Relating to providing notification of utility service disruption to its' customers
Impact
The impact of HB 3263 on state laws is significant, as it directly amends the Code of West Virginia by adding new requirements for utilities. By compelling utility companies to maintain and file outage communication plans with the Public Service Commission, the bill aims to foster accountability and transparency in service provision. This change is expected to improve customer relations and trust, as consumers will be better informed about service interruptions which can affect personal and business operations.
Summary
House Bill 3263 introduces provisions requiring utility companies in West Virginia to establish and implement Outage Communication Plans. This legislative measure mandates that utilities provide timely notifications to customers regarding both planned and unexpected service disruptions. The bill outlines specific requirements for the content and method of these notifications, ensuring that affected customers receive clear information about outages, their anticipated duration, and the means of communication employed. The primary goal of HB3263 is to enhance customer service and communication during service interruptions, thereby protecting consumer interests.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 3263 is positive among both lawmakers and constituents, as it addresses a crucial aspect of utility service management. The bill received overwhelming support in the House, passing without opposition, indicating broad legislative consensus on the necessity of improved communication regarding service disruptions. Proponents view this legislation as a proactive approach that benefits consumers by ensuring they are well-informed, which is particularly important in emergencies where utility services are critical.
Contention
Despite its positive reception, there might be concerns regarding implementation and compliance costs for utility companies. Critics could argue that the requirement to maintain detailed communication plans may impose an additional financial burden on smaller utility providers, which could, in turn, affect service delivery standards. Nonetheless, such points of contention did not seem to deter support for the bill in its passage through the legislature.
Requiring non-publicly owned utilities to notify customers by text correspondence that they have turned off their service and an estimated time of when it will be turned back on.
Relating to the statutory time frames for public service commission resolution of complaints against locally rate regulated water and wastewater utilities
Establishing limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days
Authorizing the Public Service Commission to promulgate rules for maintenance, flushing, flow testing, and marking of fire hydrants owned by water utilities