Bill > S2612

This bill provides comprehensive utility shutoff protections during periods of extreme heat by establishing new regulations for water, electricity, and other utility services. Specifically, the bill prohibits cities, towns, water districts, municipal lighting plants, electric companies, and water service corporations from shutting off services to residential customers between May 15th and September 30th, or during any period when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning or advisory, if the customer cannot pay due to financial hardship. The bill requires these utility providers to submit monthly reports to the Department of Public Utilities detailing the number of households that would have lost service, their locations, and the estimated cost of continuing service. Additionally, the Department of Public Utilities must conduct an annual public information campaign to inform customers about shut-off protections and payment assistance programs, including developing multi-lingual educational materials and a statewide outreach program targeting low and moderate-income communities. The department is also required to publish these reports on its website and is authorized to establish daily fines for utilities that violate these new protections, ensuring that vulnerable residents maintain access to essential services during potentially dangerous heat conditions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2612