FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2059

                         C 165 L 91

                     Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing low‑income persons with residential weatherization and energy assistance.

By Representatives H. Myers, Grant, O'Brien, Wineberry, Orr and Anderson.

House Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Background:  Winter heating expenses can overwhelm low‑income persons, sometimes exceeding mortgage or rent payments.  To reduce the likelihood that low-income residents will lose heat in the winter, utilities are prohibited from cutting off residential space heat utility services between November 15 and March 15 if the resident follows prescribed steps.

To be eligible for this protection, the individual must notify the utility of the inability to pay for utility services, apply for home heating assistance, and apply for weatherization assistance.  The utility and the customer enter into a payment plan that allows the customer to spread the cost of winter heat bills and past due amounts over the entire year.

The program expires June 30, 1991.

Summary:  The winter heat shutoff moratorium program is continued indefinitely into the future.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  89   0

Senate 47   0

Effective:    July 28, 1991