Requires the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to establish certain reporting requirements. (BDR 58-429)
If enacted, SB442 will effectively change the way public utilities operate concerning the termination of services to residential customers. By requiring public utilities to develop and communicate clear reporting procedures about terminations, the bill intends to empower both consumers and regulators with critical information. This shift may lead to an increased awareness of service terminations occurring in specific areas, thereby promoting accountability among utility providers and fostering a more responsive regulatory environment.
Senate Bill No. 442 mandates the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to implement new regulations regarding the reporting of utility service terminations for residential customers. The bill requires utilities to publish quarterly reports detailing the total number of service terminations and providing aggregated information, including the zip codes of affected residences. This legislation aims to enhance transparency around utility services and to better protect vulnerable residential customers from service disconnections that could adversely affect their health.
While supporters of SB442 argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard the well-being of residential customers and ensure that their needs are prioritized, there may be concerns regarding the operational burden that this legislation places on public utilities. Critics could argue that the additional reporting requirements might strain resources for smaller utility providers or slow down the process for addressing service issues effectively. Nevertheless, the overall intent of the bill is to enhance oversight and ensure that customer health considerations are factored into decisions about service terminations.