Bill > HB1284

This bill amends the Public Utilities Act and the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to improve consumer protections for electric and gas utility customers who use alternative suppliers. The key provisions include prohibiting alternative retail electric and gas suppliers from paying commission or incentive-based compensation to individuals engaged in in-person solicitation or telemarketing. The bill also establishes new rules for contract renewals, requiring suppliers to provide clear written notice before automatically renewing a customer's contract, and prohibiting automatic renewal at a higher rate without the customer's explicit written consent. Additionally, the bill allows electric utilities to file tariffs that enable alternative suppliers to issue single bills to customers and provides guidelines for how alternative suppliers must disclose pricing, terms, and conditions during marketing and enrollment processes. The legislation aims to increase transparency, prevent deceptive practices, and give consumers more control over their utility service choices by mandating detailed disclosures and consent procedures for contract changes and renewals.