(1) DoD, as a matter of comity, generally complies with the current regulations, practices, and decisions of independent regulatory bodies. This policy does not extend to nonindependent regulatory bodies.

(2) Purchases of utility services outside the United States may use—

(i) Formats and technical provisions consistent with local practice; and

(ii) Dual language forms and contracts.

(3) Rates established by an independent regulatory body—

(i) Are considered “prices set by law or regulation”;

(ii) Are sufficient to set prices without obtaining certified cost or pricing data (see FAR subpart 15.4); and

(iii) Are a valid basis on which prices can be determined fair and reasonable.

(4) Compliance with the regulations, practices, and decisions of independent regulatory bodies as a matter of comity is not a substitute for the procedures at FAR 41.202(a).

(1) Connection and service charges. The Government may pay a connection charge when required to cover the cost of the necessary connecting facilities. A connection charge based on the estimated labor cost of installing and removing the facility shall not include salvage cost. A lump-sum connection charge shall be no more than the agreed cost of the connecting facilities less net salvage. The order of precedence for contractual treatment of connection and service charges is—

(i) No connection charge.

(ii) Termination liability. Use when an obligation is necessary to secure the required services. The obligation must be not more than the agreed connection charge, less any net salvage material costs. Use of a termination liability instead of a connection charge requires the approval of the service power procurement officer or designee.

(iii) Connection charge, refundable. Use a refundable connection charge when the supplier refuses to provide the facilities based on lack of capital or published rules which prohibit providing up-front funding. The contract should provide for refund of the connection charge within five years unless a longer period or omission of the refund requirement is authorized by the service power procurement officer or designee.

(iv) Connection and service charges, nonrefundable. The Government may pay certain nonrefundable, nonrecurring charges including service initiation charges, a contribution in aid of construction, membership fees, and charges required by the supplier's rules and regulations to be paid by the customer. If possible, consider sharing with other than Government users the use of (and costs for) facilities when large nonrefundable charges are required.

(2) Construction and labor requirements. Follow the procedures at PGI 241.202(2) for construction and labor requirements associated with connection and service charges.

Follow the procedures at PGI 241.205 when acquiring utility services by separate contract.