Long Beach Municipal Code Ch. 15.36 Gas Rates

Footnotes:

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Note— Prior ordinance history: Ords. C-5325, C-5538, C-5555, C-5569 and C-5665.

The rate categories for gas sold or transported by the City's gas utility are established as set forth in this Chapter.

(Ord. C-7123 § 1, 1993: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7561(a)(part))

A. Applicability. Schedule 1 is applicable to residential service of natural gas for cooking, water heating, space heating and other residential uses.

B. Use priority. Customers served under Schedule 1 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 1 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special conditions. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 1 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

1. Baseline rates. Baseline rates are applicable only to specific volumes of residential space heating, cooking and water heating usage.

2. Baselines usage. The quantities of gas used in metered residences are to be billed at the baseline rates as shall be established by City Council by resolution. Usage in excess of applicable baseline allowances will be billed at residential nonbaseline rates.

3. Additional residential baseline therm allowance for certain medical conditions. An additional daily therm baseline allowance shall be allowed residential customers using gas for space heating and/or gas operated life support equipment, throughout the year, where there is permanently residing at the service address a person who, for purposes of this Section, has certain medical conditions as set forth in the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 1, as established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

Any residential gas customer qualifying for the additional baseline allowance under this Section shall be required to file an application with the Commercial Services Bureau, on forms supplied by the bureau. Additional special conditions and definitions applicable to persons qualifying for the additional allowance shall be set forth in the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 1, as established by resolution.

It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to knowingly provide false information in an application or to knowingly receive the benefits of the additional baseline allowance for a medical condition provided by this Section when the basis for such benefit either does not exist or ceases to exist.

4. Seasonal Rate Changes. The baseline allowances for space heating will be prorated in the May and November billing periods based on the ratio of the number of days prior to May 1 and subsequent to October 31, respectively, to the total number of days in the billing period.

5. Additional special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 1 shall be established by resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. C-7472 § 1, 1997; Ord. C-7426 § 1, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(1))

A. Applicability. Schedule 2 is applicable to nonresidential uses of natural gas by small commercial and industrial customers whose annual consumption does not exceed twelve thousand (12,000) therms based on the customer's prior calendar year consumption, or estimated annual consumption for new customers.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 2 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 2 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special Conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 2 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 2 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 2, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(2))

A. Applicability. Schedule 3 is applicable to natural gas used by commercial and industrial customers whose annual consumption exceeds twelve thousand (12,000) therms based upon the customer's prior calendar year consumption or estimated annual consumption for new customers.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 3 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 3 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 3, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(3))

A. Applicability. Schedule 4 is applicable to natural gas used for commercial and industrial uses by customers whose annual consumption exceeds two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) therms based upon the customer's prior calendar year consumption or estimated annual consumption for new customers.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 4 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 4 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special Conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 4 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 4 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 4, 1996; Ord. C-7123 § 2, 1993; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(4))

A. Applicability. Schedule 5 is applicable to the service and sale of compressed natural gas (CNG) to customers who use CNG as a motor vehicle fuel.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 5 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 5 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special Conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 5 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 5 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 5, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(5))

A. Applicability. Schedule 6 is applicable to uses of natural gas in the generation of electric energy by an electrical corporation or government entity, except cogeneration facilities. "Electrical corporation" has the same meaning as defined in Section 218 of the Public Utilities Code of the State.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 6 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 6 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special Conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 6 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 6 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 6, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(6))

A. Applicability. Schedule 7 is applicable to natural gas service for qualifying cogeneration facilities. "Cogeneration" is defined as the sequential production of electrical energy and heat, steam or useful work from the same fuel source and meeting the efficiency standards set forth in Chapter 18 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 292.205(a) and (b) and subsequent revisions thereto.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 7 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 7 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special Conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 7 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 7 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 7, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-6303 § 1, 1986; Ord. C-6174 § 1 (part), 1985)

A. Applicability. Schedule 8 is applicable to natural gas service for direct use by an oil production customer for the purpose of increasing the production of oil.

B. Use Priority. Customers served under Schedule 8 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 8 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special Conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 8 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 8 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 8, 1996; Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-6174 § 1 (part), 1985)

A. Applicability. Schedule 9 is applicable to natural gas procured by the customer and transported or exchanged by the City's Gas Department for the customer. The customer may also elect to purchase natural gas directly from the City's Gas Department by agreement. Gas transported under this schedule shall be used only by the customer and such gas may not be sold, transported, distributed, assigned, exchanged, or otherwise transferred to benefit another customer or provide nonmunicipal natural gas to any natural gas user, transporter or consumer within the City or its service territory without express written authorization by the City. Customers desiring to procure natural gas under this schedule shall be required to execute a transportation and gas service agreement with the City.

B. Use priority. Customers served under Schedule 9 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rates schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 9 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 9 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of the special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 9 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7426 § 9, 1996; Ord. C-7123 § 3, 1993: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(7))

A. Applicability. Schedule 10 is applicable to natural gas service for customers operating gas air conditioning equipment using high efficiency gas cooling absorption chillers, except that no customer shall be eligible for Schedule 10 service without first making application to the gas department administration building, establishing that the gas air conditioning equipment qualifies as high efficiency gas air conditioning equipment according to the requirements of the gas department as set forth in the special conditions and providing for a separate gas meter for Schedule 10 gas consumption.

B. Use priority. Customers served under Schedule 10 shall have priority in the use of gas over customers served under other rate schedules as established by resolution of the City Council. When there is curtailment or insufficient gas to supply the demands of all customers, such customers shall be subject to discontinuance of service without notice in case of curtailment or threatened or actual shortage of gas in favor of customers under other schedules as set forth by resolution adopted by the City Council. The City shall not be liable for damages which may be occasioned by the curtailment, discontinuance or shut off of such gas supply and service.

C. Rates. Current rate schedules applicable to customers served under Schedule 10 shall be established by resolution of the City Council and available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

D. Special conditions. Special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 10 shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of special conditions applicable to customers served under Schedule 10 shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7336 § 2, 1995)

Fees and charges for other services provided by the gas utility shall be as established on the schedule of fees and charges, which is available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(a)(8))

A. Purpose. In order to assist customers in determining the feasibility of natural gas energy and potential benefits of gas equipment, and provide for increased net revenue to the Gas Department through long-term increased natural gas consumption, customers may apply for certain cost reimbursement incentive programs, subject to the availability of funds and other requirements herein.

B. Application. An applicant for an incentive program shall file a written application with the General Manager of the Gas Department on forms to be provided by the City. The application shall include:

1. The name and address of the applicant,

2. The type of gas equipment being considered for purchase,

3. The size or capacity of the equipment and the volume of expected natural gas consumption,

4. The applicant's forecasted payback period,

5. The applicant's willingness to share relevant data and provide access to the facility,

6. The applicant's forecast of time for implementation of studies or gas equipment purchases,

7. Estimates of cost of feasibility studies, and

8. Estimates of cost of natural gas equipment.

C. Execution of agreement. Prior to disbursement of any funds to the applicant, the applicant shall be required to execute an agreement with the City which shall be subject to City Council approval.

D. Requirements. Requirements shall be established by resolution of the City Council. A current list of requirements applicable to customers shall be available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Gas Department Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

(Ord. C-7336 § 3, 1995)

The General Manager of the City's Gas Department shall regularly review rates, tariffs, fees, charges and services of other like utilities whether public or private operating in the Southern California area and submit to the City Manager a schedule of natural gas rates, fees, charges which are reasonable and comparable to rates, fees, and charges by other like utilities in the Southern California area. The City Manager shall adjust gas rates, fees, and charges for the City contained in Chapter 15.36 of this Code to reflect increases or decreases in the price of the commodity, transportation, charges, fees, and related services. The City Clerk shall post such new rates, fees, charges, and service at three (3) conspicuous places within the City. The City Manager shall report changes in rates, charges, fees, and services to the City Council as soon as practicable. The City Council may approve, disapprove or modify such changes by resolution.

(Ord. C-7336 § 1, 1995: Ord. C-6905 § 1 (part), 1991: Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(b)(1))

A. The payment of gas bills as outlined in this Section is subject to a low income gas discount for any person applying and qualifying for a low income gas discount. No person shall be entitled to any discount unless the person is (i) a service customer of the City's gas utility, or (ii) an occupant of a mobile home who receives a gas bill from an operator of a mobile home park which is a customer of the City's gas utility, and in either case an application is completed and approved by the City.

B. The amount of the discount and the qualifications for eligibility shall be established and become effective by resolution of the City Council and made available at the office of the City Clerk, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; Commercial Services, 333 West Ocean Boulevard; and Long Beach Energy Administration Building, 2400 East Spring Street.

C. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Section, however, if the City determines by any means that a new or nonqualified service user is receiving gas service through a meter or connection by virtue of a low income gas discount issued to a previous certified applicant for the same meter or connection, or an applicant is no longer eligible for the low income discount and has failed to advise the City, an investigation shall be conducted to ascertain whether or not the provisions of this Section and the resolution establishing the low income discount eligibility and qualifications have been complied with, and where appropriate, the City shall commence collecting the full amount for gas service delivered to the nonqualified service user and collect for all prior service for any period where the service user was not qualified to receive a low income gas discount.

(ORD-12-0019, § 1, 2012; Ord. C-7792 § 1, 2002: Ord. C-6076 § 1, 1984; Ord. C-5713 § 1 (part), 1981: prior code § 7461(c))