Stop Utility Shut-Offs During Government Shutdowns Act.
This bill aims to protect citizens from losing access to electricity and natural gas during a federal government shutdown, particularly when the Department of Health and Human Services lacks funding. It mandates a moratorium on service terminations due to inability to pay, waives late fees, and prohibits reconnection charges. These measures ensure essential utility access and financial relief during periods of government funding lapses.
Key points
Prohibits the termination of electric and natural gas services due to non-payment during a federal government shutdown.
Requires utilities to waive late fees and reconnection charges for consumers during the shutdown period.
Electric utilities cannot automatically pass the costs of compliance onto the protected consumers, though states may allow alternative recovery mechanisms.
Introduced
Citizen Poll