Connecticut House Bill HB05796

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Gas Company Deposits.

Impact

The implications of HB 5796 are particularly significant for small business owners who may face financial constraints when opening new locations. Limiting the deposit to an amount equivalent to just one month's maximum bill represents a legislative effort to make the utility service more accessible and financially manageable for non-residential customers. By amending section 16-19vv of the general statutes, the bill seeks to create a more favorable regulatory environment for businesses that are often subjected to higher upfront costs associated with utility services.

Summary

House Bill 5796 is designed to amend the current regulations regarding deposits that gas companies can collect from their customers. Specifically, it aims to prohibit gas companies from demanding deposits that exceed the estimated maximum bill for one month from any customer or prospective customer that is not classified as a residential customer. This change is proposed with the intention of easing the financial burden on small business owners looking to establish new facilities and operations, thereby promoting economic development and facilitating business growth in the state.

Contention

While the bill is largely framed as a form of support for small businesses, there may be varying opinions about how such amendments impact gas companies and their regulatory responsibilities. Some stakeholders might argue that limiting the deposits could affect the utility companies' cash flow or increase the risk of non-payment. As such, discussions around HB 5796 may focus not only on its benefits for small businesses but also on the potential implications for utility operations and the financial health of these companies.