This bill establishes an advisory council for the electric assistance program, which will be chaired by the commissioner of the department and include representatives from various stakeholders, including electric utilities and consumer advocacy groups. The council is tasked with recommending an annual budget and program design for the electric assistance program, which will operate on a program year starting November 1. The bill also caps the system benefits charge (SBC) associated with the program at 2 mills (0.2 cents) per kilowatt-hour, with future adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The previous legal language regarding the program's administration has been repealed and reenacted to reflect these changes.

Additionally, the bill transfers the oversight of the electric assistance program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Energy, thereby consolidating the program's administration. The cap on the SBC is increased from 1.5 mills to 2 mills per kilowatt-hour, which is expected to generate an additional $5,326,979 in revenue for the program. This increase will allow for enhanced discounts for low-income utility customers, while the bill does not authorize new funding or positions. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage.