TN HB0542

Utilities must allow customers to use approved contractors of their choosing for installing utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, electric, natural gas, stormwater) in development projects, with utilities required to maintain public lists of approved contractors

Utilities must respond to contractor approval requests within 10 business days; if no response, contractors may proceed with work

Utilities must complete plan and design reviews within 60 business days; if they fail to meet this deadline, customers may hire third-party professional engineers to review plans instead

If a utility fails to act on third-party reviewed plans within 10 business days, plan review fees must be refunded and plans are automatically deemed approved

Utilities may still require direct installation of specific infrastructure for public safety or service reliability, and retain authority to inspect and test all contractor-installed infrastructure before acceptance