MS HB852

Amends Mississippi Code Section 21-27-17 to establish 17 specific ratepayer rights for municipally owned utilities, including protections against service disconnection on weekends/holidays, during medical emergencies, and in extreme weather conditions.

Requires utilities to provide written notice of pending disconnection at least 5 days before service termination and prohibit disconnection for unpaid bills during the winter months (December 1 - April 1) for participants in the "mid-winter rule."

Protects ratepayers from disconnection due to unpaid merchandise charges, non-occupant debts, disputed bill amounts (with deposit), and when Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits are approved to cover delinquent balances.

Mandates an independent administrative complaint process with both informal and formal procedures, allowing ratepayers to resolve service and billing disputes with utilities through written complaints, hearings, and appeals to chancery court.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.