(1) Service may not be terminated to a residence where a physician or local board of health certifies to the utility that the absence of service will aggravate an existing medical emergency of any permanent resident. All certifications must be in writing. The certificate must provide the name and address of the person with a medical emergency that would be aggravated by a termination of service and the office address and telephone number of the certifying physician or local board of health. All written certification must be signed by a physician or by a person with knowledge of the facts at the local board of health. A medical emergency certificate expires in 30 days, but may be renewed on a monthly basis.

(2) To avoid the burden of substantial arrearage at the end of the medical emergency, the utility and the customer, or a representative of the customer, shall negotiate an equitable payment plan that is reasonable and consistent with the customer's ability to pay. If the parties cannot reach a satisfactory agreement, either party may seek such an agreement through the Commission.