AN ACT REQUIRING AN EXPLANATION OF THE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE ON UTILITY BILLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Doucette

Requires electric utilities to add a clear, on-bill explanation of the combined public benefits charge, boosting customer understanding and transparency.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology

#electricdistributioncompanies #publicdeposits

Purpose / Intent

The bill would require that electric distribution companies include a clear explanation of the "combined public benefits charge" on customers’ utility bills. The stated intent is to increase transparency so consumers can better understand what the public benefits charge is and how it appears on their monthly bills.

Key provisions (as described in title/summary)

Requires an explanation of the combined public benefits charge be provided on utility bills issued by electric distribution companies.

Applies to billing statements—presumably those mailed or otherwise delivered to customers—so the charge is accompanied by an explanatory note or text.

Note: The full text of the bill is not provided here. The summary above is drawn from the bill title/description; specific requirements (exact wording, placement on bill, whether electronic bills are included, required level of detail, exemptions, effective date, enforcement mechanisms or penalties) are not available in the materials provided.

Who would be affected

Electric distribution companies / utilities: would need to modify bills and billing systems to include the required explanatory language and ensure compliance.

Utility customers (residential and commercial): would receive clearer information on bills about the combined public benefits charge, potentially reducing confusion and inquiries to customer service.

Regulators and policymakers: agencies that oversee utility billing or public benefits programs may be involved in specifying acceptable language or enforcing the requirement.

Potential impacts

Consumer transparency: Customers would gain a clearer understanding of a line item that often funds energy efficiency, low-income assistance, and renewable-energy programs (typical components of public benefits charges), which may reduce complaints and increase public awareness.

Administrative/implementation costs: Utilities may incur one-time and ongoing costs to update billing systems, printed materials, and customer-service training; exact costs depend on the bill’s technical requirements.

Minimal direct fiscal impact on rate revenue is likely unless the bill requires disclosure of amounts or program details that trigger additional reporting obligations.

Legislative timeline / procedural history (selected)

2025-01-17: Referred to Joint Committee on Energy and Technology

2025-03-14: Bill filed

2025-04-07: Read first time; referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism (administrative entry)

2025-04-15: Public hearing held; testimony/registrations recorded

2025-04-16: Reported favorably without amendment from committee

2025-05-01: Placed on General State Calendar; read second time; postponed

2025-05-05 to 2025-05-06: Laid out as postponed business; laid on the table subject to call; companion considered in lieu of

Notes / next steps

Because the detailed statutory language is not included here, reviewers should consult the bill text to confirm required explanatory wording, whether electronic bills are covered, effective dates, enforcement, and any regulatory guidance provisions.

Monitor companion bill SB 1245 and subsequent floor actions for final disposition.

Bill