What are the rights and responsibilities of utility customers in relation to rate disputes?
Utility customers in Georgia have rights and responsibilities when it comes to rate disputes. Customers have the right to dispute any utility bill they believe is incorrect, and utility companies have a responsibility to answer customer inquiries promptly and in a reasonable manner. To begin the dispute process, customers can file a written complaint with the utility company or the Public Service Commission (PSC). Customers should include as much detail as possible in their complaint, including the date, the type of service, and any bills or supporting documents relating to the dispute. Customers also have the right to request a hearing before the PSC to dispute a rate or tariff. The PSC may require the utility to provide documentation for its rates. The utility must provide fair and rational justification for the rates and must be able to prove that the rates are reasonable. The customer also has the right to counsel during the hearing. The customer has the responsibility to pay the disputed portion of the bill that is not in dispute. If the customer fails to pay, the utility may take legal action. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the customer to provide evidence and support for their dispute at the hearing. If the customer is successful in their dispute, the utility may be required to make changes to their rates or to refund the customer the difference.
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