HB 257 is a bill that allows incumbent telephone utilities to petition the department of energy to be relieved of their carrier of last resort obligations in certain municipalities or towns. The department of energy will approve the petition if there is at least one other voice network service provider that offers service to at least 95% of households in the area, or if a provider has received funding to serve the entire area. The bill also requires the incumbent telephone utility to hold public meetings to inform customers about upcoming changes to service and alternative service options. The department of energy will review the petitions and issue a final order within 180 days. The incumbent telephone utility must continue to provide service to customers for 6 months after the order is issued, and must make best efforts to assist customers in finding alternative service. If, after the 6-month transition period, there are still customers without alternative service, the incumbent utility must continue to provide service if technically and economically feasible. The bill also requires the department of energy to post a list of all known telecommunication service providers on their website. The costs incurred would be recovered through a special assessment on the incumbent telephone utility seeking relief from their obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374:22-g
As Amended by the House: 374:22-g