HSB 515 (LSB 5520DP (1) 91)

SENATE/HOUSE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED UTILITIES COMMISSION BILL)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to utility disconnections of gas and electricity services during severe weather.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 476.20, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  d.  The rules adopted by the commission shall provide that a public utility furnishing gas or electricity shall not disconnect service to a residence in the event of severe cold weather or severe hot weather, as defined by such rules.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to utility disconnections of gas and electricity services during severe weather.
   The bill adds a requirement for the Iowa utilities commission (commission) to adopt rules that prohibit the disconnection of gas or electric service to a residence during periods of severe cold weather or severe hot weather, as defined by such rules. The commission currently has rules to prohibit the disconnection of gas or electric service under certain conditions relating to severe cold weather.