Industry Rule 7. Contract or Other Deviation

7.1 Generally

After a Utility enters into a Contract or other deviation, the Utility shall submit an advice letter requesting approval and updating its list of Contracts and other deviations (see General Rule 8.5.6). The Contract shall contain substantially the following clause: "Unless otherwise expressly ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission, this Contract at all times shall be subject to such modifications as the Commission may direct from time to time in the exercise of its jurisdiction." In addition, except for a Contract that is authorized to be submitted pursuant to Industry Rule 5.1(4) or 5.3(8), the Contract shall contain substantially the following clause: "This Contract does not become effective unless and until approved by the California Public Utilities Commission."

7.2 Customer Protest

A customer may protest an advice letter in which a Utility seeks approval of a Contract or other deviation for the purpose of providing service to that customer. Such protest, if it only concerns a rate or charge under the Contract or other deviation, may include a request for service pending disposition of the advice letter. Staff will approve the request for service unless, based either on another protest or Staff's own analysis, Staff finds that there is a substantial issue that should be resolved before service is provided; however, if Staff approves the request, Staff will require the customer, as a condition of such service, to deposit with the Commission the sum(s) of money in dispute pending disposition of the advice letter.