Distributor may refuse to connect, or may discontinue service for the violation of any of its Rules and Regulations, for violation of any of the provisions of the Schedule of Rates and Charges, or for violation of the application for service or contract with Customers. Distributor may also discontinue service to Customers for the theft of current or the appearance of current theft devices on the premises of Customer. The discontinuance of service by the Distributor for any causes as stated in this rule does not release the Customer from his or her obligation to pay minimum bills each month. 10E. There will be no discontinuance of service to any residential customer when the heat index is greater than 100 degree or less than 32 degree in the Holly Springs service area as determined by the National Weather Service. Item 11. Connection, Reconnection, Disconnection, and Service Charge. When a Customers service has been discontinued for reason of nonpayment, that Customer will be required to fill out a Consumer Service Information Update. The basic deposit rate will be suspended, and the following procedure will be followed: The first time a meter is pulled because of a delinquent bill, the Customer will be required to pay the delinquent bill, the Customer will be required to pay the delinquent bill plus a reconnection fee, the reconnection fee being twenty dollars ($20.00) for regular reconnection hours (8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rural or 4:30 p.m. city), and forty-five dollars ($45.00) for any overtime reconnection. The second time the meter is pulled, the Customer will be required to pay the delinquent bill plus a reconnection fee and an updated meter deposit, based on the amount of one months average bill from the past years billing history. The third time a meter is pulled; the Customer must pay the delinquent bill plus a reconnection fee and another updated deposit to bring the total amount equal to a two months average bill from the past years history. 11A. In the event that a Customer makes a partial payment on his or her account, the credit of the payments will be divided among the services of the bill (electricity, gas, water, sewage, sanitation, etc.) in the proportion of each service to the total bill. If the bill becomes delinquent, all services will be discontinued if the bill is not paid by the cut-off date. 11B. Service Charges. A collection fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will be charged for collection expenses for each trip a serviceman makes in an attempt to collect past due bills to avoid discontinuing utility service. A twenty-two dollar ($22.00) service charge will be added to the Customers account for handling a check that has been returned by the bank. A one dollar ($1.00) service fee will be charged to look up a utility bill for someone who loses their bill or does not include the bill with their payment. A three dollar ($3.00) late note fee will be added to the Customers account for any late notices mailed to the customer. Item 12: Interruption of Service. Holly Springs Utility Department will use reasonable diligence in supplying and maintaining services, but shall not be liable for breach of contract in the event of loss, injury, or damage to persons or property resulting from interruptions in service, excessive or inadequate electrical voltage, single-phasing, outages due to acts of nature, necessary curtailments or brown-outs, or otherwise less than optimum service, whether or not associated with negligence. Item 13: Meter Tests. The Utility Department will, at its own expense, make periodical tests and inspections of its meters and change out any meters it has reason to believe are defective, in order to maintain a high standard of accuracy. The Distributor may, as its discretion, make additional tests or inspections of its meters upon request of the Customer. If a Customer desires a special test of his or her meter, Customer must pay a testing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in advance. If the test proves the meter to be within two percent (2%) accurate, Distributor will retain the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) testing fee, and no adjustment will be made in the Customers billing. If, however, the meter test proves the meter to be more than two percent (2%) inaccurate (slow or fast), the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) fee will be refunded to the Customer, and an adjustment shall be made in the Customers billing covering a period of not over thirty (30) days or one months disputed billing. Item 14: Home Energy Surveys. All dwellings receiving electric service from the Utility Department under the residential rate schedule are eligible for a free energy survey. As a part of such survey, information will be furnished on energy improvements and practices expected to produce energy savings at the dwelling. Customers will be given specific recommendations as to the materials and measures that would provide effective weatherization and thereby yield the greatest energy saving for the Customer. Item 15: Scope. All provisions of this Service Policy are currently in effect and shall be adhered to at times. Revisions or amendments shall be made, as circumstances warrant, upon approval by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Holly Springs. Any and all service practices not specifically defined in this document shall be governed by the Schedule of Rules and Regulations currently in effect as agreed upon mutually by the Distributor and TVA. Item 16: Statement of Nondiscrimination. All rules and Regulations, Service Practice Standards or policies, and /or Distributors Schedule of Rate and Charges shall be applied without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, physical handicap, religion, or marital status. ATTACHMENT A Steps to take to apply for Electric Service for Permanent Structures. 1. The customer is required to apply for a building permit at the City Clerks Office of the City of Holly Springs if inside city corporate limits or other permits and fees as may be required in the City of Holly Springs Electric Departments designated service area. 2. The building permit must be approved by an authorized representative of the Electric Department assuring the customer that electric service can be provided (a field check may be necessary before signing). When permit is approved, the customer then applies for service at the City of Holly Springs Utility Department office by making application and providing correct social security numbers, paying required deposits and/or indemnity bond if required. 3. The customer or contractor must furnish proper type of temporary meter loop meeting Electric Department specifications of the most current edition of the National Electric Code. 4. A field survey must be made to determine the type of electric line, voltage, transformer size, service wire size and obtain any right-of-way easements that may be required. 5. A work order will be prepared by the Electric Departments Engineering Office and forwarded to the construction crews for line construction. 6. Customer or electrical contractor must make application for a rough-in wiring inspection before any wiring is covered up by ceiling, walls or any other obstruction. A final inspection must be made by an authorized representative of the City of Holly Springs Electric Department and must meet the Electric Departments specifications and the most current edition of the National Electrical Code. 7. If the construction of the structure has temporary electric service in a contractors name, the customer will be responsible to make arrangement for the permanent service to be put into proper name. 8. Customers desiring electric service for industrial, seasonal service, street lighting, ball field lighting, and sawmills, must apply with the management of the City of Holly Springs Electric Department. ATTACHMENT B Steps to take to apply for Electric Service to a Mobile Home. 1. Registration required at the County Tax Collectors office. 2. Present copy of registration receipt at Holly Springs Utility Departments office and a copy are made to be filed in consumer file. 3. Fill out application at Holly Springs Utility Departments office and present social security numbers of both husband and wife. 4. A $100.00 meter deposit minimum is paid. 5. Field survey has to be made to determine construction cost along with ROW easement to be furnished by customers or land owner. Construction cost is $50.00 per pole, $50.00 per transformer, $50.00 per span of wire, and $45.00 for each anchor. 6. Customer has to provide the proper type meter loop and has to meet Holly Springs Electric Departments specifications and the National Electrical Code. The meter loop must be assembled and at the mobile home site at time of construction. The top portion will be installed by the Electric Department. 7. When field survey is completed, the construction cost is determined and after this is paid, a work order is issued and turned into the Holly Springs Electric Department Construction Department to proceed with line construction. SCHEDULE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Application for Service. As a first step in securing any utility service, the prospective Customer must appear in person at the offices of the Holly Springs Utility Department, located at 1050 Highway 4 East, in Holly Springs, and he or she must fill out a standard Application for Service form. (Note: Rural residents of Marshall County must bring necessary building permits and related documents. See Amendment 1A.) Separate application forms are available for homeowners, renters, and business proprietors. In addition to furnishing specific information about himself, the Customer, in signing the form, agrees to be responsible for payment of the utility billing and if he/she is a homeowner or proprietor of a business, grants the City of Holly Springs a right-of-way easement for installation and maintenance of water, sewer, electrical and gas lines over, under or across the property being served by the utilities. Anyone desiring utility service to a mobile home must bring their mobile home registration receipt from the Tax Assessors Office of Marshall County, Benton County, or Lafayette County. All applicants are required to furnish valid state issued picture identification as well as their social security card at the time of application for service. Applicants must also furnish proof of ownership or a lease / rental agreement. See Attachment A (Steps to Take to Apply for Electric Service for Permanent Structures) and /or Attachment B (Steps to Take to Apply for Electric Service to Mobile Homes) for specific step-by-step instruction in applying for service. AMENDMENT 1A: Subject Marshall County Zoning Ordinance, as adopted by the Marshall County Board of Supervisors on October 27, 1986, and as amended on March 2, 1987 and on April 21, 1987. (This Ordinance applies ONLY to Marshall County, excluding the incorporated municipalities of Holly Springs, Byhalia, and Potts Camp. In accordance with the aforesaid Zoning Ordinance, the Holly Springs Utility Department will make no new electrical connections in rural Marshall County until the prospective customer furnishes the documents described below. Before applying for temporary electrical service, the homeowner must obtain a temporary Building Permit from the Zoning Administrators Office in Marshall County. This permit must be brought to the Utility Department for verification when the customer applies for service. Next, prior to obtaining permanent electric service, the customer must go to the Marshall County Board of Health and obtain a certificate of approval for their septic tank or other sewage disposal system. Once this is done, the customer can apply for a permanent Building Permit from the Zoning Administratorss Office and then apply for permanent electric service from the Holly Springs Utility Department. Mobile home owners must furnish the following documents prior to obtaining electrical service: (1) A certificate of approval of the septic tank/sewage disposal system from the Marshall County Board of Health, (2) A building Permit from the Zoning Administrators Office and (3) A mobile home registration certificate from the Marshall, Benton or Lafayette County Tax Assessors Office. 2. Deposit. A security deposit is required of the Customer for each account serviced by the Utility Department. Separate deposits shall be required for electricity, gas, and water before these services are supplied. All deposits are held by the Utility Department until the Customer transfers or terminate service. If the customer moves to another place of residence within the service area of the Utility Department, the deposit on record may be transferred to the Customers new account. If the customer moves outside the Holly Springs service area or terminates service, the deposit(s) may be applied against the final bill or any unpaid bills of customer; any balance remaining after the final billing is settled shall be refunded to the Customer. 2A. Updating of Deposits. Deposits of long standing, involving lower deposit amounts than those currently required, do not have to be raised or updated to present levels as long as the Customer remains at his/her present place of residence in good standing; however, when the Customer moves to another location within the Holly Springs service area or reinstates an account for which there is no deposit on record, an updated deposit which meets current standards must be made. 2B. Amount of Deposits. Security deposits currently in effect are as follows: (1) Residential Service: a. Electric Deposit. The deposit for all residential customers with good credit as determined by our credit bureau is $100.00. A $200.00 deposit can be requested if the home owner is a poor credit risk as determined by our credit bureau or by past delinquent accounts at the utility. A deposit equal to twice the average monthly bill or the greater of $300.00 may be required to update an account terminated because of nonpayment. All deposit greater than one months average bill and retained longer than six months shall earn interest. Such earned interest shall be paid or credited against the customers power bill in July or August annually. b. Gas Deposit. For a homeowner, the deposit is $15.00. The rental deposit is equal to two months estimated usage, based on past history of the account. c. Water Deposit. This deposit is $15.00 for both homeowner and renter. d. Yard Lights. There is a $15.00 deposit for any outside light installed on residential or business property. If a pole must be relocated, a relocation charge of $50.00 shall apply. (2) Commercial Service: a. Electric Deposit. Deposits may range from a minimum of $30.00 to a two months estimated bill (based on past history and credit ratings). b. Gas Deposit. For small commercial, the deposit is $30.00; for large commercial, two months estimated bill. c. Water Deposit. This deposit is normally $15.00 (excluding beauty shops, service stations, car washes, and the like, whose deposits must be based on usage). For large commercial, one months estimated bill is required as a deposit. 2C. Servicemans Connection Fee. In addition to the above deposits, there is a one-time connection fee of $15.00, which covers all utility services. This fee, which usually appears on the initial utility bill only, is intended to cover the Utilitys expenses in sending a serviceman to turn on the services; however, any additional trips of this nature requested by the Customer will also result in a $25.00 fee for each trip. 3. Point of Delivery. The point of delivery is that point on the Customers premises where current is to be delivered to a structure or to the premises. Unless otherwise specified, (as in an investment type installation, etc.), the point of delivery designated by the Distributor is to be the weather head. All wiring and equipment beyond this delivery point shall be provided and maintained by the Customer; likewise, all expenses and responsibility for said wiring and equipment shall be borne solely by the Customer. For service other than single-point delivery (i.e., service supplied through a single delivery and metering point, and at a single voltage), refer to Item 20 Non-Standard Service, in Distributors Schedule of Rules and Regulations. 4. Customers Wiring Standards. Standards. All wiring of the Customer must comply with Distributors requirements and accepted current standards, as exemplified by the requirements set forth in the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code. All commercial wiring on Distributors system must be in conduit or acceptable equivalent. Either thin wall or rigid conduit or acceptable equivalent. Either thin wall or rigid conduit is permitted, as well as Schedule 40 PVC, or Greenfield or BX. 5. Inspections. Distributor shall have the right to inspect any wiring installation before providing electrical service or at any later time, and reserves with exception the right to reject any wiring or appliances not in accordance with distributors standards; however, Distributor is not obligated to inspect, and such inspection or failure to inspect or reject shall in no wise render Distributor liable or responsible for any loss or damage resulting from defects in the installation, wiring, or accidents which may occur upon Customers premises. All wiring, whether residential or commercial, new installation or re-wiring, shall be subject to at least two inspections, rough-in and final, by the Distributors electrical inspector. 6. Underground Service Lines. Customers desiring underground service lines from Distributors overhead system must bear the excess cost incident thereto. Customer will install, own, and maintain such underground service at his own expense; Distributor agrees to reimburse Customer for the cost of an overhead service, and Distributor will provide metering at the pole. Utility Department further agrees to disconnect service at the pole. Utility Department further agrees to disconnect service at the pole for any future repairs to be done by Customer and to reconnect service after repairs are completed. Underground service may be installed in a raceway but must conform to requirements of the National Electric Code in all respects. 7. Customers Responsibility for Distributors Property. All meters, service connections, outdoor lights, and other equipment furnished by the Distributor are, and shall remain, the property of the Distributor. The Customer shall provide space for aforesaid equipment and devices and shall exercise proper care to protect all property of the Distributor on his (the Customers) premises; and in the event of loss or damage to Distributors property arising from negligence on the part of the customer in caring for the same, the cost of necessary repairs or replacements shall be paid by the Customer. Action of willful and malicious destruction of Distributors property shall result in legal prosecution of those individuals responsible for such acts, and full monetary restitution shall be made for any damages. Responsibility for offenses perpetrated by minors shall revert to minors parents or legal guardians. 8. Right of Access. Distributors designated employees shall have access to Customers premises at all times for the purpose of reading meters, testing, repairing, installing, removing, or exchanging any or all equipment belonging to the Distributor. 8A. Customers shall not willfully or intentionally cover or conceal Distributors metering. In order for meter readers to obtain accurate monthly readings, ample access space is required, as well as a clear, unobstructed view of the meter. It is the Customers duty to cut bushes and undergrowth, to clean premises, to confine or restrain animals that are vicious or of doubtful temperament, and to provide the Utility Department with a key to any locked gates or doors or allow the Distributor to interlock one of their locks with the Customers lock. 8B. The Distributor will exercise diligence and care in protecting and securing Customers property while upon the Customers premises and upon entry to or departure there from. 8C. Distributor will notify the Customer in writing of any of the above circumstances which prevent access to the Customers premises or which hinder or deter Utility employees from performance of their prescribed duties. Upon receipt of such notification by mail, the Customer shall have three (3) weeks in which to correct conditions which restrict or impede access. In as much as failure to comply on the part of the Customer may have a deleterious effect upon delivery of service or accuracy in billing, the Customers cooperation is earnestly solicited. 9. Billing. Bills for utility service will be rendered monthly and shall be paid at the office of the Distributor (Holly Springs Utility Department) or at other payment locations designated by the Distributor. Payment by bank drafts is acceptable. Payment by credit cards and echecks can be made online or by telephone through our third party vendor. Failure to receive a bill will not release the Customer from his or her payment obligation. Customers may request email notification of their bills. Bills may also be view on line at the HSUD web site. All bills are due and payable when received. There are approximately ten (10) days from the time the bills are mailed to the Customer until the discount date. If a payment is not made by this specified date, a five percent (5%) penalty will be added. Should the discount date fall on the weekend or on a holiday observed by the Utility Department, the next business day following will be considered a day of grace for receiving payment in the new or smaller amount. Remittance received by mail after the discount date will not be subject to penalties if the incoming envelope bears United States Postal Service date stamp of the due date or any date prior thereto. 10. Discontinuance of Service by Distributor. Discontinuance or Termination of Service by Distributor. One (1) written notice shall be mailed if payment is not received within five (5) days after the discount date. This notice advises the Customer that his bill is past due. Any questions regarding the bill should be made directly to the Utility Office and payment must be made no later than fifteen (15) days after the discount date or service will be discontinued without further notice. 10A. There will be no discontinuation of service for nonpayment for a residential customer on any Friday or any day prior to a holiday observed by the utility. 10B. A customer may request four extensions in a twelve month period. The extension must be in writing and must be delivered in person to the general manager or the office manager. The extension may not go past the current bills due date. 10C. A customer may avoid discontinuation of service for a period of sixty (60) days for nonpayment when the utility receives written notice from a medical doctor licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi, or any adjoining state, certifying that discontinuance of service would create a life threatening situation for the customer or other permanent resident of the customers household. A medical notice can only be used once in a twelve month period. On the sixty-first day, the past due payment must be paid in the office to prevent disconnection. 10D. In addition to disconnection for non-payment of bills, the Distributor may refuse to connect, or may discontinue service for the violation of any of its Rules and Regulations, for violation of any of the provisions of the Schedule of Rates and Charges, or for violation of the application for service or contract with Customers. Distributor may also discontinue service to Customers for the theft of current or the appearance of current theft devices on the premises of Customer. The discontinuance of service by the Distributor for any causes as stated in this rule does not release the Customer from his or her obligation to pay minimum bills each month. 10E. There will be no discontinuance of service to any residential customer when the heat index is greater than 100 degree or less than 32 degree in the Holly Springs service area as determined by the National Weather Service. 11. Reconnection Charge. When a Customers service has been discontinued for reason of nonpayment, that Customer will be required to fill out a Consumer Service Information Update. The basic deposit rate will be suspended, and the following procedure will be followed: The first time a meter is pulled because of a delinquent bill, the Customer will be required to pay the delinquent bill, the Customer will be required to pay the delinquent bill plus a reconnection fee, the reconnection fee being twenty dollars ($20.00) for regular reconnection hours (8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rural or 4:30 p.m. city), and forty-five dollars ($45.00) for any overtime reconnection. The second time the meter is pulled, the Customer will be required to pay the delinquent bill plus a reconnection fee and an updated meter deposit, based on the amount of one months average bill from the past years billing history. The third time a meter is pulled; the Customer must pay the delinquent bill plus a reconnection fee and another updated deposit to bring the total amount equal to a two months average bill from the past years history. 11A. In the event that a Customer makes a partial payment on his or her account, the credit of the payments will be divided among the services of the bill (electricity, gas, water, sewage, sanitation, etc.) in the proportion of each service to the total bill. If the bill becomes delinquent, all services will be discontinued if the bill is not paid by the cut-off date. 11B. Service Charges. A collection fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will be charged for collection expenses for each trip a serviceman makes in an attempt to collect past due bills to avoid discontinuing utility service. A twenty-two dollar ($22.00) service charge will be added to the Customers account for handling a check that has been returned by the bank. A one dollar ($1.00) service fee will be charged to look up a utility bill for someone who loses their bill or does not include the bill with their payment. A three dollar ($3.00) late note fee will be added to the Customers account for any late notices mailed to the customer. 12. Interruption of Service. Holly Springs Utility Department will use reasonable diligence in supplying and maintaining services, but shall not be liable for breach of contract in the event of loss, injury, or damage to persons or property resulting from interruptions in service, excessive or inadequate electrical voltage, single-phasing, outages due to acts of nature, necessary curtailments or brown-outs, or otherwise less than optimum service, whether or not associated with negligence. 13. Meter Tests. The Utility Department will, at its own expense, make periodical tests and inspections of its meters and change out any meters it has reason to believe are defective, in order to maintain a high standard of accuracy. The Distributor may, as its discretion, make additional tests or inspections of its meters upon request of the Customer. If a Customer desires a special test of his or her meter, Customer must pay a testing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in advance. If the test proves the meter to be within two percent (2%) accurate, Distributor will retain the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) testing fee, and no adjustment will be made in the Customers billing. If, however, the meter test proves the meter to be more than two percent (2%) inaccurate (slow or fast), the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) fee will be refunded to the Customer, and an adjustment shall be made in the Customers billing covering a period of not over thirty (30) days or one months disputed billing. 14. Termination of Contract by Customer. Customers who have fulfilled their contract terms and wish to discontinue service must give at least three (3) days written notice to that effect, unless contract specifies otherwise. Notice to discontinue service prior to expiration of contract term will not relieve Customer from any minimum or guarantee payment under any contract or rate. 15. Service Charges for Temporary Service. Customers requiring electric service on a temporary basis may be required by Distributor to pay all costs for connection and disconnection incidental to the supplying and removing of service. This rule applies to circuses, carnivals, fairs, temporary construction, and the like. 16. Shortage of Electricity. In the event of an emergency or other condition causing a shortage in the amount of electricity for Distributors to meet the demand on its system, Distributor may, by an allocation method deemed equitable by Distributor, fix the amount of electricity to be made available for use by Customer and/or may otherwise restrict the time during which Customer may make use of electricity and the uses which Customer may make of electricity. If such actions become necessary, Customer may request a variance because of unusual circumstances including matters adversely affecting the public health, safety and welfare. If Customer fails to comply with such allocation or restriction, Distributor may take such remedial actions as it deems appropriate under the circumstances including temporarily disconnecting electric service and charging additional amounts because of the excess use of electricity. The provisions of the Section entitled Interruption of Service of this Schedule of Rules and Regulations are applicable to any such allocation or restriction. 17. Voltage Fluctuations Caused by Customer. Electric service must not be used in such a manner as to cause unusual fluctuations or disturbances to Distributors system. Distributor may require Customer, at his own expense, to install suitable apparatus which will reasonably limit such fluctuations. 18. Additional Load. The service connection, transformers, meters and equipment supplied by Distributor for each Customer have definite capacity, and no addition to the equipment or load connected thereto will be allowed except by consent of Distributor. Failure to give notice of additions or changes in load, and to obtain Distributors consent for same, shall render Customer liable for any damage to any of Distributors lines or equipment caused by the additional or changed installation. 19. Standby and Resale Service. All purchased electric service (other than emergency or standby service) used on the premises of Customer shall be supplied exclusively by Distributor, and Customer shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, sublet, assign, or otherwise dispose of the electric service or any part thereof. 20. Notice of Trouble. Customer shall notify Distributor immediately should the service be unsatisfactory for any reason, or should there be any defects, trouble, or accidents affecting the supply of electricity. Such notices, if verbal, should be confirmed in writing. 21. Non-Standard Service. Customer shall pay the cost of any special installation necessary to meet his peculiar requirements for service at other than standard voltages, or for the supply of closer voltage regulation than required by standard practice. 22. Relocation of Outdoor Lighting Facilities. Distributor shall, at the request of Customer, relocate or change existing Distributor-owned equipment. Customer shall reimburse Distributor for such changes at actual cost including appropriate overheads. 23. Billing Adjusted to Standard Periods. The demand charges and the blocks in the energy charges set forth in the rate schedule are based on billing periods of approximately one month. In the case of the first billing of new accounts (temporary service, cotton gins, and other seasonal customers excepted) and final billings of all accounts (temporary service excepted) where the period covered by the billing involves fractions of a month, the demand charges and the blocks of the energy charge will be adjusted to a basis proportionate with the period of time during which service is extended. 24. Scope. All provisions of this Service Policy are currently in effect and shall be adhered to at times. Revisions or amendments shall be made, as circumstances warrant, upon approval by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Holly Springs. Any and all service practices not specifically defined in this document shall be governed by the Schedule of Rules and Regulations currently in effect as agreed upon mutually by the Distributor and TVA. 25. Revisions. These Rules and Regulations may be revised, amended, supplemented, or otherwise changed from time to time, without notice. Such changes when effective shall have the same force as the present Rules and Regulations. 26. Conflict. In case of conflict between any provisions of any rate schedule and the Schedule of Rules and Regulations, the rate schedule shall apply. ATTACHMENT A Steps to take to apply for Electric Service for Permanent Structures. 1. The customer is required to apply for a building permit at the City Clerks Office of the City of Holly Springs if inside city corporate limits or other permits and fees as may be required in the City of Holly Springs Electric Departments designated service area. 2. The building permit must be approved by an authorized representative of the Electric Department assuring the customer that electric service can be provided (a field check may be necessary before signing). When permit is approved, the customer then applies for service at the City of Holly Springs Utility Department office by making application and providing correct social security numbers, paying required deposits and/or indemnity bond if required. 3. The customer or contractor must furnish proper type of temporary meter loop meeting Electric Department specifications of the most current edition of the National Electric Code. 4. A field survey must be made to determine the type of electric line, voltage, transformer size, service wire size and obtain any right-of-way easements that may be required. 5. A work order will be prepared by the Electric Departments Engineering Office and forwarded to the construction crews for line construction. 6. Customer or electrical contractor must make application for a rough-in wiring inspection before any wiring is covered up by ceiling, walls or any other obstruction. A final inspection must be made by an authorized representative of the City of Holly Springs Electric Department and must meet the Electric Departments specifications and the most current edition of the National Electrical Code. 7. If the construction of the structure has temporary electric service in a contractors name, the customer will be responsible to make arrangement for the permanent service to be put into proper name. 8. Customers desiring electric service for industrial, seasonal service, street lighting, ball field lighting, and sawmills, must apply with the management of the City of Holly Springs Electric Department. ATTACHMENT B Steps to take to apply for Electric Service to a Mobile Home. 1. Registration required at the County Tax Collectors office. 2. Present copy of registration receipt at Holly Springs Utility Departments office and a copy are made to be filed in consumer file. 3. Fill out application at Holly Springs Utility Departments office and present social security numbers of both husband and wife. 4. A $100.00 meter deposit minimum is paid. 5. Field survey has to be made to determine construction cost along with ROW easement to be furnished by customers or land owner. Construction cost is $50.00 per pole, $50.00 per transformer, $50.00 per span of wire, and $45.00 for each anchor. 6. Customer has to provide the proper type meter loop and has to meet Holly Springs Electric Departments specifications and the National Electrical Code. The meter loop must be assembled and at the mobile home site at time of construction. The top portion will be installed by the Electric Department. 7. When field survey is completed, the construction cost is determined and after this is paid, a work order is issued and turned into the Holly Springs Electric Department Construction Department to proceed with line construction.