HF3151 Summary

• Allows individual residential utility customers to file complaints with the commission's consumer affairs office regarding billing, service terms, or practices that violate law, are unreasonable, or cause harm.

• Establishes a two-step dispute resolution process: customers must first seek resolution through the consumer affairs office, then may appeal to the commission if unsatisfied.

• Commission chair or delegated subcommittee decides whether to dismiss appeals, resolve through informal proceedings, or refer to Office of Administrative Hearings for contested case proceedings.

• Permits customers to seek judicial review in district court of dismissals or informal proceeding decisions, with contested case decisions reviewed under chapter 14.

• Requires utilities to continue or restore service during disputes if customer enters payment agreement, posts disputed amount in escrow, receives public assistance, or has household income at or below 50 percent of state median income.