The bill amends Section 39-1.1-2 of the General Laws regarding the termination of utility services for individuals who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears. It extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and establishes that the termination date for utility services will be based on the physician's indicated duration of the illness. If the physician does not specify the length of the illness, or if it is not readily ascertainable, the termination date shall be at least three months from the receipt of the written certification by the public utility.

The bill also allows for a licensed physician's certification of serious illness to be made initially via telephone, but requires a written certification to be provided within seven days. Public utilities are required to honor a physician's certification but may seek a review of its validity. If a certification is rejected, the utility must inform the customer in writing of the reasons for rejection and their right to appeal. Additionally, the bill clarifies that nontermination does not relieve customers of their financial obligations for utility services. The act aims to enhance protections for vulnerable customers while ensuring that utilities can verify the legitimacy of serious illness claims. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5068: 39-1.1-2