SC H5282

Prohibits investor-owned electric and gas utilities from changing billing practices, payment plans, due dates, late fees, or disconnection thresholds without prior Public Service Commission approval following public notice and hearing

Requires utilities to file quarterly reports on residential disconnections, reconnections, customer arrears by income tier, payment plan participation, and billing complaints, with data published on the commission's website

Mandates an independent audit within 180 days of billing systems, rate implementation, and unexplained bill increases since 2024, with findings reported to the General Assembly within 12 months

Protects tenants from eviction or lease violations solely due to utility disconnection for nonpayment, and prohibits utilities from terminating service to rental properties when landlords (not tenants) are responsible for unpaid bills

Requires enhanced protections for rural energy-burdened households including extended payment plans, prohibition on disconnections during extreme weather, and mandatory referrals to assistance programs, with administrative fines up to $50,000 per day for violations