1. Account Set Up Fee - Fees charged to cover the cost of setting up an account.
2. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) – A system that automatically reads electric usage as well as other functions, and sends the information to BREC headquarters.
3. Budget Billing - An account that may be established with equal monthly payments to allow the customer to avoid high bills during peak use months.
4. Capital Credits - Buckeye REC is a non-profit organization. Margins are returned to members in the form of capital credits.
5. Co-Signer - A person who signs with the member or customer to guarantee payment of electric bill in the event the member or customer defaults.
6. Customer - Member or non-member who receives services from BREC.
7. Cut off - Electric Service is disconnected for non-pay.
8. Cycle Billing - An invoicing system where blocks of customers are billed at different specified times during a given month. This allows better utilization of staff resources.
9. Delinquent - The status an account falls into when a payment is not received. An account in this status is in jeopardy of being cut off.
10. Demand - The rate at which electric energy is consumed, expressed in kilowatts (kW). One kW = 1000 watts.
11. Joint Membership (Co-Membership) - When two or more people agree to jointly abide by the BREC code of regulations, by signing the application.
12. Landlord - The owner of the rental property where electric service (service address) is located and is not the tenant.
13. Medical Certification - When a customer has certain medical conditions, a medical certificate may delay electrical service being disconnected for up to 30 days. This certificate is provided to customers upon request. This certificate must be signed by a licensed physician and returned to Buckeye REC prior to a service being disconnected.
14. Member - A customer who signs a membership agreement, agrees to abide by terms and conditions of the BREC code of regulations.
15. Meter Tampering – Unauthorized removal of meter.
16. Multi Family Residential - A structure that has more than one family living in it, such as an apartment or condominium.
17. Payment Plan - Agreement between customer and BREC to outline terms of payment on a balance due.
18. Pay Station - Designated locations where a bill may be paid.
19. Proper Identification – Includes proof of individual identification.
20. Satisfactory Credit Rating - The level of credit that BREC accepts to allow waiver of security deposit.
21. Security Deposit - Amount required to activate an account.
22. Service Fee- Charged when a customer requests temporary disconnection or other small service that requires Buckeye to perform a task.
23. Single Family Residence - Dwelling in which only one family resides.
24. Tariff - A schedule of prices or fees charged for a service or product.
25. Tenant - The person that resides at the property where the electric service (service address) is located and is not the property owner.
26. AMI Meter - A remote meter reading device capable of sending a reading from your meter to BREC headquarters.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on

February 26, 2001.

Effective:                                February 27, 2001

Reviewed and revised:            November 14, 2003

Approved:                               November 24, 2003

Revised and approved:           November 27, 2006

Revised and Approved:          August 29, 2011

Reviewed and Revised:          March 11, 2014

Revised and approved:           March 30, 2015

Revised:                                  September 21, 2015

Approved:                               September 28, 2015

Revised and Approved:          September 24, 2018

click here to close

1. Objective:

To establish requirements, conditions, and terms of BREC for establishing an account for electric service.

1. Applicants for any service shall furnish proof of legal identification of the individual in whose name the account shall be billed. Identification for the purpose of establishing electric service shall include a photo ID (valid driver’s license, valid government ID, passport/visa, Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization documentation or any legally recorded proof of identification), and another form of ID such as: social security card, credit/debit card, current utility bill in customer’s name, or birth certificate.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on

November 24, 2003

Conceived and documented:  November 14, 2003

Approved:                               November 24, 2003

Reviewed:                              December 7, 2004

Reviewed and Approved:       October 30, 2006

Revised and Approved:          November 24, 2008

Reviewed and Approved:       August 29, 2011

Reviewed & Approved:          February 21, 2017

click here to close

I. Objective: To establish requirements, conditions, and terms of BREC metering for electric service.

II. Types of Metering:

A. Single family residential:
a. Each single-family residential dwelling shall be required to have a separate metering device.

B. Rental property and Multi-residential:
b. See Policy # 411.

C. Commercial and Industrial:
c. Metering requirements will be determined at the time of application for service, on a case-by-case basis to properly measure electrical use and applicable demand.

D. Prior to establishing (or re-establishing) service, BREC customers need to certify that the meter base and associated equipment meets National Electric Code and Buckeye’s service entrance standards. They must also complete the form provided by BREC. This applies to all types of residential construction. BREC has the right to refuse to energize an inspected service if it does not meet all BREC requirements.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on August 21, 2001.

Effective Date: August 21, 2001
Approved: August 21, 2001
Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Revised and Approved: July 31, 2006
Revised and Approved: May 19, 2008
Revised and Approved: July 28, 2008
Revised and Approved: November 24, 2008
Revised and Approved: November 28, 2011
Revised and Approved: April 23, 2012

click here to close

LANDLORD -TENANT REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE

1. Objective: To establish requirements, conditions, and terms of BREC electric service to rental property.

1. If a customer or member is a landlord or a tenant, the following shall apply:

If tenant, BREC must have on file, the name, address, and phone number of the landlord (at the time of application and when service is provided).

If landlord, BREC must have on file the name, address and phone number of the tenant (at the time of application and when service is provided).

BREC will provide electric service and will provide billing in either the tenant's or landlord's name as it appears on the application.

1. Once a tenant or landlord notifies BREC of the date that the tenant is moving or upon discovery that the property is vacated, ownership of the account will be transferred to the landlord/owner and may be transferred to another tenant upon receipt of an accepted membership application.

The landlord/owner will then be notified as soon as possible that this transfer has occurred. The account origination fee does not apply. The landlord may elect to continue billing in his/her name or have the service disconnected. If disconnection is chosen, the landlord will not be charged for the kWh used (maximum of 10 days) and the service location may be retired.

1. If a service has been idle for more than 90 days and the service has not been retired, a “re-establishing idle service fee” will be charged when and if the service is re-established.

In the case of a full retirement where the facilities are completely removed from the field, it is to be treated as a service up-grade; no construction credits will be applied.

1. All services re-established must meet all the requirements of a new service. Prior to establishing (or re-establishing) service, BREC customers need to certify that the meter base and associated equipment meets National Electric Code and Buckeye’s service entrance standards. They must also complete the form provided by BREC. This applies to all types of residential construction.
2. If a landlord, or agent thereof, request disconnection of service when the tenant resides at the service address reflected on the application referred to above, BREC shall provide ten days (10) notice of the intended disconnection by mail to the tenant or posting same in a conspicuous place on the premises. Notice shall be given in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code.

Policy No. 411 - continued

BREC shall also inform such landlord of his/her liability for all electricity consumed during the ten day period.

F:   If a landlord, or agent thereof, requests, BREC shall provide three days (3) notice to him or her when service to the premises is be disconnected at either request of the tenant or for non-payment by the tenant who is responsible for the bill referred to in (A) above.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on May 19, 2008.

Effective Date:                        May 19, 2008

Revised & Approved:             October 26, 2009

Reviewed & Revised:             September 29, 2010

Revised & Approved:             October 25, 2010

Revised & Approved:             November 28, 2011

Revised & Approved:             April 23, 2012

Revised & Approved:             December 28, 2015

Revised & Approved:             February 21, 2017

BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
NOTIFICATION TO LANDLORD

Dear Landlord:

Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BREC) has been notified that your property at

________________________________________________________________________

Is being rented to

_______________________________________________________________________.

Pursuant with the enclosed Policy # 411 you are hereby notified of BREC's policy concerning the providing of electric service to the above indicated location along with the responsibilities, obligations and duty to serve to this location.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy please contact BREC; as soon as possible but not later than ten (10) days from receipt of this notice.

click here to close

RESIDENTIAL METER READING AND BILL PAYMENT

1. Objective:

Establish requirements for Meter Reading and Bill Payment.

1. Bill Payment:

1. Billing statements are sent to the member once each month.
2. Members who have electronic meter reading devices must recognize that any such device is subject to an occasional reporting failure. If it becomes apparent that the usage/billing is not consistent with normal usage, the member shall notify BREC about apparent inaccurate billing. The member is still responsible for the amount of usage. However, the payment of unbilled use may be remitted in installments equal to the period of time the electric use occurred.
3. The monthly payment for electric service and all other charges to the member are payable on or before the due date.
4. A 10% penalty may be charged on all monthly bills not paid on or before the due date.
5. Bill payments not received by BREC by the due date are considered delinquent and subject to disconnection of service as defined in Policy 490.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., January 28, 1991.

Effective:                                January 29, 1991

Revised:                                  March 01, 1993

Amended:                               March 22, 1993

Revised:                                  June 20, 1994

Revised:                                  August 22, 1996 (Formerly Policy No. 600 and 604)

Revised:                                  May 22, 2000

Revised:                                  February 26, 2001 (Formerly Policy No. 600)

Revised and Approved:          October 28, 2002

Reviewed:                               December 7, 2004

Revised and Approved:          October 30, 2006

Revised and Approved:          July 28, 2008

Reviewed and Approved:       August 29, 2011

Reviewed and Revised:          March 11, 2014

Revised and Approved:          March 30, 2015

Revised & Approved:             September 24, 2018

click here to close

DETERMINATION OF ELECTRIC RATES

Objective:
To establish the procedure for setting BREC electric rates.

Electric Rates:
The Board of Trustees may commission a cost of service study as needed to determine the rates appropriate to the various classes of service. Rates shall include actual operations costs and adequate margins to maintain equity and other mortgage tests and retire capital credits consistent with board policy. Rates as a result of this study shall be nondiscriminatory in nature. The charge for electricity used by members/consumers of BREC shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees providing:

A. Members/consumers are notified at least 60 days prior to imposition of the new rates.

B. Appropriate tariffs shall be adopted for each class of service.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., July 26, 1993.

Effective: July 27, 1993
Revised: August 22, 1996 (Former Policy No. 602)
Revised: February 26, 2001 (Former Policy No. 601)
Reviewed: December, 7 2004
Reviewed and Approved: October 30, 2006
Reviewed and Approved: July 28, 2008
Reviewed and Approved: August 29, 2011
Revised and Approved: December 28, 2015

click here to close

Purpose:

A. To provide compliance by the Cooperative with Rural Utilities Service (RUS) regulations, 7 C.F.R. 1730.60 through 1730.65.

B. To avoid significant degradation of the safety, quality and reliability of Cooperative’s electric power system or other electric power systems interconnected to the Cooperative’s electric power system caused by the interconnection or operation of DR.

C. To offer a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory procedure through which the Cooperative may permit the interconnection and synchronization of certain electric generation facilities owned or operated by manufacturers and similar large commercial and industrial electric power and energy consumers, in parallel operation with the Cooperative’s facilities.

Procedure:

A. Distributed Resources:
Distributed Resources (DR) are sources of electric power that are not directly connected to a bulk power transmission system, connected to the Cooperative’s electric power system through a point of common coupling. DR facilities include both generators and energy storage technologies.

B. Qualifying Cogeneration Facility:
Cogeneration is the combined production of electric energy and useful heat by the sequential use of energy from one fuel source. A Qualifying Cogeneration Facility is one which meets the ownership test as well as the operating and efficiency standards and all other definitional requirements of Sections 201 and 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended, and all governmental regulations lawfully promulgated thereunder (PURPA).

C. Qualifying Small Power Production Facility:
A Qualifying Small Power Production Facility is a facility generating not more than 80 megawatts of electric power through the employment of renewable resources such as water power, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass or waste, as a primary fuel and meeting all other definitional requirements of PURPA.

D. Qualifying Facility:
A Qualifying Facility means any Qualifying Cogeneration Facility or Qualifying Small Power Production Facility.

E. Permitted Synchronized Generation Facilities:
Permitted Synchronized Generation Facilities are electric generation facilities other than Qualifying Facilities owned or operated by manufacturers and similar large commercial and industrial electric power and energy consumers in parallel operation with adjacent electric distribution facilities of the Cooperative under circumstances where (1) such generation facilities are operated for the sole purpose of (a) providing back-up generation when it is anticipated that there is a possibility of interruption of generation service provided by the Cooperative, or (b)minimizing or eliminating the consumer’s contribution to a PJM 5-CP System Annual Demand, or (c) testing the consumer’s electric facilities, and (B) no electric power and energy will be introduced into the electric system of the Cooperative or any other entity.

F. PJM 5-CP System Annual Demand:
PJM 5-CP System Annual Demand shall mean any of the five highest hourly kW coincident demands of all of the members of PJM Interconnection, LLC (or any successor thereto, “PJM”), as measured and determined by PJM for purposes of determining Buckeye’s annual PJM capacity charges, or such other hourly kW demands used by PJM to determine Buckeye’s responsibility for annual PJM capacity charges, for the applicable PJM planning year (June 1 – May 31), as determined by Buckeye from time to time.

Policy:
A. The Cooperative will permit the interconnection and parallel operation of Qualifying Facilities, consistent with Cooperative Policy Bulletin No. 435 and Cooperative rules and regulations.

B. With respect to DR facilities that are not Qualifying Facilities, the Cooperative will permit the interconnection and parallel operation of Permitted Synchronized Generation Facilities where (1) Buckeye has approved the same, (2) such facilities meet all of the Cooperative’s Rules and Regulations, and (3) such facilities are equal to or greater than 25 kW but not more than 10 MVA.

C. DR facilities are otherwise not permitted to interconnect with and operate in parallel with the Cooperative’s electric distribution facilities except as approved by the Cooperative’s Board of Trustees on a case by case basis.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on March 28, 2022.

click here to close

Purpose:
A. To provide compliance by the Cooperative with the requirements of Sections 201 and 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended, and all governmental regulations lawfully promulgated thereunder (PURPA).

B. To encourage the development of cogeneration and small power production facilities which will conserve oil, gas, coal and other nonrenewable resources in accordance with the requirements of PURPA.

C. To offer a fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory procedure through which the Cooperative may interconnect with qualifying cogeneration and small power production facilities in accordance with the requirements of PURPA.

Procedure:
The provisions of this policy will extend to all facilities as defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as qualifying cogeneration facilities or small power production facilities located within the service territory of the Cooperative.

A. Qualifying Cogeneration Facility:
Cogeneration is the combined production of electric energy and useful heat by the sequential use of energy from one fuel source. A qualifying cogeneration facility is one which meets the ownership test as well as the operating and efficiency standards and all other definitional requirements of PURPA.

B. Qualifying Small Power Production Facility:
A small power production facility is a facility generating not more than 80 megawatts of electric power through the employment of renewable resources such as water power, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass or waste, as a primary fuel and meeting all other definitional requirements of PURPA.

C. Qualifying Facility:
A qualifying facility means any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility.

Policy:
A. The Cooperative will interconnect with and operate in parallel with any qualifying facility which meets all of the Cooperative’s rules and regulations.

B. The Cooperative will net bill the energy of each of its non-residential consumer’s qualifying facilities having a design capacity of 100 kilowatts or less, and each of its residential consumer’s qualifying facilities having a design capacity of 25 kilowatts or less, in circumstances where the output of such facility is not reasonably anticipated to exceed the annual electric energy requirements of the consumer, at rates and upon terms and conditions as set forth in the rules, regulations, policies and applicable rate schedules of the Cooperative.

C. Agreements entered into prior to the implementation and adoption of this policy 434 and pursuant to former Board Policy No. 435, using a net metering calculation will be honored by the Cooperative through December 31st 2022. BREC will be implementing net billing beginning with the first full billing cycle of January 2023.

D. Buckeye will purchase the energy and associated capacity of each qualifying facility, at rates and upon terms and conditions as set forth in the rules, regulations, policies and applicable rate schedules of Buckeye, in the following circumstances:
(1) When the output of a non-residential consumer’s qualifying facility is greater than 100 kilowatts but not more than 5 MVA; or
(2) When the output of a residential consumer’s qualifying facility is greater than 25 kilowatts but not more than 5 MVA; or
(3) When the output of a qualifying facility up to 100 kilowatts, in the case of a non-residential consumer’s facility, or up to 25 kilowatts, in the case of a residential consumer’s facility, is reasonably anticipated to exceed the annual electric energy requirements of the consumer; or
(4) When the output of the qualifying facility is greater than 5 MVA and Buckeye, the Cooperative, and the consumer have agreed on the terms and conditions for service;

E. Purchases of electric energy and the associated capacity from a qualifying facility having a design capacity of greater than 5 MVA shall be at rates and upon terms and conditions to be determined on a case by case basis and provided by contract between Buckeye and the qualifying facility owner. The purchase of electric energy and the associated capacity from such a qualifying facility will be at a rate which reflects at least Buckeye’s actual avoided costs, taking into account all relevant factors.

F. The Cooperative will sell electric energy and the associated capacity to any net billed qualifying facility at rates and upon terms and conditions as specified in the Cooperative’s applicable rules, regulations, policies and rate schedules.

G. The Cooperative will sell back-up and supplementary energy and the associated capacity to any qualifying facility whose output is purchased directly by Buckeye, at rates and upon terms and conditions as specified in the Cooperative’s applicable rules, regulations, policies and rate schedules.

H. The owner or operator of a qualifying facility who desires to interconnect the facility with the electric system of the Cooperative shall pay all costs associated with the interconnection.

I. The Cooperative shall develop and administer rules, regulations and one or more rate schedules in cooperation with Buckeye covering interconnections with and purchases from qualifying facilities which have a design capacity of not more than 5 MVA.

J. The Cooperative shall cooperate with Buckeye in developing on a case by case basis, agreements covering interconnection with any qualifying facility having a design capacity of more than 5 MVA.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on March 28, 2022.

click here to close

Purpose:
To provide for the safety of consumers, Cooperative personnel and the public in general, and to assure reliable electric service consistent with the Cooperative’s Operational Policy relating to DR facilities, the following rules and regulations are established for the interconnection and operation of consumer-owned or operated DR facilities. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Cooperative’s Operational Policy for DR facilities.

Procedure and Policy:
I. The following rules and regulations apply to all Qualifying Facilities having a capacity of not more than 5 MVA, and to all DR facilities that are not Qualifying Facilities but that are approved by Buckeye Power, Inc. (“Buckeye”) and the Cooperative. Qualifying Facilities of more than 5 MVA of capacity will be treated on an individual case by case basis. These rules and regulations apply to both existing and proposed installations and are subject to change from time to time as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the Cooperative or as may be required by governmental authorities.

A. All consumers wishing to interconnect a DR facility to the Cooperative distribution system shall submit for Cooperative review and approval detailed electrical circuit diagrams of the installation, equipment nameplate data for interface devices and control systems and a site plan. Such submittal shall be in sufficient detail to provide reasonable assurance that the DR facility can at all times be operated in a safe, reliable and lawful manner. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the owner or operator of the DR facility shall submit to the Cooperative a completed Application for Distributed Resource in the form attached hereto as Attachment 1, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate and shall submit any application fee as may be required by the Cooperative as noted on the application. For residential solar projects under 25 kW-DC, the simplified Application for Residential Solar Generation Facility in the form attached hereto as Attachment 1-A may be used. As a part of its application review process, the Cooperative may require an opinion as to the safety and reliability of the system from a licensed professional engineer. No DR facility shall be interconnected and synchronized with the Cooperative’s electric system without the Cooperative’s advance approval of such facility as being in compliance with these rules and regulations.

B. If a consumer’s completed application indicates that the DR facility at issue is a Qualifying Facility, the interconnection and related rights and obligations of the Cooperative and the consumer shall be governed pursuant to the agreements set forth in Paragraphs (S), (T), and (U) below. If a consumer’s completed application indicates that the DR facility at issue is not a Qualifying Facility, the interconnection and/or operation of such facilities shall be governed pursuant to the agreements set forth in Paragraphs (Q) and (R) below. Only the “Responsible Party,” i.e. the owner or operator of a DR facility that is proposed for interconnection to the Cooperative’s distribution system, may apply for interconnection and contract with the Cooperative for the interconnection of a DR facility.

C. The Cooperative shall clearly explain all costs to be recovered from an applicant with respect to the application process or the interconnection of a DR facility prior to the incurrence of such costs and shall incur said costs only upon the applicant’s authorization thereof. The Cooperative may require separate, non-refundable deposits from an applicant prior to processing the consumer’s application for the interconnection and/or operation of a DR facility, and prior to the actual interconnection of a Qualifying Facility or a Permitted Synchronized Generation Facility in such amounts as are sufficient to ensure the applicant’s intent to interconnect and/or operate the DR facility in accordance with the terms hereof.

D. The Cooperative may require that the owner or operator of a DR facility enter into a system study agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 2, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate, setting forth the terms and conditions upon which the Cooperative will perform a system impact study to assess the ability of the existing Cooperative system to accommodate the connection and safe operation of the DR facility, including the cost to be paid by the DR facility owner or operator for such study. The owner or operator shall pay for all costs associated with any addition or alteration to the Cooperative’s system required for metering and for the safe and reliable operation of the DR facility in parallel with the Cooperative’s electric system, including those set forth in the system impact study. Where alterations to the Cooperative’s electric system are required due to the collective presence of two or more DR facilities operating in parallel with the Cooperative, the cost of such additions or alterations shall be shared by those owners or operators on an equitable basis to be determined by the Cooperative.

E. The completed installation must meet all applicable local, state and national codes, regulations or other laws, and electric utility standards for the safety of the public and personnel responsible for utility electric power system operations, maintenance and repair, and is subject to inspection by any authorities having jurisdiction before commencement of operation; the Responsible Party is responsible for such compliance. The installation of any Qualifying Facility or Permitted Synchronized Generation Facility that will operate in parallel with the Cooperative distribution system must comply with the Cooperative’s Technical Guidelines for Interconnection and Parallel Operation attached hereto as Attachment 3. The Cooperative may inspect or require a test of the facility at any time without advance notice.

F. An approved disconnecting device operable by the Cooperative and suitable for disconnecting the DR facility may be required. Any such device shall be operated in accordance with the procedures agreed to by the owner or operator and the Cooperative.

G. After the initial installation and acceptance by the Cooperative of a DR facility, the owner or operator shall obtain approval from the Cooperative prior to making any revisions to the DR facility, interface equipment, control devices, or protective system.

H. The control and protective system and site plan of the DR facility must be approved by the Cooperative. The control and protective system must operate in accordance with these safety and reliability standards:

1. The system shall provide for the immediate automatic shutdown or separation of the DR facility’s generator and storage devices from the Cooperative’s lines in the event of any of the following conditions, whether emanating from the Cooperative’s system or the DR facility:

a. Momentary or extended interruption of power on the Cooperative’s lines serving the DR facility.
b. Deviation of frequency or voltage on the Cooperative’s lines serving the DR facility from within the Cooperative’s normal standards.
c. If the DR facility is operating in parallel with three phase service, existence of abnormal rotation of phases or existence on any phase or phases of a condition listed in (a) or (b) above.

2. The shutdown or separation shall continue until the interruption, deviation, or abnormal condition listed in (1) above has been eliminated and all applicable parameters listed in (1) above are returned to within the Cooperative’s normal standards.

I. In the event the Cooperative determines, in its sole judgment, that the DR facility poses any safety hazard to any person or property, poses a hazard to the reliability of the Cooperative’s electric system or any system with which it is connected, unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of property by any person, or that the DR facility’s protective equipment is operating improperly, the Cooperative, through its authorized personnel, shall have the right to enter onto the property where the DR facility is located and immediately disconnect the DR facility from its lines.

J. Cooperative shall have access rights to the DR facility during normal business hours and all emergency situations.

K. Cooperative shall require the Responsible Party for any DR facility interconnected to and operating in parallel with Cooperative’s distribution system to be responsible for the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the facility and to demonstrate that the facility will be capably developed, constructed and operated, maintained, and repaired.

L. The owner or operator shall pay all costs of changes for safety purposes or repairs or losses due to adverse effects on the equipment or facilities of other consumers or the Cooperative itself caused by the connection or operation of a DR facility.

M. Should parallel operation of a DR facility cause interference or adversely affect voltage, frequency, harmonic content, or power factor in the Cooperative’s or other consumers’ services, the Cooperative may require disconnection of the DR facility from the Cooperative’s electric system until the condition has been corrected.

N. The Cooperative may require such liability insurance coverage by the DR facility owner or operator as the Cooperative determines in its sole judgment to be appropriate in the circumstances, and the owner or operator shall provide such proof of insurance coverage as may be required by the Cooperative. Review or testing of the DR facility by the Cooperative does not constitute assumption of liability by the Cooperative for the safe, reliable and lawful operation of the DR facility.

O. If the owner or operator of the DR facility fails to comply with the above rules and regulations, or if the DR facility at any time constitutes a safety hazard or hazard to the reliability of the Cooperative’s electric system or any system with which it is connected or is in violation of any code, regulation or law, the Cooperative may at any time require termination of operation of the DR facility and the owner or operator shall be liable for any loss, damage or injury resulting from such failure, hazard or violation.

P. Connections between a DR facility and the electric system of the Cooperative shall only be made pursuant to a written contract between the Cooperative and the owner or operator of such facility which shall be in accordance with applicable laws as well as the applicable rules, regulations, policies and rate schedules of the Cooperative.

Q. If a DR facility is a Permitted Synchronized Generation Facility, and will therefore interconnect to and operate in parallel with Cooperative’s electric distribution system, Cooperative shall require the owner or operator of such facility to enter into an Agreement for Electric Service with an Appendix, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 4, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate, setting forth the terms and conditions for synchronization of generation, which shall be in accordance with applicable laws as well as the applicable rules, regulations, policies and rate schedules of the Cooperative.

R. If a DR facility is operated for purposes of minimizing the consumer’s contribution to a PJM 5-CP System Annual Demand, i.e. peak-shaving, Cooperative may enter into an agreement with consumer and Buckeye, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 5, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate, setting forth the terms and conditions upon which Cooperative will sell to consumer and install, and Buckeye will control the activation of, a peak warning device.

S. If (i) a DR facility is a non-residential consumer’s Qualifying Facility up to 100 kW, or a residential consumer’s Qualifying Facility up to 25 kW, and (ii) the output of such facility is not reasonably anticipated to exceed the annual electric energy requirements of the consumer, Cooperative shall require the owner or operator of such facility to enter into:

1. An agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for the interconnection and parallel operation of such Qualifying Facility, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 6, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate; and
2. An agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for electric service with net billing for such Qualifying Facility, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 7, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate, and attaching the Net Billing Rate Schedule, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 8, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate.
3. For residential solar projects, in lieu of the above referenced agreements attached hereto as Attachments 6 and 7, a simplified agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for the interconnection and parallel operation of the residential solar project and the terms and conditions for electric service with net billing for such residential solar project, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 6-A, may be used. Such agreement shall be subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate, and attaching the Net Billing Rate Schedule, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 8, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate.

T. If (i) a DR facility is a non-residential consumer’s Qualifying Facility greater than 100 kW, or a residential consumer’s Qualifying Facility greater than 25 kW, but not more than 5 MVA, or (ii) the output of a non-residential consumer’s Qualifying Facility up to 100 kW or a residential consumer’s Qualifying Facility up to 25 kW is reasonably anticipated to exceed the annual electric energy requirements of the consumer, the Cooperative shall require the owner or operator of such facility to enter into:

1. An agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for the interconnection and parallel operation of such Qualifying Facility, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 9 subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate; and
2. a. If the consumer is selling the net output of the Qualifying Facility to Buckeye, an agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for back-up and supplementary electric service, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 10, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate, and attaching the Back-Up and Supplementary Electric Service Rate Schedule, in substantially the form attached hereto as Attachment 11, subject to such additional changes as the President/General Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate; or
b. If the consumer is selling the gross output of the Qualifying Facility to Buckeye, the Cooperative’s standard agreement for electric service and regular retail rate schedule, subject to such additional changes as the President/general Manager of the Cooperative may deem necessary or appropriate.

U. If a DR facility is a Qualifying Facility greater than 5 MVA and Buckeye, the Cooperative member, and the consumer have agreed on the terms and conditions for service, the Cooperative shall require the owner or operator of such facility to enter into such agreements as determined on a case by case basis.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on March 28, 2022.

click here to close

FEE SCHEDULE

New Customer

Area Light / Pole Replacement

Solar/Distributed Generation Net Metering Installation

Special Service Needs

Penalty Charges

Miscellaneous

Idle Services: Landowners who have been notified by BREC that they have an idle service pursuant to Policy 670, may elect not to have the service removed by activating the account.

Ohio Cooperative Living is the publication used by the Cooperative to provide official notice of annual meetings, special meetings, rate changes, and other information of importance to the customer. The cost of the magazine subscription is included in the monthly charges for electric service as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Recurring Services (Monthly Electric Rates)

See Attachments Below

Residential Service                          See Rate GS/SP – 01 (Attachment 1)

General Service Commercial Rates       See Rate GS/SP – 04 (Attachment 2)

Three Phase General Service Demand    See Rate Three Phase – 06 (Attachment 3)

Power Cost Adjustment (PCA): Determined by the Cooperative's wholesale power supplier (automatically made a part of the monthly bill for each account).

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on

July 31, 2000

Effective:                                July 31, 2000

Revised and Approved:          February 26, 2001 (Formerly Policy # 603 and 606)

Revised and Approved:          May 29, 2001

Revised and Approved:          July 29, 2002

Revised and Approved:          January 27, 2003

Revised and Approved:          June 27, 2005

Revised and Approved:          September 29, 2005

Approved:                               October 31, 2005

Revised and Approved:          July 31, 2006

Revised and Approved:          January 29, 2007

Revised and Approved:          November 26, 2007

Revised and Approved:          July 28, 2008

Revised and Approved:          November 30, 2009

Reviewed & Revised:             September 29, 2010

Revised & Approved:             October 25, 2010

Reviewed and Revised:          May 14, 2014

Approved:                               May 27, 2014

Reviewed:                               September 21, 2015

Approved:                               September 28, 2015

Revised & Approved:             December 28, 2015

Revised & Approved:             April 25, 2016

Revised & Approved:             April 30, 2018

Revised & Approved:             September 24, 2018

Revised & Approved:             December 30, 2019

Revised & Approved:             December 28, 2020

Revised & Approved:             July 26, 2021

Revised & Approved:             April 24, 2023

Effective May 1, 2023

(Policy 450 Attachment 1)

BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

Residential Rate Schedule

GS/SP – 01

Residential Service

1. Distribution Charges

Fixed Charge                                                                                      $ 35.00

kWh Charge

0 - 200 kwh                                                                                    $11.00

201-500 kWh                                                                                 $   .0545 per kwh

501+ kWh                                                                                       $   .04 per kwh

2. Generation & Transmission         Varies by Month

Minimum Bill:                                                                                   $46.00 / month

Security Light:                                                                     $12.00 / month per light

________________________________________________________________________

1. Distribution portion (fixed and kWh) - Rate is controlled by BREC. This is the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the electric distribution system.
2. Generation and Transmission - The cost of owning and operating the power plants and transmission lines necessary to produce and deliver energy to BREC. In addition includes the cost of fuel, environmental regulations, equipment, and taxes.

Effective May 1, 2023

(Policy 450 - Attachment 2)

BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

General Service Single Phase Rate Schedule

GS/SP – 04

General Service / Single Phase

1. Distribution Charges

Fixed Charge                                                                                        $ 39.00

kWh Charge

0 - 200 kwh                                                                                    $11.00

201-500 kWh                                                                                 $   .0545 per kwh

501+ kWh                                                                                       $   .0400 per kwh

2. Generation & Transmission         Varies by Month

Minimum Bill:                                                                                         $50.00 / month

Security Light:                                                                           $12.00 / month per light

________________________________________________________________________

1. Distribution portion (fixed and kWh) - Rate is controlled by BREC. This is the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the electric distribution system.
2. Generation and Transmission - The cost of owning and operating the power plants and transmission lines necessary to produce and deliver energy to BREC. In addition includes the cost of fuel, environmental regulations, equipment, and taxes.

Effective May 1, 2023

(Policy 450- Attachment 3)

BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

General Service Demand Three-Phase Rate Schedule

Three Phase – 06

General Service / Three Phase

1. Distribution

Fixed Charge                                                                                      $   57.00

Distribution Energy Charge    Under 300 kWh*                                $   .0350

Over 300 kWh *                                  $   .0270

Demand Charge                                  $6.25/kW

* Per kW of billing demand

2. Generation & Transmission

G&T Energy Charge                                                                 Varies by Month

Minimum Bill:                                                                                    $ 57.00/month

Security Light:                                                                     $12.00 / month per light

________________________________________________________________________

1. Distribution portion (fixed and kWh) - Rate is controlled by BREC. This is the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the electric distribution system.
2. Generation and Transmission - The cost of owning and operating the power plants and transmission lines necessary to produce and deliver energy to BREC. In addition includes the cost of fuel, environmental regulations, equipment, and taxes.
3. In the event the member elects primary service under Policy 436, the kWh and kW billing determinants shall be reduced by 3.0%.

click here to close

I. Objective:
Provide budget-billing alternatives that will allow the customer to better control the amount of their electric bill and provide a method that will allow management to better control situations that might result in non-payment.

II. Definition:
Two methods of budget billing will be provided for:
• Standard budget billing: A payment amount equal to the average of the last twelve months use divided by 11 plus or minus any adjustments anticipated for the next twelve 12 months.
• Average budget billing: A payment equal to the last 11 months use plus the current bill divided by 12.

III. Qualification Requirements:

A. The customer must be in good standing for at least 12 months.

B. Applications for average budget billing may be made throughout the year. Standard budget billing will have their budget billing begin in April or May. Applications for services other than residential may be approved by the Board of Trustees on a case by case basis.

C. Standard budget billing will be adjusted annually in the month of May, based on the previous 12 months' electric use.

D. At that time of adjustment for standard budget billing, the customer will either be billed for any excess electric use above the amount billed during the previous twelve (12) months per the budget billing plan amount or credited for any excess amount paid during the previous twelve (12) months. The customer will have the option of receiving a refund of the amount credited, or have it carried forward to apply toward subsequent electric bills.

E. BREC reserves the right to approve or decline any application.

IV. Termination of Individual Budget Plan:

The customer may terminate participation in the budget billing plan at any time by giving notice to the Cooperative. Any adjusted amounts due the Cooperative will be immediately payable and any credit balance in the customer's account will be applied to subsequent electric bills or refunded if service is terminated. In the event the customer

terminates budget billing, he or she must wait at least a period of one (1) year before being eligible to reapply for standard budget.

A. The Cooperative may terminate the customer's participation in the budget billing plan at any time the customer no longer qualifies under provisions of the plan, including any delinquency of the customer's account. In the event the Cooperative terminates budget billing the customer must wait at least a period of one (1) year before being eligible to reapply for standard budget.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on September 7, 1957

Effective Date: September 7, 1957
Revised: March 17, 1979
Revised: May 24, 1988
Revised: July 27, 1993
Revised: August 22, 1996 (Former Policy No. 602.1)
Revised: February 26, 2001 (Former policy 602)
Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Reviewed & Approved: October 30, 2006
Revised and Approved: June 25, 2007
Revised and Approved: July 28, 2008
Reviewed and Approved: August 29, 2011
Reviewed and Approved: December 28, 2015
Revised & Approved: April 25, 2016

click here to close

MEDICAL CERTIFICATION

I. Objective:
A. Customer may need electricity to power life-sustaining equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine. For a customer using this type of equipment in his/her home and the lack of service would be life threatening to a resident of that home, disconnection can be delayed by 30 days by completing a medical certification form.

II. Procedure
A. BREC shall give notice of availability of medical certification to its residential customers.

B. Upon request of a customer, BREC will provide application forms to licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse mid-wife, or local board of health physician for certification. This form must be signed by the identified medical professionals above and returned to us prior to disconnection for nonpayment.

C. If termination is to occur as a result of nonpayment, the written notice which is given to the customer prior to termination will inform him/her that a medical certification program is available and that forms are available from the BREC office.

D. A fax certification may be made by the licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse mid-wife, or local board of health physician. Written certification must be forwarded to BREC within seven days showing an original licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse mid-wife, or local board of health physician signature.

E. In order to be, and remain, eligible for the continuation of service, the customer who establishes an inability to pay the amount due in full must enter into and make payments in accordance with an extended payment plan. The extended payment plan shall not be due until the end of the certification period.

F. Any customer who is a permanent resident of the premises where the service is rendered may qualify for certification. However, the condition must be certified to BREC by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse mid-wife, or local board of health physician.

1. A medical certification shall be in writing and shall include the name of the person to be certified. Documentation must be provided that the applicant is a permanent resident of the premises in question. Documentation must also include the name, business address, and telephone number of the certifying party. The certifying party must document the nature of the condition, and the period of time during which termination of electric service would be life threatening.

Policy No. 470 - continued

G. If service has been disconnected within twenty-one (21) days prior to certification of special danger to health for a qualifying resident, service shall be restored to that residence if proper certification is made in accordance with the foregoing provisions and the customer agrees to an extended payment plan. Failure to comply with payment plan may result in prompt disconnections.

III. Effect of Certification

Certification by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse mid-wife, or local board of health physician shall be accepted as proof of medical necessity for continued service and shall prevent disconnection of service for thirty days. Certification may be renewed for two additional consecutive periods of thirty days by providing an additional certificate to BREC’s office; provided the extended payment plan is current. The total certification period is not to exceed ninety days in any twelve-month period.

A. Upon renewal of certification, BREC shall assure that the customer is advised of governmental assistance programs that may be available. In the event the best efforts of BREC fail to result in personal contact, assistance information shall be provided by mail.

The policy contained herein is in conformity with OAC 4901: 1-18-06 and any or all subsequent revisions and/or modifications.
Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc on February 19, 1996

Revised: October 28, 1996
Revised: February 26, 2001 (Formerly Policy No. 650M)
Reviewed and Approved: October 30, 2006
Revised and Approved: November 28, 2011
Reviewed and Approved: December 28, 2015
Reviewed & Approved: April 25, 2016
MEDICAL CERTIFICATION EXTENDED PAYMENT PLAN

For all customers whose accounts are in arrears, the company offers at least the following extended payment plans:

1. Six equal monthly payments on the arrearages in addition to full payment of current bills; or the lesser of

2. Payment of one-third of the balance due each month (arrearages plus the current bill) for a period not to exceed seven months. The final and seventh payment will consist of the entire balance due, providing the sixth month payment equals at least one-half of the total balance still due.

The Cooperative will also negotiate in good faith individual payment plans that may at times more specifically accommodate a member’s ability to pay up a past-due balance, while making full payment of current bills.

In cases where service has already been disconnected, additional fees and deposits must be paid as an initial payment before a payment plan commences.

As long as a customer is making payments in accordance with an agree payment plan, additional penalty charges will not accumulate on any past due balances, and will not be applied to current amounts due which are paid on or before the penalty date.

Cashiers will do the initial extended payment plan determination with the members requesting such consideration, with approval of the plan by the billing supervisor or a manager. If any questions or problems arise in the cashier’s contact with the member, then the member is automatically referred to the billing supervisor or a manager.

All extended payment plans require the approval of the billing supervisor or their superior.
(On Back of Notice)

DELINQUENT NOTICE AND DISCONNECT WARNING

Notice is hereby given that, unless you make satisfactory payment on your account by the disconnect date shown on the front of this statement; your electric service will be subject to disconnection without further notice. If you dispute this statement because you believe an undue error has made by the Cooperative in calculating the amount of the delinquent bill, you should contact the Cooperative immediately. However, this does not relieve your obligation to pay the full amount due, nor does it extend the disconnect date.

MEDICAL CERTIFICATION REQUEST – You are advised that in the event disconnection of your electric service would make the operation of necessary medical or necessary life-support equipment impossible or impractical, or aggravate an existing serious illness, written verification of the condition, signed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse mid-wife, or local board of health physician, is required by BREC to temporarily delay disconnection for up to 30 days, so you can make extended payment arrangements to satisfy the balance due. A certification form is available upon request from BREC. Call immediately if someone in your household may qualify.

WE URGE YOU TO AVOID DISCONNECTION AND ADDITIONAL COLLECTION FEES – You can do so by making full payments in the BREC office, through automated bill system, or online prior to the disconnection date. If circumstances warrant, we will consider an extended payment arrangement that would settle your account while continuing your electricity.

We also urge you to request emergency assistance in this matter from the various federal and state funded energy assistance programs available to qualified utility users. Contact your local Community Action Agency, Job & Family Services, or Veterans Services Office (if you are a veteran) for information.

BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC
4848 State Route 325 South, Rio Grande, OH 45674
Fax: 740/379-2087 Phone: 740/379-2025

MEDICAL CONDITION CERTIFICATION FORM

In accordance with the requirements of Ohio Law relating to electric service, we request that a licensed physician or medical personnel please complete and certify the following information. If initial certification was by phone, this form must be signed by the physician or licensed medical personnel and returned or faxed immediately.

MEMBER INFORMATION (Please Print)

Name of Member:__________________________________Electric Account Number_______________
Address:____________________________________City________________State______Zip_________
Home Phone:______________________
Name of Household Resident with Medical Condition_________________________________________
Relationship to Member:_________________________________________________________________

Health Condition Verification
(Completed by Licensed Medical Personnel)

Name of Patient:________________________________________________________________
Nature of medical condition that warrants this form:____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Is this condition considered life threatening without electric service? Yes No
What is the estimated duration of the life-threatening condition?__________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
List any electrical equipment being used at the residence that is necessary for life support:
______________________________________________________________________________

Termination of electrical service during this period would be especially dangerous to the above patient’s health or make the operation of necessary medical or life-support equipment impossible or impractical.

Name:___________________________________________Agency:______________________
Title or Occupation:_________________________________Phone Number:________________
Address:_________________________________City______________State_______Zip______
Signature:_____________________________________________Date:____________________
(Licensed Physician or Medical Personnel)

MEDICAL EXTENSION NOTICE

Date: Account #:

Member: Delinquent Amount: $

We have received a “Medical Condition Certification” to prevent immediate disconnection for non-payment of your electric bill. We are extending your disconnect date to at this time. You will be disconnected after this date unless you pay in full or enter into an extended payment plan.

I am sure you realize that Buckeye Rural Electric cooperative must require you to make every effort to keep as current at possible. This also helps you by keeping the bill from becoming unmanageable. If your electricity is disconnected for non-payment after your certification expires, you will be required to pay all past due amounts, current amounts (including the final meter reading), and penalties, plus an increased security deposit, if applicable, new membership and a reconnect fee before it is reconnected.

Therefore, we need to know if you have explored all areas of assistance that could help you pay the bill, if you qualify. These include Bank/Credit Card loans, Personal loans, the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program through the State of Ohio, Emergency Assistance through the County Human Services Department, financial assistance through your local Veteran’s Services Office if you are a veteran, and other charitable organizations. Please gather all of this information regarding assistance for which you may qualify, and call our office immediately at either (740) 379-2025 or 1-800-231-2732, to make arrangements through the billing department to pay the amount due or arrange an extended payment plan.

As a reminder, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative cannot ever guarantee continuous, uninterrupted electric service because of unforeseen line interruptions, acts of nature and maintenance requirements. Therefore, if you have a machine that must continuously operate, we recommend you secure a back-up power source or arrange emergency services for your own safety.

We will expect to hear from you very soon.

Sincerely,
Member Service Department
Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

click here to close

POLICY NO. 480 - BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
REQUESTS FOR SERVICE AS A NON-MEMBER

I. Objective: To provide for a procedure to comply with Article I section 7 and 8a of the bylaws of the Cooperative permitting service as a non-member. Any member desiring to withdraw from membership and still receive electric service or person(s) wishing to be served as a non-member will be served under this policy.

II. Requirements: Service will not be provided if the transaction results in a combination of non-member service or an individual transaction that results in a violation of the terms of the Internal Revenue Service code, section 501c(12). This section permits operation as a non-profit cooperative.

1. A non-member must be willing to be bound by the rates, terms and conditions under which a member receiving like service would be obligated.

2. While subject to the same rates, the non-member may not be eligible for capital credits.

3. Non-member will not be able to attend, take part in or vote at any annual or special meeting of the members.

4. Non-member will not be able to nominate or run as a candidate for the Board of Trustees of the Cooperative.

5. The non-member shall not be discriminated against as regards terms, conditions and quality of service.

6. Non-member will not have the right to a hearing at a meeting of the Board of Trustees.

III. Enforcement:
1. Any member wishing to withdraw from membership shall make a written request to the Board of Trustees. Such request will be considered and acted upon at the next regular meeting.

2. Anyone desiring new service as a non-member shall make written application to the Board of Trustees. Such request will be considered and acted upon at the next regular meeting.

3. If such application is approved, the non-member shall sign an application for service as a non-member. Such application shall contain the terms and conditions of service.
4. Service shall not be connected or construction started until the Board of Trustees has approved the request. Service shall not be connected or construction started until the application has been signed and all fees have been paid.

5. If the application is refused, the applicant shall be informed in writing within ten days after the meeting.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on
July 31, 2000

Effective: July 31, 2000
Approved: May 29, 2001 (Formerly Policy No. 605)
Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Reviewed and Approved: October 30, 2006
Reviewed and Approved: July 28, 2008
Reviewed and Approved: August 29, 2011
Reviewed and Approved: December 28, 2015

click here to close

I. Objective:
To establish a policy for resolving disputes between BREC and individuals arising from provision of electric service or related business activities.

II. Procedure:
It is the practice of BREC to work closely with individuals to resolve any dispute or complaint. BREC is required to follow specific rules, regulations, and policies administered by the Board of Trustees, in addition to state and federal regulations. Copies of these policies are on file in the Cooperative’s office. Every effort shall be made by Cooperative employees in all departments to assist in resolving issues. However, if resolution cannot be concluded, the following steps may be taken:

A. Contact Member Services, Engineering or Operations to discuss the unresolved issue. These management staff members will make every effort to investigate and resolve the issue, if possible, under the cooperative’s rules and regulations, bylaws, general policies and practices, and appropriate state and federal regulations.

B. If management staff is unable to resolve the issue to the individual’s satisfaction, the individual may request a meeting with the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Cooperative, who will also make every effort to resolve the issue.

C. If the issue remains unresolved, the individual may request to appear before the Board of Trustees at a regularly scheduled board meeting, upon the following conditions: The individual must submit a written request to the Executive Vice President and General Manager at least 15 days prior to the meeting; state the business to be discussed; and list the names and addresses of persons planning to attend, limited to five individuals.

D. After such appeals, the Board of Trustees shall consider the information presented and render a decision.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on
March 28, 2005.

Effective: March 28, 2005
Reviewed and Approved: October 30, 2006
Reviewed and Approved: July 28, 2008
Revised and Approved: August 29, 2011
Revised and Approved: December 28, 2015

click here to close

I. Objectives:
A. To provide for fair, uniform, and effective enforcement of payment for electric service by the Cooperative’s members.
B. To provide for a reasonable means by which members may avoid service disconnection.
C. To protect the best interests of all paying members by administering a prudent, business like approach to delinquent and non-payment circumstances.

II. Terms of Payment:
Bills for electric services shall be rendered at monthly intervals (approximately thirty (30) days apart). All bills for service shall be due and payable upon receipt but no later than the due date indicated on the bill. Due dates shall be no less than ten (10) days after the mailing of bill. A bill that remains unpaid beyond the due date shall be considered delinquent and subject to a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the unpaid balance. And, after written notice given by the Cooperative, electric service shall be subject to disconnection for nonpayment.

III. Notices:
The Cooperative will provide reasonable notice to the member prior to disconnection of service for nonpayment.
A. Fifteen day advance written notice of intent to disconnect for nonpayment, which can be included or be a part of monthly billing notice.
B. Notice shall be considered given to the member when a copy thereof is delivered to the service location or posted first class in the United States mail, addressed to the member’s last known address. The notice shall contain:
(1) Amount due
(2) Identify the date after which service may be disconnected
(3) Include an explanation of payment alternatives available to the member.
(4) Include the Cooperatives business address and telephone number to be contacted in the event the member desires to dispute the reasons for termination.
C. Service may be disconnected on or after the day specified in the notice without giving further notices, if the violation has not been satisfied.
D. Such notice shall include (but not be limited to) a winter period personal contact notice, and when required by the county, notice to the appropriate department of human services office prior to disconnection.
E. Winter Period Personal Contact Notice

In addition to all other required notices, the Cooperative will attempt to make personal contact with the member prior to any disconnection of electric service for nonpayment occurring in concurrence with the governor’s recommended state winter moratorium. This contact shall be in person, or by telephone, or by hand delivered written notice to the member’s premises. Prior to, or as part of the personal contact, the Cooperative shall inform the occupant of the premises of the available sources of federal, state and local government aid for payment of utility bills and for home weatherization. If the member does not respond to the Winter Period Personal Contact Notice, or refuses to accept or default on a pre-established payment plan, service may be disconnected for nonpayment after 10 days notice. This personal contact notice shall be in addition to the notice of intent to disconnect set forth above.

IV. Disconnection of Service:
In the event the member fails to respond appropriately to the Delinquency and Final Disconnect Notices or less than satisfactory arrangements have been made for resolution of the delinquency status, disconnection of service because of failure to pay (non-pay) will be accomplished. Other than for safety reasons, no disconnection will be made on Saturdays, Sundays, or Cooperative holidays, and not after 12:30 p.m. on the day proceeding such days. Disconnects will be made during the Cooperative’s normal business hours.
A. On Site Disconnect
The person making the disconnection will attempt to notify persons residing at the premises in person before the actual disconnection takes place. If no one is home, written notice will be securely attached in a conspicuous place informing the member that the disconnection has taken place. Upon disconnection the employee will immediately notify the office by radio or phone of the action taken, account number, and whether a resident was present at the time. A disconnect fee will apply.
*The Cooperative employee making disconnection is NOT authorized to receive payment or make any extended payment arrangements with the member.*
B. Remote Disconnect
Buckeye Rural Electric will attempt to contact the member by phone prior to the disconnection. A disconnect fee will apply even if no onsite visit is needed for disconnect action.

V. Reconnection of Remote Disconnected Service
A. In its discretion Buckeye REC may reconnect the service remotely. In doing so, the resident agrees to accept all conditions for receiving electric service including but not limited to the responsibility for maintaining a safe environment in all buildings and structures to insure that reconnection remotely is safely activated.

Delinquent account treatment must be made in the office with the member service department. Upon disconnection of service for non-payment any deposits or other fund held in the Cooperatives possession will be applied to the delinquent account balance.

Once an account has been disconnected as a result of nonpayment of account, BREC may retire the service (remove BREC property) pursuant to policies 670 and 495.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on October 30, 2000. (Former Policy No. 604)

Revised and approved: February 26, 2001
Effective: February 27, 2001
Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Revised and Approved: July 28, 2008
Revised and Approved: June 29, 2009
Revised and Approved: November 30, 2009
Reviewed and Revised: May 14, 2014
Approved: May 27, 2014
Revised and Approved: December 28, 2015

click here to close

1. Objective: To establish a procedure for removal or termination of services.

1. Customer Initiated:

1. A customer requesting a disconnect of service shall notify BREC of the disconnect date and shall be responsible for all energy use through the disconnect date.

2. BREC may at its option disconnect service and retire its facilities after the disconnect date.

• BREC Initiated:

BREC may terminate services to any member/customer as follows:

1. Existence of obvious hazards to health and safety of persons or property.

2. When a customer/consumer uses electricity in a manner detrimental to the service to other consumers.

3. Customer has moved or premises have been abandoned.

4. Pursuant to OAC 4901:1-18-03(E)(3),

1. Resorts to any fraudulent act to obtain electric or is the beneficiary of the fraudulent act, or tampers with the utility company’s meter, metering equipment, or other property used to supply the service.

1. When a customer has tampered with property of BREC or other property used to supply service.

5. For failure of customer to pay delinquent bill for services or arrangement.

6. When providing service is in conflict or incompatible with any order of the commission, court of law, laws of the state of Ohio or any political subdivision thereof, or of the federal government or any of its agencies.

7. When a member, customer, consumer, or his/her agent does the following:

After notice and a reasonable period of time, prevents BREC personnel from calibrating, maintaining, or replacing BREC’s company’s meter, metering equipment, or BREC company property used to supply service.

8. For any reason set forth under OAC 4901:1-18-08 Landlord Tenant Provisions.

9. For any other reason set forth under OAC 4901:1-18-03.

BREC shall have the right to remove any and all of its property installed on customer’s premises upon termination of service regardless of any aide to construction paid for those BREC owned facilities

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., January 28, 2008.

Revised and Approved:                      November 28, 2011

Revised and Approved:                      April 23, 2012

Reviewed and Approved:                   August 28, 2017

click here to close

Aid to Construction - The portion of constructions costs paid by the member/customer to provide service. ATC is necessary since rates cannot support the total cost of construction.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) – A device that automatically reads electric usage as well as other functions, and sends the information via collectors on the line to BREC headquarters.

Anchor - Device installed in the ground, attached to a guy wire, to hold the strain placed on a pole.

Area, Security, or Yard Light - Dusk to dawn pole light.

Auto Pay - Automatic payment deduction is available.

Bill Payment - Payment due according to due date shown on statement. Late payments are assessed a 10% penalty.

Budget Billing - Fixed amount to be paid on monthly electric bills, with adjustments made annually.

Conduit - Pipe for electrical wire.

Disconnect Switch - Device (usually built into the meter cabinet) that allows power to the member/customer to be shut off.

Distribution - Refers to the portion of the electric business that transports the energy from substations to homes and businesses.

Double Throw Switch - A member/customer owned device, which is required by NEC to allow members/customers to provide energy from a generator or from BREC. These installations must be approved by BREC.

Estimated costs - This is the cost to provide service using the unit method of pricing. Used to determine the aid to construction.

Facilities Charge - The fixed charge on BREC member/customer’s monthly bill for availability of service.

Generation - Refers to the portion of the electric business that produces the energy at power plants.

Ground - Connecting the electric service to the ground.

Ground Rod - This is an eight foot copper rod that is used to bond to your service entrance to the ground. A ground rod is necessary to reduce damage and shock hazards. NEC requires 25 Ohms or less.

Guy Wire - The cable that attaches to the guy anchor and the pole to hold the strain put on the pole by the overhead wires.

Idle Service or facilities - Where BREC has a transformer, secondary, wires, pole anchors, guys, and other facilities that are serving an inactive account.

KW (Kilowatt) or KWD (Kilowatt Demand) - How the electric industry measures the rate energy is consumed.

KWH (Kilowatt-Hour) - How the electric industry measures the amount of energy consumed.

Lift Pole - The pole used to hold up secondary wire.

Line Extension - The BREC owned equipment, wires, and poles installed to provide service to a new member/customer.

Mast Pipe - The conduit that extends from the top of the meter base to the weatherhead.

Meter Base or Meter Socket –A box provided by member/customer and approved by BREC that holds a BREC furnished meter.

Meter Reading - Determines number of KWH’s consumed.

NEC - National Electric Code, which governs all wiring on the member/customer’s side of the point of service delivery.

NESC - The National Electric Safety Code, which governs BREC’s construction practices.

NEC/NESC Point of Service - On overhead facilities, this is defined as the point where BREC’s overhead line connects to the wires that come from the member/customers weatherhead located above the meter.

Overhead - wires attached to poles must meet clearance requirements of the NESC.

Pedestal (meter) – A meter structure which stands independently and connects underground service.

Permanent Service - Service installed to a facility with the intent for long term use.

Power Cost Adjustment - BREC’s cost for purchased power plus line loss.

Reconnect New - This occurs where there is an existing service and a new member/customer wants service restored at the same place.

Reconnect Same - This occurs where there is an existing service and the same member/customer wants service restored at the same place.

Right of Entry - Granted in BREC’s Right-of Way Easement. This allows BREC to maintain their equipment on member/customer’s premises.

Utility Right-of-Way - A 40 foot zone (20 feet on either side of the centerline) in which the cooperative constructs and maintains its overhead facilities for three-phase A 30 foot zone (15 feet on either side of the centerline) in which the cooperative constructs and maintains its overhead facilities for single-phase.

Right-of-Way Clearing - The act of clearing an area of vegetation, debris or other obstacles to allow for construction and maintenance of BREC facilities.

Right-of-Way Easement - An easement that allows the utility to install and maintain poles, wires, etc. on property not owned by the utility, and allows the utility access to those facilities.

Secondary - The conductors attached to the transformer that extends to the point of service delivery, sometimes referred to as “Service Drop” or “Underground service lateral.”

Secondary Voltage - Normally 120/240 volt single phase, +/- 5% for residential and small commercial.

Secondary Voltage - Large Commercial and Industrial - Other voltages available (in some areas) for applications are 120/240 volt 3 phase 4 wire delta, 120/208 three phase 4 wire Y, 277/480 volt 3 phase 4-wire Y, 240/480 V single phase.

Service entrance - The member/customer provided equipment that includes everything from the point of service delivery to the member/customer’s main breaker, must be located as specified by BREC.

Service Relocation - Work performed at the request of a member/customer for the member/customer’s benefit.

Service Upgrade - When a member/customer increases the capacity of a service. BREC needs to determine if BREC’s facilities will need to be upgraded as well.

Single Phase Electric Service - Normal residential and small commercial voltage of 120/240 alternating current.

Subdivision Development - Includes any platted development for which new primary electric service extensions will be required to be installed prior to the sale of individual lots by the subdivision developer to owners that will require electric service.

Temporary/Other Facilities - On BREC’s system, Temporary/Other Facilities are defined as hunting lodges, road bridge construction trailers, outbuildings, seasonal structures, oil and gas wells, barns, or any other structures of short term use.

Temporary Service - Service to any structure other than a permanent service.

Three Phase Electrical Service - This type of service is necessary for some larger motors and equipment, commercial and industrial.

Transformer - Electrical equipment that converts high voltage to magnetic energy then to low voltage. The low voltage is useable by the member/customer for various applications.

Transmission - Refers to the portion of the electric business that transports the energy from power plants to the substations.

Triplex - Three wires bundled together that normally attach from the transformer to point of service delivery.

Underground - Wires installed underground, must meet depth requirements of NESC.

Underground Point of Connection - This is where BREC’s facilities end and the member/customers begin.

URD - Underground Rural Distribution, same as underground.

Weatherhead - Is the cover at the top of a mast pipe. This is to keep your wire and meter socket protected from water.

100 amp - Electric service entrance providing up to 100 amps of capacity per the NEC. The size of this service entrance equipment is determined and provided by the member/customer.

200 amp - Electric service entrance providing up to 200 amps of capacity per the NEC. The size of this service entrance equipment is determined and provided by the member/customer.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on December 18, 2000.

Effective: December 18, 2000
Reviewed and Revised: March 16, 2006
Approved: March 27, 2006
Revised and Approved: June 25, 2007
Revised and Approved: November 28, 2011
Revised and Approved: April 23, 2012
Reviewed and Revised: March 11, 2014
Revised and Approved: March 30, 2015
Revised & Approved: April 25, 2016
Revised & Approved: April 24, 2023

click here to close

I. Objective: To establish terms, conditions and requirements for new services.

II. New Service Documentation Requirements:

• A fully executed membership application
• A completed electrical requirements form
• A copy of recorded deed (including deed of present owner if land contract)
• A signed easement for all new facilities

III. Equipment Required for New Service

A. An approved meter base (200-amp residential minimum) and disconnect will be installed by the member according to BREC service schematics. The cooperative will determine the proper service delivery point. The member’s meter base and associated equipment must meet the National Electric Code and cooperative’s standards for service prior to electrical connection. If upon inspection, an electric service does not meet requirements, BREC reserves the right to refuse connection of service. One of the following documents will be required prior to construction:

i. Residential and General Service single-phase services will require a completed electrical inspection release form

ii. A completed Manufactured Homes Program Inspection for mobile homes

iii. Non-residential services may be subject to state inspection.

B. BREC will install, own, and maintain equipment (regardless if member funded) necessary for connection. All hardware beyond the point of service connection shall be the property of the member. The point of service connection for secondary residential and general services shall be defined as the connection to member’s service entrance conductor for overhead or the line side connection of the member’s meter base for underground service.

IV. Costs:

A. BREC will determine the delivery point and the least cost construction design option for providing electric service.

B. A non-refundable design fee is due with an application for service (Policy 450). This fee is for field engineering work to design the new service.

C. All construction costs will be the responsibility of the member and provided to the cooperative as an Aid-to-Construction (ATC). A credit up to $1,500 to new construction will be applied, if appropriate, for a member billed under the residential rate schedule (see Policy 450).

D. A cost schedule for most common service designs will be utilized based on standard construction practice estimates and periodically updated based on actual construction cost averages.

E. For services outside of the scope of common service designs, charges will be based on the total project estimate. For those instances, a refund or charge to the member may be considered once the project is completed and total costs are reviewed.

F. For three-phase service, charges will be based on the total project estimate. For those instances, a refund or charge to the member may be considered once the project is completed and total costs are reviewed.

G. Construction funds are due in advance. A new application for service is required if construction charges are unpaid after 180 days.

H. For three-phase or large single-phase services not included in the scope of what is considered the most common service designs, the cooperative may give the member/applicant a “level of magnitude” estimate for the project and request an advance to cover the detailed engineering costs. All estimates are valid for 90 days.

If a project is cancelled prior to completion and the engineering costs exceeded the original engineering fee, the cooperative may recover those costs for the project from the member/applicant.

V. Line Extensions

A. When line extensions are necessary to provide service to a new member, and additional members join the Cooperative along that line extension by the 5^th anniversary date of the installation, BREC may reimburse the original member for a portion of the line extension cost. The original member will need to be active and must contact BREC to be considered for a one-time reimbursement.

VI. Other Considerations

A. Required right-of-way tree clearing may be performed by the member to BREC specifications or by BREC or its agents for a charge equal to the cost of clearing.

B. If the service is not ready for connection upon notification by the member, and BREC is unable to connect, a trip charge will be assessed (See Policy 450).

Revised from 610, 620, 650, and 450- October 28, 2009
Revised November 20, 2009
Reviewed & Revised: September 29, 2010
Revised & Approved: October 25, 2010
Reviewed & Approved: April 23, 2012
Reviewed & Approved: February 21, 2017
Revised & Approved:  December 28, 2020
Revised & Approved: April 24, 2023 (effective 7/1/2023)

click here to close

GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR SERVICE CHANGES AND CHANGES TO BREC FACILITIES

Objective:  To establish conditions for BREC providing service upgrades, service relocations, and changes from overhead to underground service at permanent residential locations.

I.    Upgrade of service entrance (by member):

BREC will charge the member for all costs incurred, including, but not limited to an upgrade service design fee (See Policy No. 450). The member is also responsible for any direct labor, material, and applicable charges and costs associated with any BREC facility changes necessitated by the member’s request. Any changes to BREC facilities without member contribution will require management approval.

II.  Change from overhead to underground:

When initiated by the member, BREC will change the service from overhead to underground. A design fee for engineering to determine the costs and method will be charged (See Policy No. 450). The property owner must meet all National Electric Code (NEC) and BREC requirements, supply and/or pay for the cost of the materials and labor.

A service fee will be assessed if BREC has been notified that a new underground service is ready for connection, travels to the site and determines that the service cannot be connected in compliance with BREC Requirements. The charge is due and payable before a second trip will be made by the Cooperative employees to complete the connection.

III. Relocation of BREC owned poles, wire and equipment:

1. When requested, facilities may be relocated, with the total cost of such relocation being paid in advance by the entity making such requests. The relocation must comply with all NESC requirements and be deemed as an appropriate method of providing service by BREC. A design fee for the engineer to determine the costs and method will also be charged (See Policy No. 450).

1. In the event BREC must relocate an existing line because of non-compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), the party responsible for creating the violation necessitating the relocation will be responsible for all expenses.

All estimates are valid for 90 days.

Ownership of Equipment to Provide Service:

BREC owns and maintains all facilities up to the established point of service. The member installs, owns and maintains all facilities beyond the point of service. The point of service may be determined by agreement but is generally the connection at the weatherhead on overhead and either the top of the meterbase (if BREC installs the wire) or at the transformer connection (for member owned wire).

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on August 22, 1996.

Effective Date:                        August 22, 1996

Review Date:                          August 28, 2000

Reviewed and Revised:          December 18, 2000

Accepted as Reviewed:          March 28, 2005

Revised and Approved:          June 25, 2007

Revised and Approved:          May 19, 2008

Revised and Approved:          May 26, 2009

Revised and Approved:          June 29, 2009

Revised and Approved:          November 30, 2009 (combined with Policy No. 680)

Revised and Approved:          August 29, 2011

Revised & Approved:             February 21, 2017

click here to close

SERVICE TO SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENTS

1. Objective:

Establish requirements, conditions and terms of BREC service to subdivision developments.

1. Installation Plan:

The subdivision developer shall work with the Cooperative in completing a study of the methods of providing service. Before planning can begin, a design fee (see Policy No. 450) per lot will be required. This non-refundable fee will be credited toward future engineering/construction costs for this project. The developer shall provide the Cooperative with a subdivision plat, showing all lots, streets and other man-made and natural features. Also, we will need an estimate of the size and type of homes, including an indication of the probable heating, air conditioning, and water heating systems for the subdivision. The Cooperative reserves the right to determine requirements for adequate service, including type of conductor and size, burial method and depth, type of loop, routing of loop and points of connection of loop to existing primary service, and requirements to extend, change or relocate present primary service lines.  The developer will grant necessary right-of-way easements.

III. Estimate and Payment to Cooperative:

Once the design of the proposed service plan is completed, and satisfies both the developer and the Cooperative, the Cooperative will prepare a cost estimate for the project. Once the construction costs are determined, the developer will contract with BREC to complete the project with the developer or party requesting service paying the total cost of construction in advance either through cash or a surety arrangement. If a surety arrangement is supplied, the contract will include a payment schedule to cover these costs and will take into account advance payments

IV. Ownership of Equipment to Provide Service:

BREC owns all facilities up to the point of service (wires extending from weatherhead on overhead and top of the meter on underground). The member installs, owns and, maintains all facilities beyond the point of service.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on December 18, 2000

Effective Date:                        December 18, 2000

Accepted as Reviewed:          March 28, 2005

Reviewed and Revised:          September 29, 2005

Approved:                               October 31, 2005

Revised and Approved:          June 25, 2007

Revised and Approved:          May 19, 2008

Revised and Approved:          November 30, 2009

Reviewed and Revised:          May 14, 2014

Approved:                               May 27, 2014

Reviewed & Accepted:          September 24, 2018

click here to close

AREA LIGHTS

I. Objective:

Establish requirements, conditions and terms of BREC installation, operation and maintenance of area lights.

II. Membership/Service Requirements:

Applicants for area lights are required to meet membership, credit, security deposit, meter reading, bill payments and all other terms and conditions of membership in Policy No. 610. All such fees, deposits and charges are due in advance of the work by BREC being started when the credit status of the applicant for service so requires.

III. Installation:

An area light will be installed by the Cooperative on cooperative owned poles or member’s meter poles. The light will be provided by BREC.
A. When an area light is installed on existing poles with secondary voltage available, fees will be charged per Policy No. 450.
B. When a pole is necessary the charge will include the cost of the pole, plus the cost of installation of the pole, plus an additional fee if the pole is required to be set by hand.
C. When a transformer is required, an additional charge equal to the cost of the transformer and the labor to install the transformer will be added.

IV. Ownership, Operation and Maintenance:

The Cooperative will own the light fixture, and will operate and maintain it on a non-emergency basis.

V. Relocation:

The cost of relocation of an area light shall be borne by the member.

VI. Repair other than normal maintenance:

When an area light has been damaged by vandalism and/or negligence, all associated costs of repairs will be charged as shown in Policy No. 450.

VII. When a member is cutoff for non-pay the area light may be removed. When a member no longer desires to pay for a BREC owned area light, it will be removed at BREC’s expense.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on January 23, 1991.

Effective Date:                        January 29, 1991

Revised:                                  July 26, 1993 / Effective: July 27, 1993

Revised:                                  June 20, 1994

Revised                                   August 22, 1996 (Former Policy No. 604.7

Revised:                                  August 28, 2000 (Oct. 20, 2000)

Reviewed and Revised:          December 18, 2000

Reviewed and Approved:       March 27, 2006

Revised and Approved:          July 31, 2006

Revised and Approved:          January 17, 2007

Revised and Approved:          January 28, 2008

Revised and Approved:          July 28, 2008

Revised and Approved:          November 24, 2008

Revised and Approved:          November 30, 2009

Revised and Approved:          November 28, 2011

Reviewed and Revised:          March 11, 2014

Revised and Approved:          March 30, 2015

Revised and Approved:          September 24, 2018

Revised & Approved:              December 28, 2020

click here to close

IDLE SERVICE

I. Objective:

Idle services carry costs to the Cooperative in the form of line loss, property taxes, potential public liability and administrative costs. Management is directed to remove all idle services as soon as practical.

II. Actions:

A. A system review of all services shall be made on a routine basis to identify idle services.

B. Idle services no longer useful shall be scheduled for removal.

C. In the event a request is made to continue the service the individual making such a request will be required to become a customer and pay for such service as required under a fee which shall be set by the Board of Trustees.

III. Restoring retired facilities:

A. To restore service to a previously retired facility, reference Policy 610 for new service.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on

February 26, 2001.

Effective:                                February 27, 2001

Revised and Approved:          May 29, 2001

Revised and Approved:          January 27, 2003

Revised and Approved:          March 28, 2005

Revised and Approved:          October 30, 2006

Revised and Approved:          January 28, 2008

Revised and Approved:          July 28, 2008

Reviewed & Revised:             September 29, 2010

Revised & Approved:             October 25, 2010

Reviewed and Revised:          May 14, 2014

Approved:                               May 27, 2014

Reviewed and Approved:       September 24, 2018

Revised & Approved              April 24, 2023

click here to close

I. Objective: Establish a monetary reward and requirements, conditions and terms for paying such reward to person(s) providing information that results in the arrest and conviction of persons committing willful damage to BREC line facilities, property or vehicles.

II. Administration: Executive Vice President/General Manager and Staff as designated.

III. A standing reward of up to $2,500.00 will be payable for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons for the willful damage and/or theft of BREC property, including poles and lines, all equipment used to distribute electricity, substations, buildings, vehicles, tools, and other equipment.

IV. Payment of reward money will be subject to the following terms and conditions:

A. Total amount paid per occurrence or related occurrence will be up to $2,500.00. Where more than one person claims such reward, the payment will be based upon the first receipt of information by either BREC or law enforcement officials and communicated to BREC on which the arrest of a suspect(s) who is/are later convicted of the act of willful damage and/or theft to Cooperative property.

B. Total amount paid per occurrence to more than one qualified claimant will be up to $2,500.00. In the event that more than one claimant qualifies for payment of reward money, the total reward shall be divided between/among the claimants based on the relative value of the information provided by the various claimants. Such division of the reward shall be solely determined by BREC in consultation with its legal counsel.

C. Final qualification of any reward offered shall rest solely within the discretion of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

V. Confidentiality of information on which claimant(s) qualify for reward money:
BREC will honor claimant's request for anonymity in receiving such reward, provided claimant(s) for reward money is/are not required under law or during arrest or court proceedings to be identified, such as appearing as a witness against suspect(s).

VI. Change in Amount of Reward. The BREC Board of Trustees reserves the right to supplement these amounts to meet individual circumstances of damage to Cooperative property.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., on January 30, 1995.

Effective: January 31, 1995
Revised: August 22, 1996 (Former Policy No. 606)
Reviewed: December 18, 2000 (Former Policy No. 640)
Reviewed: March 16, 2006
Approved: March 27, 2006
Reviewed and Approved: June 29, 2009
Revised and Approved: August 29, 2011
Revised and Approved: December 28, 2015

click here to close