Summary of Bill S 904

Bill Number: S 904

Title: Relates to the termination of certain utility services and to reports on investigatory proceedings relating to gas, electric, and steam service

Status: Recommitted to Rules

Introduced: January 08, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 904 aims to establish clearer regulations regarding the termination of utility services, specifically focusing on gas, electric, and steam services. The bill seeks to enhance consumer protections by ensuring that utility service providers follow specific protocols before terminating services. Additionally, it mandates reporting requirements for investigatory proceedings related to these services, thereby increasing transparency and accountability within the utility sector.

Key Provisions

• Termination Protocols: The bill outlines the necessary steps utility companies must take before terminating services to customers. This includes providing advance notice and opportunities for customers to address any outstanding issues.

• Reporting Requirements: Utility companies will be required to submit detailed reports on investigatory proceedings related to service terminations. This aims to monitor compliance with regulations and protect consumer rights.

• Consumer Protections: The bill emphasizes the need for utility providers to consider the impact of service termination on vulnerable populations, ensuring that essential services are not cut off without due process.

Affected Parties

• Utility Companies: Gas, electric, and steam service providers will need to adjust their operational procedures to comply with the new regulations outlined in the bill.

• Consumers: Residential and commercial customers of these utility services will benefit from enhanced protections against abrupt service terminations and will have clearer channels for addressing disputes.

• Regulatory Bodies: State regulatory agencies will be tasked with overseeing compliance and reviewing the reports submitted by utility companies.

Procedural Timeline

• January 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
• January 27, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• April 02, 2025: Recalled from the Assembly and returned to the Senate for further consideration.
• April 09, 2025: Repassed in the Senate and returned to the Assembly.
• June 10, 2025: The bill was recalled from the Assembly and returned to the Senate, where it was amended and restored to third reading.
• June 13, 2025: The bill was recommitted to Rules for further deliberation.

Related Legislation

• S 6803: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
• A 953: A companion bill that likely parallels the provisions of S 904.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 904, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural history. The bill represents a significant step toward enhancing consumer protections in the utility sector.