Bill > HB1079

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to criminalize unauthorized changes to a consumer's electric or natural gas supplier without their consent. Specifically, the bill establishes that knowingly changing a consumer's utility supplier without proper authorization is a criminal offense, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor of the first degree, while second or subsequent offenses become a felony of the third degree. The penalties can be increased if the offense involves multiple victims or targets vulnerable populations such as individuals over 60 or care-dependent persons. The bill grants concurrent jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these offenses to both local district attorneys and the Attorney General, and explicitly states that administrative proceedings by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission do not prevent criminal prosecution. The definition of "person" for this law is broadly interpreted to include distribution companies, suppliers, marketers, aggregators, brokers, and their agents or employees. The law will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a clear legal framework to protect consumers from unauthorized utility supplier changes.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1079