This bill amends existing law to prohibit public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer services due to nonpayment for a period of 180 days following the expiration of the coronavirus 2019 state of emergency. It requires utilities to enter into deferred payment agreements with residential customers, allowing them to make monthly payments over a minimum period of 48 months. The bill specifies that utilities cannot discontinue service as long as customers adhere to the terms of these agreements.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that public utilities may not terminate service for medical customers due to bill payment delinquency for the same 180-day period, also mandating deferred payment agreements under similar conditions. The legislation includes definitions for "public utility emergency" and "multifamily housing unit customer," and it updates the language regarding the Board of Public Utilities' role in overseeing these agreements. Overall, the bill aims to provide financial relief and stability for residential customers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:2-24.2, 48:2-29.49, 48:2-29.50, 48:2-29.52