Connecticut Senate Bill SB00216

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Municipal Electric Energy Cooperatives To Disclose Certain Information Regarding Invoices.

Impact

The introduction of SB00216 is poised to impact state laws governing municipal cooperatives by mandating a higher standard of transparency in the electric utility sector. Should the bill pass, it would require cooperatives to provide customers with greater visibility into their billing processes, thus aligning with broader consumer protection efforts. This measure is likely to enhance customer trust in municipal cooperatives and could lead to more informed energy usage decisions by consumers.

Summary

SB00216, titled 'An Act Requiring Municipal Electric Energy Cooperatives To Disclose Certain Information Regarding Invoices', aims to enhance transparency in billing practices by requiring municipal electric energy cooperatives to disclose detailed information related to invoices upon a customer's request. This legislation seeks to empower consumers by ensuring they have access to back-up documentation regarding the charges on their bills, thereby fostering a clearer understanding of their energy costs and the services they are paying for.

Contention

While supporters advocate for the bill as a necessary step toward consumer empowerment and accountability, there may be opposition regarding the administrative burden it places on municipal cooperatives. Critics might argue that the requirement for detailed disclosure could complicate billing processes and potentially lead to increased operational costs for cooperatives. Balancing the need for transparency with the potential impact on cooperative operations may create significant discussion during legislative deliberations.