Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.
The Florida Board of Public Utilities will be tasked with developing terms and conditions for these deferred payment agreements. This measure is intended to provide customers ample opportunity to catch up on overdue bills while ensuring their access to vital services is not interrupted. By mandating these agreements, the bill seeks to alleviate potential strains on families and communities still navigating the negative financial impacts of the pandemic.
Senate Bill S271 aims to protect residential customers from losing essential utility services such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer following the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Specifically, the legislation prohibits public utilities from discontinuing service due to nonpayment for a period of 180 days after the emergency ends. Instead of shutting off services, utilities will need to establish deferred payment agreements to assist customers facing difficulties in paying their bills during this transitional period.
While supporters argue that S271 is a necessary step to prevent hardship among vulnerable populations, critics may raise concerns about the operational state of public utilities. They may argue that these mandates could strain utility resources and lead to longer-term problems in revenue generation for the service providers. Additionally, the legislation may invoke discussions around what defines a public health emergency and its implications for utility regulations in the future.