HB641: HB641 Public utilities; require electric supplier to hold the proposed discontinuation of electrical service to a residential customer who suffers from a serious illness in abeyance for a certain period of time

26 LC 56 0686S The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities offered the following substitute to HB 641: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Chapter 3 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1 electric services, so as to require certain electric suppliers to have in place a written policy2 regarding discontinuation of electric service to residential co nsumers with serious,3 life-threatening conditions; to provide for furnishing of such policy to consumers; to provide4 an effective date and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws;5 and for other purposes.6 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7 SECTION 1.8 Chapter 3 of Title 46, relating to electrical service, is amend ed in Code Section 46-3-11,9 relating to application by electric supplier of discriminatory rates, charges, or service rules10 or regulations and prohibited acts by electric suppliers generally, by adding a new subsection11 to read as follows:12 "(c) Beginning January 1, 2027, any electric supplier that serves residential consumers13 shall have in place a written policy regarding discontinuation of electric service to14 residential consumers who have a serious, life-threatening condition and have provided15 the electric supplier with a written statement from a physician, county board of health,16 - 1 - 26 LC 56 0686S hospital, or clinic identifying the such condition and its expected duration, and certifying17 that the condition would be aggravated by a discontinuation of electric service, and shall18 furnish such written policy upon request by a consumer or potential consumer."19 SECTION 2.20 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.21 - 2 -