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Bill > HB641


GA HB641

Public utilities; require electric supplier to hold the proposed discontinuation of electrical service to a residential customer who suffers from a serious illness in abeyance for a certain period of time


summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Chapter 3 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to electric services, so as to require that an electric supplier hold the proposed discontinuation of electrical service to a residential consumer who suffers from a serious illness in abeyance for a certain period of time; to provide for notice requirements; to provide for the renewal of such abeyance period; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill amends Georgia's electric service regulations to provide protection for residential customers with serious illnesses who are at risk of having their electricity disconnected. Under the new provisions, a residential customer can request a temporary halt to electrical service discontinuation by providing written notice to their electric supplier and submitting a medical documentation from a physician, county board of health, hospital, or medical clinic that certifies their serious illness and explains how service disconnection would aggravate their condition. The electric supplier must then pause the planned service disconnection for either the estimated duration of the illness or one month, whichever is shorter. The customer has the option to renew this abeyance period once more for the same illness by repeating the initial documentation requirements. This legislation aims to prevent potentially dangerous service interruptions for vulnerable residents experiencing significant medical challenges, ensuring they maintain essential electrical service during periods of serious illness.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

House Second Readers (on 02/28/2025)

bill text


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