HI HR59

Requests the Public Utilities Commission to study the feasibility of requiring public utilities to charge lower rates to lower-income consumers.

Directs the PUC to consider tying lower utility rates to income guidelines used in the Med-QUEST program or other government assistance programs.

Requires that any lower utility rate be capped at twenty percent of the full price paid by regular consumers per kilowatt hour.

Limits the lower utility rate requirement to only those public utilities within the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission.

Requests the PUC to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 Regular Session convenes.