S2859Aaa

	2014 -- S 2859 SUBSTITUTE A AS AMENDED
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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:
1	SECTION 1. Section 39-1.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1.1 entitled
2	"Termination of service to persons who are disabled, seriously ill or in arrears of payment" is
3	hereby amended to read as follows:
4	39-1.1-4. Effect on existing rules. Winter termination moratorium. -- Nothing in this
5	chapter is intended to modify any existing or proposed rules and regulations dealing with utility
6	termination during winter months as defined by the commission. Between the dates of November
7	1 through May 1, no gas or electric company shall terminate gas or electric service in any
8	residence where the combined household income is at or below the income eligibility guideline
9	that applies to the "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program," or its successor. Nothing in
10	this chapter shall be construed to limit the authority of the commission, at its discretion, to extend
11	this winter termination moratorium. Nothing in this chapter is intended to modify any existing or
12	proposed rules and regulations dealing with termination of telephone service.
13	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC005318/SUB A
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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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1	This act would prevent termination of gas or electric service in any residence where the
2	income is at or below eligibility guideline from November 1 to May 1.
3	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC005318/SUB A
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