Not earlier than September 1 nor later than November 1 of every year, each gas corporation and gas and electric corporation shall conduct a survey of all former residential customers whose gas/electric service was used for heating the premises or operating a heating system, was terminated for nonpayment, meter or service lateral tampering, or theft of service during the 12-month period ending on November 1 of that year, and has not been restored. The purpose of the survey is to determine whether a continued lack of service may expose the former customer or other person residing in the premises to a serious impairment to human health as defined in subdivision (b) of section 275.12 of this Part. If the corporation determines that a former residential customer or other person residing in the premises may be exposed to a serious impairment to human health as defined in subdivision (b) of section 275.12 of this Part, it shall restore the gas service immediately, unless the customer refuses to permit such corporation to restore service or, in theft or tampering situations, unless it is impractical for the corporation to eliminate an unsafe condition, and the requirements of subdivision (b) of section 275.12 of this Part shall apply. If the corporation is unable to obtain personal contact with the customer or an adult residing on the premises, or the customer refuses to permit service restoration, it shall immediately refer the name and address of the former customer to the local commissioner of social services in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph (b)(3) of section 275.12 of this Part, unless the corporation has reasonable grounds to believe that the former customer has permanently vacated the premises.