Bill > H6361

This bill requires natural gas and electric utility companies to read customer (ratepayer) meters on a quarterly basis and establishes specific rules for billing. Under the new law, utility companies must read, record, and update billing on a quarterly schedule and forward bills promptly. If a utility company needs to submit estimated bills for months when a quarterly meter reading is not conducted, they must first file a clear and simple formula with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for approval. The formula will be used to calculate charges for utility services on estimated bills. Importantly, if a utility fails to read a customer's meter during the quarterly interval, they cannot demand payment for any amount exceeding the prior estimated monthly bills, and any additional charges for utility usage during that period would be forfeited. This legislation aims to increase transparency and fairness in utility billing practices by ensuring more regular meter readings and establishing guidelines for estimated billing.

Business and Industry

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