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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. W. Curtis Thomas |
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Thomas introduces measure to provide utility consumers relief
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., has introduced a measure aimed at providing consumers with protection from utility shutoffs.
Thomas said he introduced the measure after a similar bill failed to gain enough support in the House Consumer Affairs Committee last week. He said he doesn’t believe the committee vote truly reflects the sentiment of House members.
The new bill (H.B. 2134) has bipartisan support with 40 co-sponsors, many of whom are different from those who supported the earlier bill.
Thomas said his bill is designed to do several things, including:
- Give consumers prior notice before service is terminated.
- Protect property owners and landlords from being accountable for tenants who fail to pay.
- Make reconnection and restoration fees more reasonable.
- Protect the elderly and medically frail from losing service during the winter.
- Prohibit utility companies from securing rate hikes while 17,000 people statewide are without service.
Thomas said utility terminations have increased by 38 percent since Act 201 was passed in 2004. The act deals with consumer protection and information regarding utility services, and, in some cases, has made it easier for utility companies to terminate service to people who fall behind on utility payments.
“The legislature needs to revisit Act 201 and address the unintended consequences that have resulted from its passage,” Thomas said. “It is time to bring some compassion into way we deal with people.
“It is not a poor people’s problem, or an urban problem – it is a statewide problem that needs to be addressed.”
The new legislation has been referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |