Bill > SB246

This bill prohibits electric and gas companies from terminating utility services to certain households during the winter months (November 15 to April 15) under specific conditions. The bill establishes protections for households with vulnerable populations, including families with children under five, residents over 65, people with disabilities or illnesses, pregnant individuals, and households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. To qualify for protection, households may need to provide medical documentation or proof of income. For eligible customers, utility companies must create a payment plan where the monthly payment is capped at either 7.5% of the household's monthly net income or one-twelfth of their previous combined utility bills, whichever is lower. The utility companies are required to absorb the remaining service costs and cannot recover these expenses through customer rates or fees. The bill also mandates that utility companies file quarterly reports about service disconnections and reconnections, and requires the Public Utilities Commission to develop rules implementing these protections. This legislation aims to prevent utility shutoffs for vulnerable populations and provide a more manageable approach to utility bill payment during financially challenging periods.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb246