FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2667

                                  C 1 L 90 E1

BYRepresentatives Phillips, Nutley, Nelson, Holland, Wang, Hankins, Wineberry and Anderson

Changing provisions relating to low-income home energy assistance and creating a joint select committee on low-income home energy assistance.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Winter heating expenses can be overwhelming in some cases for low-income persons, sometimes exceeding mortgage or rent payments.  In order to reduce the likelihood that low-income residents will loose heat in the winter, the Legislature has prohibited energy utilities from cutting off residential space heat utility services between November 15 and March 15 if the low-income person 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 cut-off program was implemented in 1984 and was renewed in 1986.  It will expire on June 30, 1990.

Principal financial assistance for low-income persons in meeting home heating energy bills has come from the federal Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program and the state's Energy Matchmakers Program.  The funding for both of these programs has declined significantly in the last few years.  Other assistance programs are not of the scope and magnitude of these receding programs.

SUMMARY:

The winter heat shutoff moratorium program is continued for one year, until June 30, 1991.  If service to a customer is disconnected, the customer may have service restored and be protected from further disconnection by paying reconnection charges and satisfying other requirements of the moratorium program.

The Energy and Utilities committees of the House and Senate shall review low-income energy assistance programs in this and other states and elsewhere by December 15, 1990.  The committees shall make recommendations on new or revised programs to provide home heating energy assistance for low-income persons that may be considered by the Legislature during its 1991 session.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

First Special Session

      House 96   0

      Senate    45     1

EFFECTIVE:March 26, 1990