AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 65 and Title 68, relative to utilities.
Impact
The bill's implications for state law are significant as it introduces consumer rights that were previously not clearly defined in Tennessee law. By requiring utilities to implement a claims filing system and issuing refunds or rebates for service disruptions, the legislation seeks to enhance consumer protection and empower individuals affected by such service failures. The implementation of this law is projected to foster a more responsive utility sector in Tennessee, as it compels utilities to prioritize the maintenance and security of their networks to avoid financial liabilities.
Summary
Senate Bill 389 (SB0389) aims to amend the Tennessee Code concerning utilities by establishing consumer protections related to interruptions or losses of vital utility services. Specifically, the bill mandates that utilities provide refunds or reimbursements to customers who experience extended interruptions of vital services, such as electric, natural gas, or water and wastewater services. The criteria for such interruptions include instances lasting twelve consecutive hours or longer, or cumulative interruptions totaling twelve hours within a 24-hour period. This initiative is designed to hold utilities accountable for failures in maintaining their infrastructure and to ensure that consumers are fairly compensated for interruptions caused by negligence or willful misconduct.
Contention
While the bill has been broadly supported for addressing consumer grievances, it may also face contention regarding the feasibility of its requirements for utilities. Some stakeholders may argue that imposing strict standards for refunds could lead to increased operational costs for utilities, which might result in higher fees for consumers overall. Additionally, questions may arise about the efficiency of the claims filing system and how utilities will manage the administrative load of processing such claims, which could lead to longer wait times for consumers seeking refunds.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 8; Title 64; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to the management of utility systems.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 8; Title 64; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to the management of utility systems.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for up to $500 for spoiled food and full cost of spoiled medicine resulting from lengthy service outage following major event.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for up to $500 for spoiled food and full cost of spoiled medicine resulting from lengthy service outage following major event.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for up to $500 for spoiled food and full cost of spoiled medicine resulting from lengthy service outage following major event.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for cost of certain spoiled products resulting from service outage more than 72 hours after end of storm.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse customers for cost of certain spoiled products resulting from service outage more than 72 hours after end of storm.
Requires electric public utility to reimburse residential or commercial customer for cost of certain spoiled items resulting from service outage more than 48 hours after end of storm.