2021 -- H 5442

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LC001366

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE

DURING PERIODS OF DECLARED EMERGENCIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Vella-Wilkinson, Barros, Giraldo, Ackerman,
Caldwell, McEntee, Henries, Alzate, and Amore

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2021

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 39 of the General Laws entitled "PUBLIC UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 1.3

TERMINATION OF SERVICE DURING PERIODS OF DECLARED EMERGENCIES

     39-1.3-1. Moratorium on termination of service during periods of declared

emergencies.

     (a) No public utility which distributes electricity or supplies natural or manufactured gas,

electric or water service shall terminate service to any household for failure to pay an outstanding

indebtedness for service during a period of any declared emergency issued by the governor pursuant

to the provisions of chapter 15 of title 30.

     39-1.3-2. Declared health emergencies.

     (a) During declared health emergencies related to epidemics, including the statewide

Covid-19 emergency, the commission shall issue the following orders:

     (1) Suspension of any requirement to make payment for utility service statewide during the

duration of the emergency and for a period of ninety (90) days following the end of the emergency;

     (2) Cancellation of late fees accrued from the date of the emergency declaration and for a

period of ninety (90) days following the end of the emergency;

     (3) Prohibiting utility companies from adversely affecting the customer's credit rating for

any non-payment for utility service during the period of the emergency and for the period of ninety

(90) days after the end of the emergency;

     (4) Requiring utility companies to resume services for anyone whose services were

terminated from the date of the declared emergency and for a period of (90) days following the end

of the emergency; and

     (5) Any orders the commission deems appropriate in order to protect the health and welfare

of the public during a declared health emergency.

     39-1.3-3. Rules and regulations.

     The commission shall promulgate appropriate orders, rules and regulations for the

implementation of the provisions of this chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE

DURING PERIODS OF DECLARED EMERGENCIES

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     This act would impose a moratorium on the termination of utility services throughout a

limited period of any emergency declared by the governor, with special provisions related to

emergencies related to health epidemics.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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