HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-23 CenterPoint Energy Updating its Schedule of RatesCenterPoint.
Energy
no 23, 2023
Mayor and City Council
City of La Porte
La Porte, Texas
Delivered by Certified Mail
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
La Porte. The attached rates are currently effective for bills rendered on or after June 15, 2023, in
the City of La Porte. 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-2096-I-GRIP 2023
Rate
Schedule
No.
GSS-20964-GRIP 2023
Rate
Schedule
No.
GSLV-627-I-GRIP 2023
Rate
Schedule
No.
PGA-15T
Rate
Schedule
No.
TA-14
Rate
Schedule
No.
FFA-9
Rate
Schedule
No.
MISC47
Rate
Schedule
No.
TCJA-HOU/TXC 2022
Rate Schedule No. CRR
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 me at 713-207-5946.
Sincerely,
Keith L. Wall
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Attachments
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATE SHEET
RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
RATE SCHEDULE NO. R-2096-I-GRIP 2023
APPLICATION OF SCHEDULE
This schedule is applicable to any customer in an incorporated area excluding a city that has ceded jurisdiction to the
Commission in the Texas Coast Division 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 thenrdividual use of the customer at one ponrt of delivery and shall not be resold
or shared with others.
MONTHLY RATE
Far 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— $21.95'
(2) Commodity Chuge—
All Ccf $0.07196?
(b) Tax Adjustment —The Tax Adjustment will be calculated and adjusted periodically as defined iu die
Company's applicable Tax Adjustment Rate Schedule and Franchise Fee Adjusbment 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.
(d) Rate Case Expense Recovery —Rate Case Expense Recovery will be calculated and adjusted periodically
as defined in the Company's applicable Rate Case Expense Recovery Rate Schedule.
PAYMENT
Due date of the bill for service shall not be less than
15 days after
issuance or such other period of time
as maybe
provided by order of the regulatory authority. A bill
for utility service is delinquent if unpaid by the due
date.
Ill
r Customer Chuge
$15.25
(GUD 10750)
2018
GRIP Charge
0.71
(GUD 10717)
2019
GRIP Charge
1.14
(GUD 10836)
2020
GRIP Charge
0.67
(GUD 10949)
2021
GRIP Charge
0.85
(CASE 00005926)
2022
GRIP Charge
132
(CASE 00008828)
2023
GRIP Charge
2.01(CASE
00012780)
Total
Customer Charge
$21.95
z Commodity Charge of $0.07196
(GUD 10750),
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/ /A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATE SHEET
RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
RATE SCHEDULE NO.1140964=GRIP 2023
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
obtained from Company's office located at 1111 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DBIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATESHEET
GENERAL SERVIC&SMALL
RATE SCHEDULE NO, GS&20964mGRIP 2023
APPLICATION OF SCHEDUL)✓
This schedule is applicable to nahual gas service to any wstorner in an incorporated urea excluding a city that has
ceded jurisdiction to the Commission in the Texas Coast Division engaging in any business, professional or
institutional activity, for all uses of gas, including cooking, beating, 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 — $27.93'
(2) CommodityChuge—
All Ccf $0.05654z
(b) Tax Adjustment —The Tax Adjustment will Ue calculated and adjusted periodically as defined in the
Company's applicable Tax Adjustment Rate Schedule and 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 Pm'chased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Rate Schedule
— for all gas used.
(d) Rate Case Expense Recovery— Rate Case Expense Recovery will be calculated and adjusted periodically
as defined in the Company's applicable Rate Case Expense Recovery Rate Schedule.
Due date of the bill for service shall not be less than 15 days after issuance or such other period of time as maybe
provided by order of the regulatory authority. A bill for utility service is delinquent if unpaid by the due date.
Notes:
� Customer Charge
$1Z67
(GUD 10750)
2018
GRIP
Charge
1.10
(GUD 10717)
2019
GRIP
Charge
1.73
(GUD 10836)
2020
GRIP
Charge
0.98
(GUD 10949)
2021
GRIP
Charge
1.33
(CASE 00005926)
2022
GRIP
Charge
2.12
(CASE 00008828)
2023
GRIP
Charge
3.00
(CASE 00012780)
Total
Customer Charge
$27.93
Connnodity
Charge of $0.05654
(GUD 10750).
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATE SHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -SMALL
RATE SCHEDULE NO. GSS-2096-I-GRIP 2023
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Service under this schedule shall be furnished iu 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
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATE SHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO, GSLV-627-I-GRIP 2023
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 in an incorporated area excluding a city that has ceded
jm'isdiction to the Commission in the Texas Coast Division 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) CustomerChuge— $470.37r
(2) Commodity Charge —
All Ccf @ $0.08034z
(b) Tax Adjustment —The Tax Adjustment will be calculated and adjusted periodically as defined in the
Company's applicable Tax Adjustment Rate Schedule and 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.
(d) Rate Case Expense Recovery— Rate Case Expense Recovery will be calculated and adjusted periodically
as defined hr the Company's applicable Rate Case Expense Recovery Rate Schedule.
Notes:
� Customer Charge
$174.32
(GUD 10750)
2018
GRIP Charge
22.95
(GUD 10717)
2019
GRIP Charge
42.58
(GUD 10836)
2020
GRIP Charge
22.99
(GUD 10949)
2021
GRIP Charge
32.30
(CASE 00005926 )
2022
GRIP Charge
70.32
(CASE 00008828)
2023
GRIP Charge
104.91
(CASE 00012780)
Total
Customer Charge
$470.37
'Commodity Charge of $0.08034 (GUD 10750),
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATESHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO, GSLV-627-I-GRIP 2023
WRITTEN CONTRACT
In or to receive a delivery from Company of more dean 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 ofthe Company,
except in cases where the existing Consumer will be purchasing increased volumes of gas firom 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.
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 or 14.95 pounds per square inch, as applicable, and at a base temperature of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit.
The tern "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 white 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,
hereinabove identified, for the average conditions of pressure, flowing temperature and specific gravity at which the
gas was measured during the period under consideration, andwith the proportionate value of each carbon dioxide and
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATE S13EET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO. GSLV-627-I-GRIP 2023
nih'ogen in the gas delivered included in the computation of the applicable supercompressibiMy 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
Falu'enheit, 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.
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
theprinciples 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.
SUPPLY INTERRUPTIONS
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 duriug any day by Consuwer which exceeds the maximum daily quantity specified in Consumer's
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 curtalment of all gas deliveries, andprior to the authorized resumption
of natural gas service, hereunder shall be considered to be unauthorized over -tun 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 Consuner 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
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/BIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION - INCORPORATED
RATESHEET
GENERAL SERVICE -LARGE VOLUME
RATE SCHEDULE NO, GSLV-6274I GRIP 2023
considered to exclude or limit any other remedies available to Company against the Consumer for exceeding the
maximum daily quantity specified in Consumer's 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.
D/B/A/ CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
HOUSTON DIVISION AND TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. PGA-15T
This Cost of Gas Clause shall apply to
all
general service
mate schedules of CenterPoint Energy Entex in the Texas
Coast Division and Houston Division ("the
Company").
A. DEFINITIONS
1, Cost of Purchased Gas (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 capacity charges, storage capacity 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. Any costs associated with the use of financial instruments entered into after June 1,
2017, shall be approved in advance and in writing by the Director of the Oversight and Safety
Division of the Commission.
2. Purchase/Sales Ratio (R): A ratio determined by dividing the total volumes purchased by the
Company for general service customers for the twelve (12) month period ending the preceding
August 31 Production Month by the sum of the volumes sold to general service customers during
the same period. For the purpose of this computation, all volumes shall be stated at 14.65 p.s.i.a.
Such ratio as determined shall in no event seek to recover more than 5% lost and unaccounted for
gas loss unless expressly authorized by the applicable regulatory authority.
3. Production Month: The month that gas cost related activities are completed.
4. Accounting Month: The month gas related activities are posted on the books and records of the
Company.
5. Commodity Cost: The Cost of Purchased Gas multiplied by the Purchase Sales Ratio.
6. Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA): The rate per billing unit or the total calculation under this Cost
of Gas Clause, consisting of the commodity cost, a reconciliation component (RC) and related fees
and taxes.
PGA Rate (per Mcf sold) _ [(G * R) f RC] rounded to the nearest $0,0001
PGA Rate (per Cef sold) = PGA Rate (per Mcf sold) =10
7. General Service Customer: residential, small commercial and large volume customers.
8. Reconciliation Audit: An annual review of the Company's books and records for each twelve
month period ending with the May Production Month to determine the amount of over or under
collection occurring during such twelve month period. The audit shall determine:
a. the total amount paid for gas purchased by the Company to provide service to its general
service customers during the period;
b. the revenues received from operation of the provisions of this Cost of Gas Clause
c. the total amount of refunds made to customers during the period and any other revenues
or credits received by the Company as a result of gas purchases or operation of this Cost
of Gas Clause;
d. an adjustment, if necessary, for lost and unaccounted for gas during the period identified
in A2 in excess of five (5) percent of purchases;
e. The Company shall seek review and approval from the Commission. for any Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Intervention costs incurred for the benefit of
customers prior to their inclusion in the cost of gas calculation. Those costs are limited
to reasonable non -employee experts, non -employee attorney fees and prudently incurred
travel expenses;
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB1Al CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
HOUSTON DIVISION AND TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. PGA45T
f.
the gas cost portion of bad debt expense;
g.
schedule of reconciliation items related to over -recoveries of surcharges previously
approved by the Railroad Commission; and
h.
other amounts properly credited to the cost of gas not specifically identified herein.
9. Reconciliation Component (RC): The amount to be retuned to or recovered fi'om customers each
month from the August billing cycle through July billing cycle as a result of the Reconciliation
Audit,
10, Reconciliation Account: The account maintained by the Company to assure that over time it will
neither over nor under collect revenues as a result of the operation of this Cost of Gas Clause. Entries
shall be made monthly to reflect but not necessarily limited to:
a.
the total amounts paid to the Company's supplier(s) for gas applicable to general service
customers as recorded on the Company's books and records;
b.
any upstream transportation charges;
c.
the cost of gas withdrawn from storage less the cost of gas injected into storage;
d.
fixed storage charges;
e,
the revenues produced by the operation of this Cost of Gas Clause; and
f.
refunds, payments, or charges provided for herein or as approved by the regulatory
authority;
g.
The Company shall seek review and approval from the Commission for any Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Intervention costs incurred for the benefit of
customers prior to their inclusion in the cost of gas calculation. Those costs are limited
to reasonable non -employee experts, non -employee attorney fees and prudently inured
travel expenses;
h.
the gas cost portion of bad debt expense;
i.
schedule of reconciliation items related to over -recoveries of surcharges previously
approved by tine Railroad Commission; and
j.
other amounts properly credited to the cost of gas not specifically identified herein.
11. Carrying
Charge for Gas in Storage: A return on the Company's investment for gas in storage.
B. COST OF GAS =Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)
In addition to the cost of service as provided under its general service rate schedule(s), the Company shall
bill each general service customer for the Cost of Gas incurred doing the billing period. The Cost of Gas
shall be clearly identified on each customer bill.
C. DETERMINATION AND APPLICATION OF THE RECONCILIATION COMPONENT
If the Reconciliation Audit reflects either an aver recovery or under recovery of revenues, such amount, plus
or minus the amount of interest calculatedpu'suant to Secfion D below, if any, shall be dividedby the general
service sales volumes, adjusted for the effects of weather and growth, for the last preceding August billing
cycle through July billing cycle. The Reconciliation Component so determined to collect any revenue
shortfall or to return any excess revenue shall be applied for a twelve month period beginning with the next
following August billing cycle and continuing through the next following July billing cycle at which time it
will terminate until a new Reconciliation Component is determined.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A/ CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
HOUSTON DIVISION AND TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. PGA-15T
D. PAYMENT FOR USE OF FUNDS
ConcwTently with the Reconciliafion Audit, [he Company shall determine the amount by which the Cost of
Gas was over or under collected for each month within the period of audit. If the sum of the monthly balances
reflects an over collection during the period, the Company shall credit into the Reconciliation Account during
August an amount equal to the average annual balance multiplied by 6%.
If the swn of the monthly balances reflects an under collection doing dre period, the Company shall debit
into the Reconciliation Account during August an amount equal to the average annual balance multiplied by
6%.
E. CARRYING CHARGE FOR GAS IN STORAGE
A carrying charge for gas in storage will be calculated based on the az'ithmetic 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 10567 and as revised in GUD 10750, and will be reflected on the customer's
bill.
F. SURCHARGE OR REFUND PROCEDURES
In the event that the rates and charges of the Company's supplier are retroacfively reduced and a refund of
any previous payments is made to the Company, the Company shall make a similar refund to its general
service customers. Similarly, the Company may surcharge its general service customers for retroactive
payments made for gas previously delivered into the system. The entire amount of refunds or charges shall
be entered into the Reconciliation Account as they are collected from or returned to the customers.
For the purpose of this Section the entry shall be made on the same basis used to detennine the refund or
charge component of the Cost of Gas and shall be subject to the calculation set forth in Section D, Payment
for Use of Funds, above.
G. COST OF GAS STATEMENT
The Company shall file a copy of the Cost of Gas Statement with the Regulatory Authority by the beginning
of each billing month. (The Company shall file such initial Statement as soon as is reasonably possible.) The
Cost of Gas Statement shall set forth:
1. the Cost of Purchased Gas;
2. that cost multiplied by the Purchase/Sales Ratio;
3. the amount of the cost of gas caused by any surcharge or refund;
4. the Reconciliation Component;
5. the Cost of Gas which is the total of items (2) through (4); and
6. the Carrying Charge for Gas in Storage.
The statement shall include all data necessary for the Customers and Regulatory Authority to review and
verify the calculation of the Cost of Gas and the Canying Charge for Gas in Storage. The date on which
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DI /A/ CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
HOUSTON DIVISION AND TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. PGA45T
billing using the Cost of Gas and the Carrying Charge for Gas in Storage is to begin (bills prepared) is to be
specified in the statement.
H. ANNUAL RECONCILIATION REPORT
The Company shall file an annual report with the Regulatory Authority which shall include but is not
necessarily limited to:
1. A tabulation of volumes of gas purchased and costs incurred listedby account or type of gas, supplier
and source by month for the twelve months ending with the May Production Month will be available
upon request;
2. A tabulation of gas units sold to general service customers and related Cost of Gas Clause revenues
for the twelve month period ending with the May Production Month will be available upon request;
3. A tabulation of any amounts properly credited against Cost of Gas; and
4. A summary of all other costs and refunds made doing the year and the status of the Reconciliation
Account. This report shall be filed concurrently with the Cost of Gas Statement for August.
The Amoral Report Shall be filed in a format similar to the example format that follows.
;
§
k
\)\))))))\\
0
)§§e±§§§§w±§!
,.,�w
!;!4!Glmalm4
I.,,,
,§
&!!a!!!w2W4
/
]
;
§�
/
\))))/§i/§/!
I
,,.OVUY
§0=
]
\
;
))
§;
Pk.
(7
)7j
\§)
]
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/BIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
TAX ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. TA44
The Customers shall rein ise the Company for the Customersproportionate put 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 thejurisdiction 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 Texas Coast Division is equal to the
taxes levied on the Company.
The initial Tax Adjustment Rate shall be based on the Taxes tUat 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,
reglation, 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 tninimid.
The Tax Adjustment Rate (calculated on a per Ccf or per Mcf basis, as appropriate) shall be reported to the applicable
govermnental authority by the last business day of the month in which the Tax Adjustment Rate became effective.
(I) Texas Tax Code, Chapter 182, Misc. Gross Receipts Tax, Shrbchapter B, §182.022; applicable [o all classes except transportafia�.
(2) Texas Ufil. Code, Chapter 122 Gas Utility Pipeline Tax, §122.051
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATESHEET
FRANCHISE FEE ADJUSTMENT
RATE SCHEDULE NO. FFA-9
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 azr amount equal to the municipal fauchise 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 Railroad Commission of Texas a current listing of Cities and applicable
francbise fees. Reports should be filed electronically at GUD Coml)limce@Lre.texas.gov or at the following address:
Compliance Filing
Oversight and Safety Division, as Services
Railroad Connuission of Texas
P.O. Drawer 12967
Austin, TX 78711-2967
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DBIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
SCHEDULE OF MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE CHARGES
RATE SCHEDULE NO. NHSC47
GAS SERVICE
1. Institution of service to residential or general service
3.
4,
5,
6.
7,
8,
9.
After-hours surcharge for each after-hours service call*
Restore service after termination for non-payment, cut-off by customer oragent or for
convenience of customer
After-hours surcharge for each after-hours service call*
Tuning off service to active meter — account not finalled (per trip)
After-hours surcharge for each after-hours service call*
Special meter test at customer's request (see General Rules and Regulations for special
situations) — same customer at same location is allowed one test free of charge every four
years
Change customer meter**
Change residential meter location: Minimum charge
Additional meters in manifold each
Tap Charge
Disconnect service at main
(Plus any costs arising out of any city ordinance or regulation or governing work in city
streets)
Restore service at main after termination for non-payment
$47
$20
$47
$15
$55
$350
$55
No charge***
$300
* Outside the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CST Monday —Friday, on weekends, and on all Compury
designated holidays.
** Meters changed at customer's request. Does not include changes due to meter failure and/or incorrect
measurement of usage.
** Except where Company is required to pay tap charge to pipeline supplier to serve the consumer, the consumer
shall reimburse Company.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
D/RW CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
SCHEDULE OF NHSCELLANEOUS SERVICE CHARGES
RATE SCHEDULE NO. MISC47
10. Temporary transfer of individually metered multi -family service from vacat ng tenant to No charge
apartment complex owner. (Applicable to read and transfer transactions only. Precedent
written agreement required.)
OTHER CHARGES
11. Collection call -trip charge (not collected under iniscellaneous service item no. 3 —Turning off $20
service to active meter)
12. Retuned check $20
13. Gas Main Extensions — See General Rules and Regulations, Section 5e, relating to Gas Main
Extensions,
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 the 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
HOUSTON DIVISION AND TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATESHEET
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT REFUND
RATE SCHEDULE NO. TCJA-HOU/TXC 2022
PURPOSE
The purpose of this rider is to provide customers with certain tax benefits associated with the Tax Cats and Jobs Act of
2017 (TCJA). The TCJA reduced the maximum corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent beginning
January 1, 2018. Rider TCJA-HOU/TXC returns to customers the Unprotected Excess Deferred Income Tax (EDIT)
amounts not subject to the normalization provision of the Internal Revenue Code.
APPLICATION
This rider applies to all residential, general service -small and general service -large volume customers of the Houston
Division and Texas Coast Division.
The rates associated with this rider will be calculated in accordance with Appendix 1.
The unprotected EDIT will be amortized over three years and allocated to the customer classes based on the standard
sales service allocation factors and base rate revenue allocation factors approved in GOD No. 10567. The allocated
amounts by class shall be divided by the customer count billing determinants to calculate a monthly per bill refund.
The refund for year three includes the present value of the year four return component of the change in the Company's
rate base.
Monthly refunds shall appeu as a line item ou the bill titled, "Tax Refund"
TRUE -UP
Each subsequent Rider TC7A-HOU/TXC application will include a rue -up of the actual amounts refunded to
customers.
If the Internal Revenue Service issues new guidance or the Company acquires new information requiring the Company
to revise the balances of Unprotected EDIT as a result of the TC7A or any other tax change, the Company reserves the
right to make additional filings to recognize such adjustments.
on
completion of the tlu'ee-year amortization period,. the over- or under- refund amounts will be transferred to a
regulatory asset or regulatory liability until drat over'- orunder- refund unount can be reconciled in a later proceeding.
FILING PROCEDURES
On or before August 1 for all test years, during the tern of Rider TCJA-HOU/TXC, the Company shall file with the
Railroad Commission (RRC) and Cities the TCJA calculation as shown in Appendix 1 along with supporting schedules
and workpapers• Unless disputed by the RRC Staff or Cities, rates per Appendix 1 will become effective for bills
rendered on or after January 1. If the RRC Staff or Cities dispute the calculation, or any component thereof, the RRC
Staff or Cities shall notify the Company on or before October 1.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
HOUSTON DIVISION AND TEXAS COAST DIVISION
RATE SHEET
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT REFUND
RATE SCHEDULE NO. TCJA-HOTJ/TXC 2022
Cen#eU'.'oiaf Y
ustaua_ndTexas iEasstD ns
RiderTWA-flQpt t
EffectiveJanuMY412o22
B
GAS Standard
Service
Fsae Amounts
xy, Ilesari ?en Year2022
1 tF�Aco�tect E> sstl--earredInvsrrA�Tat s(EW)
2 Trve-upEMT S_. -__..
3 kr;ati,fe'.tid{€t71Tj SiS,y1S,tlE9i
In
{i�Sb31 i}.i�at>
5 {>=-:ne4servk -Small $.Et82
6 cmea'3.`-Seime-Large Warne _ _. `.i144--2%
F raata° 3Gi10 030E
fm-u is R?a_nces:-,➢L 4=d, to Ccstomr M5�
8 R -M31 Wrx `a €.£e.) S;E €035j
2 Cva gse.m< mall plev Line
10 oef w44$_tvdm latvVoCunr (Vk�$3 Line$l iM.W)
Fcus-tc� forP €rc�ss #Y^�rs°e; t-d E4STseta:_d fo Biumg DKerrs+�.ts
12 Reww lal
13 fie5en<;w-umall 75=
14 Lar9etalurr ._ e1Q.1L�Oi
15 Tbtt #.i72
18 ftfsia;.al(tne"stUu?5,2, S(3,t£367j
17 S=ry-Small{L 9+Une l'•E} 5#23)
4E C�zma&Me - LaW Volume. (Line 101, L"sre 14) �f6A,4¢7
19 colas "_*�?e w,
31ums-roE6ilis t.2 Mwlis Eardina Jurwi
20 Resdandal ifi=74k,444
21 GFwwv^aervsx-$gall '€iP.S•'r5
22 G-7-;a S rke # Large Volvar Z)w71 a _
"nPhind
24 Residential (line % Line3d) ( )
E. General Service - Small {f3ne471Line 2il
1:� ^eneral5en'lCe-Large l'olume (LTne187LmO22)
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Entex
and
CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas
Customer Rate Relief Rate Schedule
Applicable to all Sales Customers for the purpose of collecting and re customer rate relief
charges as authorized by the Railroad Commission of Texas ("Commission") in accordance with
Chapter 104, Subchapter I of the Texas Utilities Code and the Commission Financing Order
issued in Docket No. OS-21-00007061.
A. ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFIlVITIONS
1) Authori -The Texas Public Finance Authority, together with any successor to its duties
and functions.
2) Bonds or Customer Rate Relief ("CRR")Bonds -The "Texas Natw'al Gas Securitization
Finance Cop2oration Customer Rate Relief Bonds Series 2023 ' and any additional or
different designation or title by which each series of Bonds shall be lmown as determined
by the Issuer Entity.
3) Ccf and Mcf -For Ccf, one hundred (100) standard cubic feet of gas, where one (1)
standard cubic foot of gas is the amount of gas contained in one (1) cubic foot of space
at a standard pressure of fourteen point sixty-five (14.65) pounds per square inch,
absolute and a standard temperature of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit; and, for Mcf,1,000
standard cubic feet of gas.
4) Cenhal Servicer -The entity engaged in accordance with the terms of the Financing
Order to, amongst other things, engage the Participating Gas Utilities as collection agents
for the purposes of facilitating collection and remittance of CRR Charges by
Participating Gas Utilities, and perform the other services required of it under the
Servicing Agreement (as defined in the Financing Order).
5) Conunission -The Railroad Commission of Texas, including its staff or delegate.
6) CRR Charge True -Up Adjusnment - A True -Up Adjustment (as defined in the Fivauciug
Order).
7) CRR Charge True -Up Charge Adjustment Letter - A true -up adjustment letter
substantially in the form of Exhibit 3 to the Financing Order,
8) CRR Scheduled Adjustment Date — January 1 and July 1 of each applicable year,
provided that the CRR Scheduled Adjustment Date and any other deadlines or target
dates related thereto, shall be subject to modification prior to the date of the Bonds so as
to reflect the terms of the Servicing Agreement,
C�xstomer Rate Relief Schedule 1 Effective: 03-23-2023
9) Customer Rate Relief ("CRR!) Charge -A nonbypassable charge as defined in Tex. Util.
Code § 104.362(7).
10) Financing Order - The order adopted under Tex. Util. Code § 104.366 approving the
issuance of CRR Bonds and the creation of Customer Rate Relief Property and associated
CRR Charges for the recovery of regulatory assets, including extraordinary costs, related
financing costs, and other costs authorized by the Financing Order.
11) Gas Ufility — CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Entex and
CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas ("CenterPoint Energy") and its successors and assignees,
an operator of natural gas distribution pipelines that delivers and sells natural gas to the
public and that is subject to the Commission's jurisdiction under Tex. Util. Code
§ 102.001, or an operator that transmits, transports, delivers, or sells natural gas or
synthetic natural gas to operators of natural gas distribution pipelines and whose rates
for those services are established by the Commission in a rate proceeding filed under
Chapter 104 of the Utilities Code, within the service area.
12) Irrevocable -The Financing Order, together with the Customer Rate Relief Property as
defined by Tex. Util. Code § 104.362(g) and the CRR Charges authorized by the
Financing Order, are irrevocable and not subject to reduction, impairment, or adjustment
by further action of the Commission, except in connection with true -ups authorized by
the Financing Order.
13) Issuer Entity -Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation, a Texas nonprofit
public corporation established by the Authority, or any successor created pursuant to
Tex. Gov't Code § 1232.1072.
14) Lame Particivating Gas Utility - Ahnos Energy Corporation on behalf of its Mid -Tex
Division and West Texas Division; CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a
CenterPoint Energy Entex and CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas; Texas Gas Service
Company, a Division of ONE Gas, Inc., excluding the West Texas Service Area; and
any Participating Gas Utility or Successor Utility (as defined in the Financing Order)
each of whose Normalized Sales Volumes exceed 2.0% of the total aggregate
Normalized Sales Volumes among all Participating Gas Utilities. Any calculation
performed in connection with the preceding sentence shall be made on the basis of the
most recently reported Normalized Sales Volumes and such calculation shall be
performed by the Central Servicer annually no later than one (1) month after Normalized
Sales Volumes are reported as regularly scheduled under Paragraph H hereof; provided
that the Commission and/or Central Servicer may perform such calculation without any
limitation in order to give effect to any merger, acquisition, disposition, divesture, spin-
off or other transaction that would impact a Participating Gas Utility's share of the total
aggregate Normalized Sales Volumes. The Commission or the Central Servicer shall
promptly thereafter provide written notice to a Participating Gas Utility that
subsequently becomes a Large Participating Gas Utility, which change shall take
effective beginning on Januay 1 of the following calendar year.
Customer Rate Relief Schedule 2 Effective: 03-23-2023
15) Nonbypassable - CRR Charges must be paid by all existing or future customers receiving
service from a Participating Gas Utility or such gas utility's successors or assigns.
16)Nonnalized Sales Volumes —
a) For Large Participating Gas Utilities: All natural gas volumes projected to be billed
for the upcoming twelve (12) month period in conjunction with the operation of a
Participating Gas Utility's Purchased Gas Adjustment, Cost of Gas Clause, or other
equivalent tariff established for the collection of natural gas costs. For the avoidance
of doubt, only the Normalized Sales Volumes of Large Participating Gas Utilities
shall be aggregated to calculate the CRR Charges.
b) For other Participating Gas Utilities: All uahual gas volumes billed in the preceding
calendar year in conjunction with the operation of a Participating Gas Utility's
Purchase Gas Adjustment, Cost of Gas Clause, or other equivalent tariff established
for the collection of natural gas costs and normalized according to the methodology
utilized in each Participating Gas Utility's application filed in Docket No. OS-21-
00007061, Consolidated Applications For Customer Rate Relief and Related
Regulatoy Asset Determinations In Connection With The February 2021 Winter
Stornn. For the avoidance of doubt, only the Normalized Sales Volumes of Large
Participating Gas Utilities shall be aggregated in order to calculate the CRR Charges.
17) Particivatiue Gas Utilities - Atmos Energy Corporation on behalf of its Mid -Tex
Division and West Texas Division; Rockin' M Gas LLC d/b/a Bluebonnet Natural Gas
LLC; CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Entex and
CenterPoint Energy Texas Gas; Corix Utilities (Texas) Inc.; EPCOR Gas Texas Inc.;
SiEnergy, LP; Summit Utilities Arkansas, Inc. 1; Texas Gas Service Company, aDivision
of ONE Gas, Inc., excluding the West Texas Service Area; and Universal Natural Gas,
LLC d/b/a Universal Natural Gas, Inc. or any Successor Utility (as defined in the
Financing Order).
18) Sales Customer(s) -All active customers taking service under a Participating Gas
Utility's Purchased Gas Adjustment, Cost of Gas Clause, or other equivalent tariff
established for the collection of natural gas costs.
B. APPLICABILITY
This rate schedule sets out the rate, terms and conditions under which the CRR Charge
shall be billed and collected by CenterPoint Energy Rate Schedule Nos. PGA-18, PGA-
19 and PGA-20 as a Participating Gas Utility for the [Unincorporated and Incorporated]
areas of Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, and Houston/Texas Coast, respectively
under the terms of the Financing Order. Each individual Sales Customer is responsible
for paying the CRR Charge billed to it in accordance with the terms of this rate schedule.
Payment is to be made by an individual Sales Customer to the Participating Gas Utility
of which it is a customer. The Participating Gas Utility is obligated to apply amounts
collected from customers to pay any outstanding CRR Charges prior to applying such
� Sununit Utilities .Arkansas, Inc. is the Successor Utility of CenterPoint Energy Arkla as of January 10, 2022,
Customer Rate Relief Schedule 3 Effective: 03-23-2023
amounts for any other purpose. The Participating Gas Utility, as collection agent, shall
remit collections of the CRR Charges to the Indenture Trustee in accordance with the
teians of the Financing Order and any servicing or other similar agreement that is
contemplated by the Financing Order,
C. TERM
This rate schedule shall remain in effect until the CRR Charges have been collected and
remitted to the Indenture Trustee in an amount sufficient to satisfy all obligations in
regard to paying principal and interest on the CRR Bonds together with all other
financing costs, bond administrative expenses and other costs as provided in the
Financing Order. This rate schedule and the CRR Charge are irrevocable and
nonbypassable.
D. SALES CUSTOMERS
For the purposes of billing the CRR Charges, all Sales Customers of the Participating
Gas Utility's Beaumont/East Texas, South Texas, and Houston/Texas Coast Divisions
shall be assessed the uniform volumetric charge identified below.
E. CRR CHARGE
The CRR Charge will be a monthly volumetric rate of
$0.00/Ccf @14.65
$0.00/Ccf @14.73
$0.00/Ccf @14.95
The CRR Charge is calculated in accordance with and subject to the provisions set forth
in the Financing Order and will be adjusted at least annually based upon the CI Charge
hue -up adjustment procedure. The CRR Charge shall be included in the Participating
Gas Utility's Purchased Gas Adjustment, Cost of Gas Clause; or other equivalent tariff
established for the collection of natural gas costs. Participating Gas Utilities may reflect
the CRR Charge according to the delivery pressures defined in Participating Gas
Utilities' applicable tariffs. Such delivery pressure specific charges shall be equivalent
to the CRR Charge as determined below at 14.65 per square inch, as defined above.
F. DETERMINATION OF CUSTOMER RATE RELIEF CHARGE
The CRR Charge will be adjusted no less frequently than annually, in accordance with
the terms of the Servicing Agreement (as defined in the Financing Order), to ensure that
the expected collection of CRR Charges is adequate to pay when due, pursuant to the
expected amortization schedule, principal and interest on the CRR Bonds and together
with all other financing costs, bond administrative expenses and other costs, as provided
in the Financing Order, on a timely basis. The CRR Charge shall be computed according
to the formula described below.
Customer Rate Relief Schedule 4 Effective: 03-23-2023
Step 1:
Deter minafion of Normalized Sales Volumes
(A) Total Large Participating Gas Utility Normalized Sales
Volumes (Mcf)
(B)
Assumed % of uncollecfible sales
(C)
Total Normalized Sales Volumes. Billed and Collected:
For the avoidance of doubt, Normalized Sales Yolwnes are assumed to be calculated witleoutdi 6 effect
to volumes anticipated ft•om Participating Gas Utilities making up less than two percent (2.0%) of the
Total Normalized Sales Yolwnes of all Participating Gas Utilities,
Step 2: Determination of CRR Charge
(D) Total CRR Charge Rate Revenue Requirement for
Applicable Period
(E) CRR Charge per Normalized Sales Volumes (Mcf):
(D/C)
Thereof CRR Charge for Sales Customers
G. CRR CHARGE TRUE -UP
Changes to the CRR Charge will be effected through the filing of CRR Charge True -Up
Adjustment Letters by the Central Servicer to the Commission as authorized by the
Financing Order and in accordance with the Servicing Agreement. Not less than fifteen
(15) days prior to each CRR Scheduled Adjustment Date and more frequently as required
by the Central Servicer, the Central Servicer will submit the CRR Charge True -Up
Adjustment Letter in the form of Exhibit 3 to the Financing Order to ensure that CRR
Charge collections are sufficient to make all scheduled payments of CRR Bond principal
and interest and meet other Ongoing Financing Costs (as defined in the Financing Order)
on a timely basis during the payment period.
hi addition to the foregoing, the Central Servicer shall be authorized to file CRR Charge
True -Up Adjustment Letters with the Commission that adjust the CRR Charge more
frequently (but not more often than quarterly) as required under the provisions of the
Servicing Agreement (as defined in the Financing Order),
H. CRR CHARGE TRUE -UP PROCEDURE
CemerPoint Energy shall annually file with the Commission and the Cenhal Servicer by
June 1 of each year its Normalized Sales Volumes; each Large Participating Gas Utility
shall include projected volumes for each of the future twelve (12) months beginning
July 1, and each other Participating Gas Utility shall include its Normalized Sales
Volumes for the prior calendar year. Such filing and/or reporting may be more frequent
to the extent required under the Servicing Agreement and applicable Collection and
Reporting Arrangements. If CenterPoint Energy is a Large Participating Gas Utility, the
Participating Gas Utility shall, upon the request of the Central Servicer, provide the
Commission and the Central Servicer updated Normalized Sales Volumes for the
succeeding twelve (12) month period no later than the fifteenth (15th) day following
such request to allow the Central Servicer to make Interim Tiue-Up Adjustments. Each
Participating Gas Utility shall have the right to provide the foregoing information to the
Central Servicer on a confidential basis if reasonably necessary to ensure compliance
with applicable securities laws (subject to any (i) legal requirements necessitating the
Customer Rate Relief Schedule 5 Effective: 03-23-2023
disclosure of such information, including compliance with (A) applicable securities laws
and (B) other generally applicable laws and (ii) certain customary restrictions and
exceptions to be agreed). The Central Services shall submit to the Commission and the
Participating Gas Utilities, not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the CRR Scheduled
Adjustment Date, a CRR Charge True -Up Adjustment Letter applying the CRR Charge
Tice -Up Adjustment based on Normalized Sales Volumes and other mathematical
factors and requesting administrative approval from the Commission as provided for in
the Servicing Agreement. The Commission's review and approval of the True -Up
Adjustment Letter shall be as set forth in the Servicing Agreement (it being understood
such review is limited to determining if any mathematical or clerical errors are present
in the application of the CRR Charge True -Up Adjustment relating to the appropriate
amount of any over -collection or under -collection of CRR Charges and the amount of an
adjustment):
If any CRR Charge True -Up Adjustment that is an Interim True -Up Adjustment is
necessary, (i) the Central Servicer may request and the Large Participating Gas Utilities
shall provide revised Normalized Sales Volumes for each of the immediately succeeding
twelve (12) months and related data and (ii) within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such
data, the Central Servicer shall file a revision to the CRR Rate Schedule in a True -Up
Charge Adjustment Letter setting forth the adjusted CRR Charge to be effective for the
upcoming period, in accordance with the Servicing Agreement. CenterPoint Energy
shall have the right to provide such information on a confidential basis if reasonably
necessary to ensure compliance with applicable securities laws (subject to any (i) legal
requirements necessitating the disclosure of such information, including compliance
with (A) applicable securities laws and (B) other generally applicable laws and (ii)
certain customary restrictions and exceptions to be agreed). A CRR Charge resulting
from a true -up adjustment will become effective on the fast (1st) billing cycle that is not
less than fifteen (15) days following the making of the CRR Charge True -Up Adjustment
filing.
I. TAXABILITY
The receipt of CRR Charges by a Participating Gas Utility is exempt from state and local
sales and use taxes and utility gross receipts taxes and assessments and is excluded from
revenue for purposes of franchise tax under Tex. Tax Code § 171.10111
Customer Rate Relief Schedule 6 Effective: 03-23-2023
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
I. DEFIlVITIONS
(a) "Consumer, Customer and Applicant" az'e 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 mahrs 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) "Consumer's 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, drese rules apply to all Consumers regardless of classification,
except insofar' as tUey are changed by or are in conflict wiUr 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) to question. Whenever possible,
these roles shall be construed harmoniously with such laws, contracts, ordinances, and orders.
(U) The use of gas service shall constitute an agreement by the Consumer to utilize such service in
accordance witU 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.
CENTERPOEW ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DB/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 233 2017
3. CLASSIFICATION FOR RATE AND CONTRACT PURPOSES
For purposes 01 determinng 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 contact 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 municipal rate jurisdiction. In the case of existing Consumers,
tlie maximmn 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 Consmuer in determining rate classification and whether
or not a contract is required. Company's obligation to provide service to any 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. LIIVIIT'ATION 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 CONNECTIONS
(a) Tap Chu'ge: Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable ordinance or rule, Company may impose a
reasonable charge for Ore 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 Chargesfiled 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, alleysand 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
maybe 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
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 235 2017
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.
(d) Housepiping: Consumer shall be responsible for installing and maintaining Consumer's
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 fianchise provision a total distanceof 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 Company's 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 execution of a special
agreement providing for reimbursement to Company for the cost of the necessary
gas main extension.
(2) Developers of residential or business subdivisions -- upon execution of Company's form
"Predevelopment Gas Main Extension Contract," 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 Chages 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.
DBIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
8. REFUSAL TO INSTITUTE SERVICE AND TERMINATION OF SERVICE
(a) Refusal of service.
(I) 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 reagulatory 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 Irnrd 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 propose;
(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
raider the provisions of these rules, the Company shall inform tine 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;
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
(C) failure to pay a bill to con'ect previous underbill ng due to misapplication of
rates more than six months prior to the date of application;
(D) violation of the Company's rnles pertaining to the ope ation of nonstandaz'd
equipment of unauthorized attachments, which interfere with the service of
others, unless the customer has first been notified and been afforded reasonable
opportunity to comply with these rules;
(E) failm'e to pay a bill of mother customer as a arantor thereof, carless the
guarantee was made in writing to the Company as a condition precedent to
service; and
(F) failm'e to pay the Uill of azrother customer at the same address except where the
change of customer identity is made to avoid or evade payment of a utility bill.
(b) Discontivuanceofseivice.
(1) Bills az'e 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
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
(E) a statement that u a health or other emergency ex sts, 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 teens of a
written agreement for installment payment of a delinquent account;
(B) violation of the Company's roles pertaining to the use of service in a manner
which interferes with the service of others or the operation of nonstandard
equipment, if a 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 urangements 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;
(1) 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;
(J) 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;
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DBIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
(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 uuderbilling 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.
(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 recomiecting 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 fiom 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 Consumer's gas
appliances u'e 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
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
premises, it shall have Lou tight at any reasonable time thereafter to enter upon the premises and remove
therefrom its meter, and any other of its equipment there located.
10. 112ETER TESTS AND BILL AD7USTMENTS 1�VIT'H RESPECT TO 11�TER ACCURACY
(a) Meter requirements.
(1) Use of meter. All gas sold by the Company shall be chuged for by meter measmements,
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 ownand 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 proposes.
(b) Meter records. The Comparry shall keep the followhig 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.
(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
theidentifying 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. Iu general, each meter must indicate cleaz'ly 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 tune 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 performed 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
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DBIA CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
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) Notwithstand ng Paragraph (1), above, if the meter is found to be more than nom rally
defective, to either customer's or the Company's disadvantage, any fee charged for a
meter test roust be refunded to the customer. More than nominally defective means a
deviation of more than (29/o) 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
foundin 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 uuderbillings or billings are 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.
(e) Meter Exclnutge.
(1) The Company follows the practice of testhtg and repahing its meters on periodic
schedules in accordance wish good operating practice. The "periodic meter test hrterval"
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 PAYIITENTS OF BILLS
(a) Establishment of credit for residential applicants.
(I) 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
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 239 2017
with toles for prompt payment of bills. Subject to these rules, a resident al applicant shall
mot be required to snake 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 newest $5.00). If actual use is at least twice
the amount of the estimated billings, a new deposit requirement 'nay 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 (f a billing history is available for
the service address), or (ii) the average ammal residential bill its the Division serving the
customer (if a billing history is not available at the service address); provided, that such
average animal 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 havh'g 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.
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 239 2017
(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.
(1) 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 hum 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;
(13) the amount and date of the deposit; and
(C) each transaction concerning the deposit.
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 239 2017
(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.
(3) A record of each unclai ed deposit shall be mainta ned for at least fow years, dur ng
which time the Company shall make a reasonable effort to retain 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 the current bills, the Company shall promptly and
automatically refund the deposit plus accrued interest to the customer in time form of cash
or credit to a customer's 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 seekhig to establish or re-establish credit under
the provisions of these rules to informu the customer, if dissatisfaction is expressed with the
Company decision, of tine customers right to file a complaint with the regulatory authority
thereon.
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TAR]FF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 235 2017
12. DISCONTINUANCE BY CONSU \�R
A Consumer who w shes 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 nummum charges therefor) prior to the
time Company receives such notice.
13. RECORDS OF GAS SUPPLIED
Company shall keep accurate records of the arnowrt 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.
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. Company shall not be liable for any damage
or loss caused by the escape of gas from Consumer's housepiping or Consumers appliances.
15. DAMAGE AND REPAII2 TO AND TAMPERING WITH CODIPANY'S FACILITIES
Consumer shall inunediately notify Cornparry in the event of damage to compauy'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 PRENIISES
The Company's representatives shall have the right at all reasonable homy to enter upon the premises and
property of Consumer to to the meter; and to remove, to hrspect, or to make necessary repairs and
adjushnents to, or replacements of, service lines, meter loop, and any property of the Company located
thereon, and for any other propose 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 annuals 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
(a) The Company shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by vaz'iation in gas pressure,
defects in pipes, connections and appliances, escape or leakage of gas, slicking of valves m'
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.
(li) Company shall not be liable for any damage or hyury resulting fiom gas or its use after such gas
leaves the point of delivery other than damage caused by the fault of the 0ompany in the manner
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 235 2017
of installation of the service lines, m the manner in which such service lines are repahed 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;
fires; 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 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 tine
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
eventof 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.
(I) 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 hoes. The notice shall also state
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 239 2017
the cause of such utenuv ons. If any service ntenupGon is reported to tUe
Connnission otherwise (for example, as a curtailment report or safety report),
such other report is sufficient to comply with the terns 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
theforegoing 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 customer's 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 begnuting
and end of the period for which rendered;
(2) The number and kind of units billed;
(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 miable to gain access to the premises to read the meter on regular meter
reading hips, or in months where meters are not read otherwise, the Company shall provide the
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
customer with a postcard and request that the customer read the meter and rehun the cazd 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) Disputedbills.
(1) In the event of a dispute between the customer and the Company regaz-ding 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) Notwidrstandiug 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
customers 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
(Al
Standards of construction. The Company shall constmct, install, operate, uid maintain its plant,
structm'es,. equipment, and lines in acwrdance 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 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 conrrnercial 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.
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 233 2017
22, CUSTOMER RELATIONS
(a) hformaton to customers. The Company shall:
(1) Maintain a current set of maps showing the physical locafon of its facilities. All
distribution facilities shall be labeled to indicate the size or any pertinent information
which will accurately describe the utility's 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 ivles relating to the service of the Company, as filed with the Commission,
are available for inspection;
(5) Finnish 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 customer's 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 and advise die 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
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 235 2017
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 enterednrto due to the customer's inability to pay the
outstanding bill in fall 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 proposes 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.
(5) 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 night 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 Uyelderly persons.
(I) Applicability. This subparagraph applies only to:
(A) A utility that assesses late payment charges on residential customers and that
suspenAs service before the 26'h day after the date of the bill for which collecfion
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR NVMCH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 235 2017
(B) Utility bills issued on or after August 3Q.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.
( t) 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 25" 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 payment option 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) DEFINITIONS
(1) Under this provision, qualified Residential customers would have the option of
parficipaiing 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 frmnediately preceding twelve month
period.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
DIR/A CENTERPOINT ENERGY ENTEX
AND CENTERPOINT ENERGY TEXAS GAS
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
APPLICABLE TO NATURAL GAS SERVICE IN TEXAS
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
(b) AVAILABILITY
(1) The Average Montbly Bill ng Proa am is available to any Qualifying Customer of the
Company.
(c) OPERATION OF PROGRAM
(1) Computation of Bills under the AMB:
(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
Nomtal 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 herehi, patcipation iu the AMB will have no effect on the
Company's approved rate schedules or outer 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 discont nuance of AMB, if an accowrt is f nal b lled, 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 wider the AMB and Normal Bills which would
have been rendered under nonnal 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 maybe made available to non -qualifying customers uu'ough an
Annual Automatic Em'olhnent Program ("AAEP"). By erurolling in the AAEP, a
non -qualifying customer may participate in the AAEP.
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 23, 2017
24. SUSPENSION OF GAS UTILITY SERVICE DISCONNECTION DURING AN EXTREME
WEATHER EMERGENCY (Effective: May 12, 2002)
(a) Applicability and scope. Tlnis 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 Raih�oad Commission pursuant to Texas Utilities Code, §102.001.
For purposes of this 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 Ore 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:
(1) a delinquent residential customer during an extreme weather emergency. An extreme
weather emergency means a day when the previous day's 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.
(c) 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 fi-om 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.
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
FOR JURISDICTIONS FOR WHICH TARIFF IS APPROVED ON OR AFTER MAY 239 2017
(3) Each utility shall provide a copy of th s rule to all resident al customers of the ut lity 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 addiflon to the minimum standuds specified in this section, providers may adopt addifional 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.