The bill amends and enacts several sections of the Revised Code to protect vulnerable households from the termination of electric and gas services due to nonpayment. It specifically prohibits service cessation for households with young children, elderly individuals, or persons with disabilities or illnesses, establishing criteria for eligibility. The bill mandates that electric and gas companies offer structured payment plans for qualifying customers, limiting their payment obligations to either 7.5% of their monthly net income or one-twelfth of their previous bills. Additionally, it requires companies to provide written confirmation of qualifying conditions and emphasizes the need to notify county human services departments before service terminations during winter months. Importantly, no late fees or interest will be charged during repayment for customers on active military duty.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the costs associated with providing services, stating that these costs cannot be collected from customers through rates or fees. It establishes rules by the public utilities commission to ensure clarity and enforceability of the new regulations. The bill also repeals existing sections 4933.12, 4933.121, and 4933.123, which previously governed utility regulations, and clarifies that new regulatory restrictions will not be subject to certain provisions of the Revised Code, thereby streamlining the regulatory process for public utilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4933.12, 4933.121, 4933.123