56-236.1 - Rates to be charged churches.
§ 56-236.1. Rates to be charged churches.
No electric utility, subject to regulation by the Commission, shall charge achurch for its services by any method other than actual kilowatt hourconsumption; nor shall any such electric utility charge a church for itselectrical service at a rate in excess of the applicable residential rate forthe area in which it is located. As used in this section, "church" shall belimited to the synagogue or church building in which the sanctuary orprincipal place of worship is located and to all educational buildings whichare physically attached by enclosed corridors or hallways to the building inwhich the sanctuary or principal place of worship is located.
Notwithstanding the requirements of the first sentence of this section, theCommission may, after a hearing upon application by an electric utility, seta rate for churches in excess of the applicable residential rate if theutility proves that the cost of service for churches exceeds the cost ofservice for those other customers under the residential rate. In setting sucha rate, the Commission shall consider the special use characteristics ofchurches, such as the amount of electricity utilized during off-peak powerperiods for the utility. The provisions of this section shall not apply tochurches which are served by an electric utility having a time of usage rateapproved by the Commission and which have elected to be on such time of usagerate.
(1978, c. 531; 1980, c. 259.)