The proposed bill, titled the "Transparency in Electric and Gas Bills Act," aims to enhance consumer understanding of electric and gas utility bills by mandating a detailed breakdown of charges. Beginning on July 1, 2025, all electric and gas utilities operating in the state must include, on each bill issued to residential or commercial customers, a clear and itemized breakdown of all charges. This breakdown shall include supply charges, delivery charges, and public policy costs associated with renewable energy and other programs. Specifically, supply charges must include a separate line item indicating the portion attributable to each renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal. Delivery charges and public policy costs must also be distinctly listed, with public policy costs including renewable energy credits and energy efficiency programs.

The bill requires utilities to provide an explanation of how costs for each renewable energy source are determined, including the methodology used to allocate these costs and the percentage of the customer's supply charge attributed to each renewable energy source. Utilities must present this breakdown in a user-friendly format that is easily readable and comprehensible to typical customers.

To ensure compliance, the bill outlines a process for public comment and review. Beginning on January 1, 2026, each utility must submit to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) a proposed plan for implementing the bill breakdown requirements, including sample bills and any necessary technology or processes. The PUC will hold a public comment period of no less than sixty (60) days, during which stakeholders may provide feedback on the proposed plans. The PUC will consider all comments and make necessary revisions before approving the final implementation standards.

Utilities are required to implement the finalized billing breakdown plans no later than one year after PUC approval. The PUC will have the authority to enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter, with penalties for any utility found in violation of these requirements.

Additionally, the PUC will conduct a public outreach and education campaign to ensure that residential and commercial customers are aware of the changes to the billing system and can understand the new bill breakdown. The outreach program may include public service announcements, educational materials, and online resources, and the PUC will provide utilities with guidance on best practices for explaining the new breakdown of charges, particularly focusing on the renewable energy mandate breakdown. This act will take effect upon passage.