NC S452

Prohibits counties and cities operating public utilities from suspending or disconnecting service to a customer for unpaid balances incurred by another household member, with limited exceptions when both parties were in the same household previously or the other person is responsible for the bill.

Prohibits counties and cities from requiring customers to agree to liability for delinquent accounts of future household members as a condition of continuing service, with exceptions for prior shared households or members present when service was established.

Prohibits counties and cities from attempting to collect payment from landlords (individuals or companies) for utility service to premises the landlord no longer owns, leases, or occupies, except for service provided during the time the landlord owned, leased, or occupied the property.

Applies the landlord collection prohibition regardless of any prior agreements between the landlord and utility regarding service reconnection during the landlord's ownership or occupancy of the property.

Effective upon enactment and applies to all collection attempts made on or after the effective date.