SB 474 – Allows certain public utilities to require deposits for new or continued service only in certain circumstances

• Sponsor: Wright-Jones
• LR Number: 1830S.02I
• Committee: Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
• Last Action: 4/28/2009 - Hearing Conducted S Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee
• Effective Date: August 28, 2009

Current Bill Summary

SB 474 - Gas, electric, water, heating, sewer and telephone companies are prohibited from requiring a deposit or other guarantee for new residential service except for: customers who have wrongly interfered with or diverted the utility's service within the past five years, or for customers who do not meet the acceptable credit rating.

These utilities are prohibited from requiring a deposit or other guarantee for continued service unless: the service has been shut off due to the customer's delinquency in payment, or the customer wrongly interfered with or diverted the utility's service. No deposit or other guarantee shall be required for any customer who has consistently paid at least a portion of his or her monthly utility bill and when the outstanding balance owed is $500 or less.

This act is similar to HB 2587 (2008).

ERIKA JAQUES