The bill amends sections 4933.12, 4933.121, and 4933.123 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 4933.125 through 4933.1211 to prohibit the termination of electric or gas services to vulnerable households, including those with children under five, seniors over sixty-five, individuals with disabilities or illnesses (with medical confirmation), pregnant individuals, and those with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. It establishes a payment plan for eligible customers, allowing them to pay either 7.5% of their monthly net income or one-twelfth of their previous electric and gas bills, whichever is lower. The bill also mandates notification of county human services departments about impending service terminations and requires utility companies to inform customers about available state and federal aid for utility bills.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect residential consumers deployed on active duty from penalties for nonpayment during their deployment and ensures they are offered a repayment period upon their return. It introduces new regulations regarding the costs associated with providing services to residential customers, stating that these costs cannot be collected through various financial mechanisms. The bill repeals the existing sections 4933.12, 4933.121, and 4933.123, streamlining the regulatory process for public utilities and clarifying that new regulatory restrictions will not be subject to certain provisions of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4933.12, 4933.121, 4933.123