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Bill

A 4713

Relates to requiring utility companies maintain a toll free number for reporting service outages

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano and 8 co-sponsors

Bill A 4713 requires utility companies to provide a toll-free number for reporting outages, enhancing consumer access and improving response times for service issues.

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 4713

Summary of Bill A 4713

Bill Number: A 4713
Title: Relates to requiring utility companies to maintain a toll-free number for reporting service outages
Status: Substituted by S6200
Introduced: February 4, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4713 aims to enhance consumer protection and improve communication between utility companies and their customers during service outages. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that all utility companies provide a toll-free number that customers can use to report outages, thereby facilitating quicker response times and better service restoration.

Key Provisions

  • Toll-Free Reporting Requirement: The bill mandates that all utility companies maintain a toll-free telephone number specifically for customers to report service outages.
  • Accessibility: The toll-free number must be prominently displayed on utility bills, company websites, and other customer communication materials to ensure easy access for all customers.
  • Response Protocols: Utility companies are encouraged to develop and implement protocols for responding to outage reports efficiently, although specific response times are not mandated in this bill.

Impact

  • Consumers: The bill directly affects utility customers, providing them with a reliable means to report outages without incurring additional costs. This is particularly beneficial for low-income households who may be sensitive to phone charges.
  • Utility Companies: Utility providers will need to establish or enhance their customer service infrastructure to comply with the new requirement, potentially incurring costs related to setting up and maintaining the toll-free service.
  • Emergency Response: Improved communication channels may lead to faster identification and resolution of outages, ultimately benefiting the broader community by reducing downtime and enhancing public safety.

Legislative Actions

  • February 4, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions.
  • May 28, 2025: Reported and referred to the Committee on Codes.
  • June 5, 2025: Reported and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
  • June 13, 2025: Reported, referred to Rules, and ordered to third reading. The bill was subsequently substituted by S6200 on the same date.

Related Bills

  • A 10999: A prior-session bill addressing similar issues.
  • A 3247: Another prior-session bill with related content.
  • A 47: A prior-session bill that may have influenced the current legislation.
  • S 6200: The companion bill that has substituted A 4713, likely containing similar or expanded provisions.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 4713, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on consumers and utility companies. The bill reflects a legislative effort to improve customer service and communication in the utility sector.

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

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