The bill establishes protections for residential utility customers, particularly during extreme heat conditions as defined by alerts from the National Weather Service. It prohibits utilities from involuntarily terminating electric or water service due to nonpayment on days when such alerts are in effect. Additionally, it allows customers whose service has been disconnected to request reconnection on these days, with utilities required to inform them of this option in disconnection notices. Any repayment plan for past due bills must not exceed six percent of the customer's monthly income and must be structured to ensure that payments are manageable, with the goal of paying off the debt by May 15th.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that utilities with over 25,000 retail electric customers submit annual reports to the Department of Commerce detailing disconnections that occurred on heat alert days. It also extends protections to tenants by prohibiting landlords from terminating utility services during these alerts and requiring them to inform tenants of their right to request reconnection. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to essential utilities during extreme weather conditions to safeguard public health and safety, while also enhancing consumer protections and promoting responsible utility management.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 54.16.285, 57.08.081, 80.28.010, 87.03.015, 59.18.060, 59.20.070
Substitute Bill: 54.16.285, 57.08.081, 80.28.010, 87.03.015, 59.18.060, 59.20.070
Engrossed Substitute: 54.16.285, 57.08.081, 80.28.010, 87.03.015, 59.18.060, 59.20.070
Bill as Passed Legislature: 54.16.285, 57.08.081, 80.28.010, 87.03.015, 59.18.060, 59.20.070
Session Law: 54.16.285, 57.08.081, 80.28.010, 87.03.015, 59.18.060, 59.20.070