2014 -- S 2859 SUBSTITUTE A

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LC005318/SUB A

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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:

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

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

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hereby amended to read as follows:

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     39-1.1-4. Effect on existing rules. Winter termination moratorium. -- Nothing in this

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chapter is intended to modify any existing or proposed rules and regulations dealing with utility

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termination during winter months as defined by the commission. Between the dates of November

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1 through April 15, no gas or electric company shall terminate gas or electric service in any

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residence where the combined household income is at or below the income eligibility guideline

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that applies to the "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program," or its successor. Nothing in

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this chapter shall be construed to limit the authority of the commission, at its discretion, to extend

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this winter termination moratorium. Nothing in this chapter is intended to modify any existing or

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proposed rules and regulations dealing with termination of telephone service.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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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

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income is at or below eligibility guideline from November 1 to April 15.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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