Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB189

Introduced
2/21/23  
Introduced
2/21/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities.(See HF 601.)

Impact

By shortening the notice period, the bill is seen as a way to allow public utilities to respond more swiftly to cost increases and other economic factors that necessitate rate adjustments. Furthermore, the bill mandates that utility companies include an estimate of the total bill impact on a typical customer and explanations of the rate increase review process. These requirements aim to ensure that customers are better informed of how the proposed changes may affect their utility bills, thus empowering them to make informed decisions.

Summary

House Study Bill 189 aims to amend the regulations governing how public utilities notify customers about proposed rate increases. The main change proposed involves reducing the required notice period from sixty-two days to thirty days prior to the filing of a rate increase application with the Iowa Utilities Board. The bill expects to streamline the notification process, thereby facilitating quicker rate adjustments for utility companies while enhancing consumer awareness about potential changes to their bills.

Contention

The primary points of contention regarding HSB189 revolve around the balance between the rights of consumers and the operational needs of public utilities. Proponents argue that allowing a shorter notice period is necessary for utilities to remain financially viable and responsive to market changes. Conversely, critics express concern that the reduced notice timeframe may undermine customer preparedness and fail to provide sufficient opportunity for public input on proposed rate hikes. This tension underscores the broader debate over regulatory oversight versus industry autonomy within public utility management.

Companion Bills

IA HF601

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities. (Formerly HSB 189.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Previously Filed As

IA HF601

A bill for an act relating to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities. (Formerly HSB 189.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1178

A bill for an act relating to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities.(See SF 533.)

IA SF533

A bill for an act relating to rate increase notice requirements for public utilities.(Formerly SSB 1178.)

IA HF473

A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(Formerly HF 56; See HF 2101.)

IA HF56

A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(See HF 473, HF 2101.)

IA HSB192

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of specified gas and electric utilities.(See HF 599.)

IA HF2699

A bill for an act relating to ratemaking and energy efficiency plans and demand response plans.

IA HF2101

A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities. (Formerly HF 473, HF 56.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SSB1097

A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(See SF 2181.)

IA HF599

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of specified gas and electric utilities. (Formerly HSB 192.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.