IL HB6943

Amends the Public Utilities Act to establish requirements before natural gas utilities can disconnect service or post disconnection notices on customer property.

Requires 6 months of nonpayment to have passed and the utility to receive confirmation that the customer received certified mail notice before disconnection is allowed.

Certified mail notice must inform customers of arrears status, the ability to avoid disconnection through a deferred payment agreement extending only to the following November, and information about available payment assistance programs.

Deferred payment agreements must include an option for customers to enter into a levelized payment plan for future bills.

Natural gas utilities that violate these requirements shall be fined by the Illinois Commerce Commission in an amount equal to twice the outstanding balance on the customer's account.