Requires electric, gas, and water public utilities to disseminate outage information to customers through autodialed telephone call, text message, and electronic mail alert service.
If enacted, S192 would amend existing state laws under Title 48 of the Revised Statutes, thereby setting a legal requirement for public utilities to proactively communicate outage information to consumers. This would streamline communication processes, potentially mitigating public frustration during extended service interruptions. The requirement for outreach using modern communication modes such as texts and emails reflects a responsiveness to contemporary consumer expectations and technological capabilities. Additionally, the act is also expected to facilitate coordination with state and local emergency management entities to enhance public information dissemination during emergencies.
Senate Bill 192 (S192) focuses on enhancing communication from public utilities, specifically electric, gas, and water service providers, regarding service outages. The bill mandates that these utilities establish and implement a plan to relay information about service outages lasting one hour or longer to their customers. This information must be disseminated through autodialed telephone calls, text messages, and electronic mail alerts. The bill aims to improve transparency and customer awareness, ensuring that the public is informed about outages, their locations, estimated durations, and relevant updates throughout the service disruption.
The general sentiment surrounding S192 appears to be positive, with a focus on public safety and improved customer service. Legislators and community stakeholders have expressed support for the bill, recognizing the importance of timely information during service disruptions. However, some concerns were raised about the effectiveness of implementation, particularly regarding how well utilities manage customer data and outreach processes. Overall, the sentiment reflects a commitment to better service delivery through increased communication.
Notably, while the bill enjoys broad support among legislators, there may be concerns regarding the potential costs associated with the implementation of these notification systems for utilities and how this may affect consumer rates. Additionally, the bill does not address how utilities will ensure the accuracy of contact information or manage public expectations regarding response times and information updates. These factors could become points of contention during discussions in future legislative sessions.