Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

Plain-English Summary

This bill focuses on protecting certain Rhode Island residents from having their utilities — like electricity, gas, or water — shut off when they are facing serious health or financial challenges. Specifically, it would extend protections for customers who have a certification showing they have a serious illness, meaning utility companies would have to wait longer before they could cut off service to those customers. The bill also proposes updates to existing rules about when and how utility companies can terminate service to people who are disabled, seriously ill, or behind on their bills.

The people most directly affected by this bill are utility customers who are dealing with serious medical conditions, disabilities, or financial hardship that has caused them to fall behind on payments. Under current law, these customers already have some protections, but this bill would strengthen or extend those safeguards. For example, if a doctor certifies that a customer has a serious illness, the utility company would be required to hold off on shutting off service for a longer period of time than is currently allowed.

Overall, this bill is about balancing the needs of vulnerable residents — who may depend on utilities for medical equipment, heating, or basic daily needs — with the rules that govern utility providers in Rhode Island. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to the House Corporations Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. No final vote has taken place yet.