Tennessee Senate Bill SB2387

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to utilities.

Impact

The implications of SB2387 on state laws include a new framework for regulating utility service provisions during extreme weather events. By making it illegal for utilities to cut off service during designated heat advisories, the bill seeks to enhance consumer protections and promote public welfare. Utilities that breach this regulation may face sanctions from the Tennessee board of utility regulation or the comptroller of the treasury, thereby creating a mechanism for accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 2387 aims to amend the Tennessee Code by introducing protections against the interruption of utility services during extreme weather conditions. Specifically, the bill prohibits utilities from terminating services on days when a heat advisory or excessive heat warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. This amendment is intended to safeguard the health and safety of residents during periods of extreme heat, ensuring that access to essential utilities such as electricity and water remains uninterrupted.

Enactment

SB2387 is designed to take effect as soon as it is signed into law, emphasizing the urgency of protecting utility customers in Tennessee. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for state intervention in evaluating how utilities manage their services during extreme weather, ensuring that public safety is prioritized.

Contention

While the bill is focused on protecting consumers from service interruptions during critical weather conditions, discussions around its potential impact reveal some contention. Supporters advocate for the necessity of such protections, especially considering the vulnerable populations who may be at heightened risk during extreme heat. However, opponents might raise concerns regarding the operational impact on utility companies and their ability to manage service terminations effectively, particularly in situations where customer non-payment becomes a factor.