PROCEDURE.

Subpart 1.Assessment form. No fewer than 30 days after the end of each quarter, the office shall mail to each pipeline operator an assessment indicating the support costs, per meter assessments, and direct charges assessed against that pipeline operator.#

Subp. 2.Delinquency fee and interest. If an operator does not pay an assessment within 60 days after the assessment was mailed, the office shall impose a delinquency fee of not more than ten percent of the assessment and interest at the rate of not more than 15 percent per year on the portion of the assessment not paid. In determining the amount of the delinquency fee and interest imposed by the office under this subpart, the director shall consider the following factors:#

A.the pipeline operator's ability to pay;#

B.good faith on the part of the pipeline operator in attempting to pay; and#

C.the effect of the delinquency fee and interest on the pipeline operator's ability to continue in business.#

Subp. 3.Complaint procedure. A pipeline operator that disagrees with an assessment may file a written complaint with the office within 15 days of the receipt of the assessment. The director shall review each complaint and issue a written determination within a reasonable time affirming, amending, or rescinding the assessment. The pipeline operator may appeal the determination of the director to the commissioner of public safety. A pipeline operator may withhold the amount of assessed charges in dispute while a complaint or appeal is pending. The office shall not assess a delinquency fee or interest on the amount in dispute unless the director determines that the complaint or appeal is solely for the purpose of delay.#

Statutory AuthorityMS s 299F.631; 299J.04#

History16 SR 2116#

Published ElectronicallyMay 13, 1997#