Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.
Impact
The bill requires the PUC to amend its regulations accordingly, emphasizing that this moratorium period will not impact any existing regulations that provide more extended suspension for utility service terminations during declared states of emergency. Importantly, the PUC is granted discretionary power to further extend this moratorium based on fluctuating economic conditions or specific customer needs, offering them flexibility to adapt rules as circumstances change.
Summary
House Bill 7017 introduces amendments to Chapter 39-1 of the General Laws regarding the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The bill aims to extend the utility termination moratorium period for residential electricity and gas services from its current end date of April 15 to May 1 each year, providing additional protection to consumers during the transition into the warmer months. The intention behind this extension is to safeguard households, particularly those experiencing financial difficulties, ensuring they have access to essential utility services during a critical time of the year.
Contention
While the bill enjoys wide support, as highlighted by the unanimous passage in the voting session, implications surrounding its implementation could raise questions on whether the discretionary powers granted to the PUC might lead to inconsistencies in the application of the moratorium. Critics may argue that without clear guidelines, it may open avenues for subjective decisions regarding extensions of protections, potentially resulting in uneven access to these essential services across different regions.