Connecticut Senate Bill SB00315

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Communication Between Public Service Companies And Customers.

Impact

Should SB 00315 be enacted, it would have a significant impact on the regulatory framework governing public utilities. By formalizing the requirements for communication plans, the bill aims to ensure that customers are well-informed, particularly in times of crisis. This could lead to enhanced safety and service reliability as customers would be better equipped to handle emergencies, with improved access to information and resources provided by their utility companies.

Summary

Senate Bill 00315, introduced by Senator Boucher, seeks to improve the communication between public service companies and their customers. The bill mandates that public service companies develop a communication plan that includes various methods of contacting customers, particularly during emergencies. The plan must be submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority as well as to the relevant joint standing committee of the General Assembly overseeing energy matters. The intention behind this legislation is to foster better interaction and responsiveness between utility providers and the public they serve.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a proactive step towards improving utility operations and customer experience, potential points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of the communication plans. There may be concerns related to the feasibility and cost of implementing comprehensive communication strategies, particularly for smaller utility providers. Additionally, discussions might ensue over what constitutes sufficient communication during emergencies and whether the standards set forth by the bill are sufficiently robust to protect consumer interests.