Authority to Impose Violation of Contract Surcharges.
Section 8
SEC. 8. Authority to Impose Violation of Contract Surcharges. - A private electric utility or rural electric cooperative may impose surcharges, in addition to the value of the electricity pilfered, on the bills of any consumer apprehended for tampering with his electric meter/metering facility installed on his premises, as well as other violations of contract like direct connection, use of jumper, and other means of illicit usage of electricity found installed in the premises of the consumer. The surcharge for the violation of contract shall be collected from and paid by the consumer concerned as follows: First apprehension - Twenty-five percent (25%) of the current bill as surcharge; Second apprehension - Fifty percent (50%) of the current bill as surcharge; and Third and subsequent apprehension - One hundred percent (100%) of the current bill as surcharge. The private electric utility or rural electric cooperative is authorized to discontinue the electric service in case the consumer is in arrears in the payment of the above imposed surcharges. The term "apprehension" as used herein shall be understood to mean the discovery of the presence of any of the circumstances enumerated in Section 4 hereof in the establishment or outfit of the consumer concerned.