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HB 919

Regards limits on terminating residential utility service

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rachel Baker

New protections limit residential utility disconnections: seasonal, weather-based, and deployment-related relief, plus required notices and PUC enforcement rules.

Referred to committee
#electricutilities #gasutilities #utilities
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Bill Summary · HB 919

Overview

HB 919 (136th General Assembly, Ohio) proposed by Rep. Baker introduces new limitations and procedures governing termination of utility service for residential customers, with a focus on gas and electric utilities. The bill amends existing statutes and adds new sections (4933.124–4933.128) to set protections against disconnections during certain periods and under specific conditions, and to establish enforcement rules and a role for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Purpose and intent

  • Limit and regulate when residential utility service can be terminated for nonpayment.
  • Require notice, seasonal protections, and consideration of hardship or safety factors.
  • Provide access to state and federal aid information and weatherization resources at termination notices.
  • Create a framework for housing-related protections during active military deployment and for payback periods after deployment.
  • Establish enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for noncompliance by utility companies.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 4933.12 (gas):

    • Allows gas companies to disconnect service after 24 hours’ notice for nonpayment, with entry rights to remove company property in some cases.
    • Adds seasonal protections: from November 15 through April 15, residential disconnections are prohibited unless:
    • The account is 30 days or more in arrears, and
    • In multi-tenant situations, the landlord has been notified 5 days prior.
    • Requires informing occupants of where to obtain state/federal aid and weatherization assistance when notices of termination are issued during the restricted period.
    • Permits county human services departments to request prior notice to residential disconnections during the restricted period, with a 24-hour advance notice to the department.
    • Prohibits disconnection for active-duty military personnel; requires a repayment period after deployment equal to at least the deployment duration, with no late fees or interest during deployment or repayment. Allows recovery of uncollectible amounts via rider or other Commission-approved means, not affecting future rate cases.

  • Section 4933.121 (electric):

    • Mirrors gas protections: seasonal disconnections (Nov 15–Apr 15) prohibited if arrears are 30+ days and landlord-notice requirements apply; includes notice provisions about aid and weatherization.
    • Adds active-duty protections and repayment period with same conditions as gas.

  • Sections 4933.124–4933.128 (new):

    • Define “utility company” for these provisions.
    • Prohibit termination from December 22 through January 1 (winter holiday window).
    • Prohibit disconnection for heating/cooling utilities under specific weather-related conditions (e.g., forecasted cold at 8 a.m. below 30°F or high heat index above 90°F within 50 miles of the residence).
    • Require delayed termination notices when such protections apply, with guidance on preventing termination (billing arrangements, aid applications).
    • Outline circumstances where 4933.124–4933.127 do not apply (e.g., customer requests termination or hazardous situations).
    • Require the PUC, within six months of the act, to adopt rules enforcing these provisions and to designate fines for noncompliance.

  • Repeal: The bill repeals existing sections 4933.12 and 4933.121 upon enactment.

Who/what is affected

  • Residential customers of natural gas, electric, and other utility services defined as “public utilities.”
  • Utilities (gas and electric) operating in Ohio.
  • County human services departments coordinating termination notices.
  • Public Utilities Commission (enforcement and rulemaking role).

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Seasonal protections apply annually from November 15 to April 15.
  • Winter holiday protection window from December 22 to January 1.
  • For deployment-related nonpayment, a repayment period is provided post-deployment, with no penalties during deployment or repayment.
  • The PUC must adopt implementing rules within six months of the act’s effective date.
  • Notices to the county department and occupants must be provided in certain cases, with 24-hour advance notice to departments when applicable.

Note: The bill is introduced in May 2026 and includes a co-sponsor, Rep. Rachel Baker.

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

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