HB 2822
Relating to the Disconnection of Residential Utility during a State of Emergency
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill protects West Virginia residents from having their utility services disconnected during a state of emergency declared by the governor. It prohibits public utilities from terminating or disconnecting services for nonpayment, requires them to offer deferred payment agreements to customers facing financial hardship due to the emergency, and prevents disconnection for 180 days after the emergency ends. Utilities can still recover funds owed after the emergency is over.
Key provisions
- Public utilities cannot disconnect residential customers for overdue charges during a state of emergency.
- Utilities must offer residential customers a deferred payment agreement.
- Deferred payment agreements cannot include down payments, late fees, or penalties.
- Service must be restored within 48 hours of termination during the emergency.
- Utilities cannot disconnect service for 180 days after the emergency ends due to financial hardship.
- Customers must be notified of the protections offered.
- Utilities can recover lost revenue after the emergency ends.
- Utilities can still disconnect service for health and safety reasons.
Who is affected
- Residential utility customers
- Public utility companies
- Municipalities with utilities
Notable changes
- Creates a specific legal protection against utility disconnection during state of emergency.
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