summary
Introduced
02/14/2025
02/14/2025
In Committee
03/03/2026
03/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
26th Council
Bill Summary
a bill is paid in full before turning services back on, which can amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Forty-eight other states have regulations in place that restrict the ability of landlords and utility companies to shut off utilities, but these laws vary widely. For instance, Indiana prohibits natural gas and electricity disconnections between December 1 and March 15 for tenants who receive public assistance. Idaho, on the other hand, prohibits disconnection from December 1 to February 28 for households with children under 18 or seniors aged 62 or older.4 In the District of Columbia, it is only against the law to shut off electricity and natural gas when the temperature is forecast to be 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above or 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This temperature-based policy is inadequate for many populations in the District and is needlessly complex; the District’s policy lags behind other states with clear and predictable date-based protections. 3 National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) (noaa.gov) 4 State Disconnect Policies The LIHEAP Clearinghouse (hhs.gov) Councilmember Anita Bonds Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau A BILL IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA To prohibit an electric company or gas company from disconnecting residential electric or gas service for protected households during the summer and winter months; to establish the program under the Department of Energy and the Environment; to require the establishment of guidelines for payment plans for all eligible customers and a maximum payment amount to turn utilities back on; and to require that an electric company or gas company report arrearage and disconnection data to the Public Service Commission on a monthly basis.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive protections for utility customers in the District of Columbia by prohibiting electric and gas companies from disconnecting residential service for non-payment during specific protected months (May 15 to September 15 and November 1 to February 29) for households that meet certain criteria. Protected households include those with elderly residents (65 or older), children under 18, individuals with disabilities, pregnant individuals, or recipients of specific public assistance programs. The bill requires utility providers to offer flexible payment plans with a minimum two-year term, with monthly installments not exceeding 6% of the eligible customer's monthly income, and prohibits charging reconnection fees higher than $15. Utility providers must waive late fees and penalties during protected months and cannot sell uncollected debt to collection agencies. The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will establish an eligibility verification process, and utility companies must provide monthly bill information about these protections and assistance programs. Additionally, utility providers must submit detailed monthly reports to the Public Service Commission, including data on customer arrearages, disconnections, and payment agreements, disaggregated by ward and zip code. The bill aims to prevent utility disconnections for vulnerable populations and provide more manageable pathways for customers to maintain essential services.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Public Hearing (on 03/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0124 |
| BillText | https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/57151/Introduction/B26-0124-Introduction.pdf |
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