Enacts the utility shutoff protection act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Samra Brouk

Creates protections to curb utility shutoffs by requiring advance notices, payment options, and safeguards for vulnerable customers to keep essential services on.

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Overview

Bill Number: S 5690

Title: Enacts the Utility Shutoff Protection Act

Status: Referred to the Energy and Telecommunications committee

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Related legislation: Companion bill in the Assembly: A 6542 (listed as a companion bill)

Note: The exact text of the provisions is not provided in the information available. The summary below reflects the bill’s stated purpose by title and standard considerations for a “utility shutoff protection act.” For precise requirements, notices, exemptions, and timelines, the full bill text and fiscal notes should be consulted once available.

Purpose and intent

The bill is designed to establish protections related to the disconnection or shutoff of utility services. The objective typically includes safeguarding consumers from immediate or abrupt loss of essential services (such as electricity, gas, or water) and outlining procedures utilities must follow before, during, and after any shutoff event.

Key provisions (subject to the actual bill text)

The specific protections, exemptions, and procedures are not listed in the provided information. Generally, a utility shutoff protection act might cover:

Prohibitions or moratoria on shutoffs during certain periods (e.g., extreme weather, public health emergencies).
Requirements for advance notices and clear communication to customers.
Availability of payment plans, arrears accommodations, or enrollment in assistance programs.
Protections for vulnerable populations (low-income households, elderly, disabled, or medically dependent individuals).
Provisions related to restoration of service after a shutoff and associated fees.
Oversight, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties for noncompliance.
Processes for dispute resolution or appeals.

Who would be affected

Primary stakeholders likely include:

Residential utility customers, especially historically underserved or vulnerable populations.
Utility providers (electric, gas, water, telecommunications) subject to the new requirements.
State or local agencies responsible for consumer protection and energy regulation.

The companion Assembly bill (A 6542) suggests parallel consideration in another legislative chamber.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced on February 27, 2025.

Referred to the Energy and Telecommunications committee, indicating the bill will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and hearings before moving to floor votes.

If advanced, it would follow standard legislative steps: committee approvals, floor passage in the originating chamber, passage in the other chamber (if applicable for a companion bill), and potential enactment subject to the governor’s signature or veto override.

Next steps for readers

Obtain the full text of S 5690 to review exact protections, definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “shutoff,” eligible customers, and emergency definitions), timelines, and enforcement provisions.

Monitor updates from the Energy and Telecommunications committee for hearings, amendments, and votes.

Compare with the Assembly companion (A 6542) to understand alignment or differences across chambers.

Check for fiscal impact statements and any implementation guidance that may affect utilities and consumer assistance programs.

Bill