2014 -- S 2859

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LC005318

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO

PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED AND SERIOUSLY ILL

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, Pichardo, Miller, Crowley, and Jabour

     Date Introduced: April 09, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 39-1.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1.1 entitled

"Termination of service to persons who are disabled, seriously ill or in arrears of payment" is

hereby amended to read as follows:

     39-1.1-4. Effect on existing rules. -- Nothing in this chapter is intended to modify any

existing or proposed rules and regulations dealing with utility termination during winter months

as defined by the commission. No gas or electric company shall terminate gas or electric service

in any residence where the combined household income is at or below the income eligibility

guideline that applies to the "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program," or its successor,

between the dates of November 1 and May 1. Nothing in this chapter is intended to modify any

existing or proposed rules and regulations dealing with termination of telephone service.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005318

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO

PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED AND SERIOUSLY ILL

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     This act would prevent termination of gas or electric service in any residence where the

income is at or below eligibility guideline from November 1 to May 1.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005318

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