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SB 2013

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED, SERIOUSLY ILL, OR IN ARREARS OF PAYMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill restricts utility companies from terminating essential services to disabled, seriously ill, or economically struggling customers without exhausting alternatives first.

04/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2013

Legislative bill overview

SB 2013 would restrict utility companies from terminating service to customers who are disabled, seriously ill, or unable to pay their bills. The bill establishes protections requiring utilities to explore alternative arrangements before disconnection and likely mandates notification and grace periods for affected customers. These protections would apply to essential services like electricity, gas, and water.

Why is this important

Utility disconnections can pose serious health and safety risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like elderly individuals, people with medical conditions requiring powered equipment, and those in economic hardship. The bill addresses the tension between utility companies' need to collect revenue and public health concerns about cutting off essential services during cold weather or medical emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Utilities may argue that payment protections increase operational costs, which could be passed to other ratepayers through higher bills
  • Definition clarity: Terms like "seriously ill" and "disability" require precise legal definition to prevent both over-application and exploitation of loopholes
  • Financial sustainability: Questions about how utilities recover unpaid balances and whether extended payment plans adequately protect company solvency and creditworthiness
  • Implementation burden: Utilities would need new administrative processes to verify disability/illness status and manage alternative payment arrangements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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