AB 670

This bill prohibits a public utility from disconnecting, between November 1 and

April 15, a utility service that provides the primary heat source or energy source

affecting the primary heat source for a residential dwelling occupied by a household

whose gross quarterly income is 250 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines

or with an individual whose health and safety would be endangered by disconnection

because of old age or youth. The bill applies to disconnections for nonpayment of

utility services but allows disconnections for any of the following reasons: 1) for

remodeling or repairs; 2) for violating rules by using the service in a manner that

interferes with the service of others or by using nonstandard equipment; 3) if a

dangerous conditions exists; or 4) upon reasonable evidence that service is obtained

by potentially unsafe devices or methods that interfere with proper metering of the

service.

Under current law, the Public Service Commission is authorized to promulgate

rules establishing service requirements for public utility services, and PSC has

exercised that authority to promulgate rules similar to the bill's prohibition on utility

service disconnections between November 1 and April 15.

The bill also prohibits public utilities from disconnecting a utility service that

provides the primary energy source or energy source affecting the primary heat or

cooling source for a residential dwelling occupied by a person with a disability. The

prohibition applies to disconnections for nonpayment of utility services and contains

the exceptions described earlier.