DEFERRED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL ECONOMIC HARDSHIP. In cases of temporary residential consumer economic hardship, the Cooperative may allow a deferred payment arrangement for payment of the deposit or for payment of a delinquent bill.
(a) If a residential consumer demonstrates that economic hardship prevents payment in full of a delinquent bill that is not already covered by a deferred payment plan, the Cooperative may restore or continue service to the consumer if the consumer agrees to a deferred payment plan, signed by both the Cooperative and consumer. The deferred payment plan should meet the following requirements:
(1) The consumer agrees to pay one-third (or less at the Cooperative’s option) of the outstanding bill at the time the deferred payment agreement is signed;
(2) The consumer agrees to pay all future bills for Cooperative service in accordance with the provisions of this section; and
(3) The consumer agrees to pay the remaining outstanding balance in installments over a period not to exceed twelve (12) months.
(b) The Cooperative will not require any deferred payment agreement to have a duration of less than three (3) months.
(c) In determining a reasonable deferred payment plan schedule, the Cooperative will discuss with the consumer and consider the following conditions:
(1) size of the delinquent account;
(2) consumer's ability to pay;
(3) consumer's payment history;
(4) length of time the debt has been outstanding;
(5) circumstances that resulted in the outstanding debt; and
(6) any other relevant factors related to the circumstances of the consumer.
