(1)(a) Companies are responsible for all work, materials, and costs associated with reinforcing existing distribution plant, and repairing and maintaining existing distribution and drop facilities and support structures up to and including the standard network interface (SNI).

(b) The customer is responsible for maintaining facilities on the customer's side of the SNI.

(2) A company, in its sole discretion, may determine to replace or reinforce any existing facilities or support structures for which it is responsible for maintenance or repair. If the company decides to replace existing facilities or support structures, all the work and materials associated with the installation of facilities and support structures is considered repair and maintenance, and not new construction.

(3) With respect to cost, subsection (1)(a) of this section does not apply when damage has been caused by a customer or third party, in which case, the company may charge that individual the cost of repair, maintenance, or replacement of company facilities and, if applicable, support structure. Nothing in this subsection is intended to limit the company's ability to recover damages as otherwise permitted by law.