NC S533

Authorize the Utilities Commission to adopt procedures allowing landlords of residential buildings with individually metered electric units to charge tenants for actual electricity costs when each tenant has a separate lease per bedroom.

Require landlords to equally divide the electric bill among tenants in a unit, prorate charges for partial-month occupancy, and send individual bills with specific required information including the supplier name, usage dates, past-due date (minimum 25 days), and tenant complaint rights.

Limit administrative and late fees to amounts authorized by the Commission, prohibit charging tenants for electricity from other units or common areas, and require landlords to maintain 36-month billing records available for tenant inspection.

Establish that landlords must obtain Commission approval through a completed application process with approval deemed granted if the Commission does not disapprove within 60 days.

Clarify that electric service charges cannot be used as grounds for lease termination and are separate from rent payments, and exempt approved lessors from annual utility reporting requirements.