(a) Where the utility knows, or reasonably should know, that all the residents of a household are elderly, handicapped, or 18 years of age or younger, procedures as set forth in subdivision (a) of section 459.9 of this Part shall be followed throughout the entire year.

(b) The utility annually may survey its customers to determine the applicability of this provision to each residential service address. The utility is not liable for the failure of any customer to furnish such information.