Texas House Bill HB1772

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the disconnection of electric or gas utility service.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1772 aims to enhance consumer protection by requiring additional safeguards for tenants in multifamily dwellings. This bill would amend existing Texas property and utility laws to establish clear obligations for utility customers, thereby fostering better communication between utility providers and affected residents. By stipulating the information that must be conveyed, the bill intends to minimize confusion and potential hardships faced by tenants when utility services are disconnected due to nonpayment, especially in larger residential settings where multiple families are involved.

Summary

House Bill 1772 seeks to amend the regulations governing the disconnection of electric and gas utility services specifically for nonsubmetered master metered multifamily properties, which include apartment complexes and other large residential buildings. The bill mandates that customers responsible for utility bills must provide written notice of service disconnection to each tenant or owner within a specified timeframe after receiving notice from the utility service provider. This notification must include details about the disconnection and be provided in both English and Spanish, ensuring that tenants are adequately informed of service interruptions that might affect them.

Contention

Despite its protective intentions, there may be points of contention surrounding HB 1772, particularly regarding the feasibility of compliance for utility companies and property managers. Some stakeholders may argue that the additional notification requirements could increase operational burdens or costs for utility providers. Conversely, tenant advocacy groups may support the bill as a necessary measure to ensure that residents are not left in the dark about potential service interruptions, especially in cases where they may dispute charges or seek to remedy payment issues in time. The dialogue around the bill highlights the ongoing balancing act between consumer protections and the operational efficiency of utility services.