01-11-2021 BPU RPT 02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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W A T E R E N E R C V l' F F RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES III& Board Memorandum P U B L I C U T I L I T I E S BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: JANUARY 11, 2021 SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING —PROPOSED CHANGES TO ELECTRIC AND WATER RULES 4 (NO RATE INCREASES PROPOSED) FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A ONE-TIME APPLICATION OF UTILITY CUSTOMER DEPOSITS AS A BILL CREDITS FOR RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES SMALL COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ISSUE: Conduct a public hearing to consider a temporary revision to Electric and Water Rules 4 to allow small commercial customers adversely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions to apply for the immediate application of customer deposit to their account. RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of Public Utilities: 1. Conduct a Public Hearing to receive input on the proposed changes to Electric Rule 4 and Water Rule 4 to allow small commercial customers adversely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions to apply for an expedited application of customer deposit to their account, to be effective until March 31, 2021; 2. Adopt a Board resolution establishing the change to Electric Rule 4 and Water Rule 4 for the purpose of providing relief and flexibility for local small businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions; and 3. Recommend that the City Council adopt the appropriate resolution establishing the changes to Electric Rule 4 and Water Rule 4. BACKGROUND: On March 17, 2020, the Riverside City Council ratified a local emergency declaration by the Emergency Services Director in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This action was preceded by emergency declarations by the County of Riverside, the State of California and the Federal Government. In accordance with Municipal Code Section 9.20.260, during a local emergency, the Riverside City Council is empowered to enact ordinances, resolutions or rules to prevent against, mitigate, and prepare for aid in the response or recovery to all foreseeable or unforeseeable emergencies and disasters. The City Council is additionally empowered to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property. Such orders and regulations and amendments and rescissions thereof shall be in writing and shall be given widespread publicity and notice.