A04363
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
1017
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY BOSCOLA, FONTANA AND PENNYCUICK, DECEMBER 11, 2023
REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE,
DECEMBER 11, 2023
AN ACT
Amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in responsible utility customer
protection, further providing for declaration of policy, and
for definitions, for repealing provisions relating to cash
deposits and household information requirements, providing
for security deposits, further providing for payment
arrangements, for termination of utility service, for
reconnection of service, for late payment charge waiver, for
public utility duties, for reporting of recipients of public
assistance, for liens by city natural gas distribution
operations, for reporting to General Assembly and Governor
and for nonapplicability and repealing provisions relating to
expiration.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 1402(1) of Title 66 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended and the section is amended by
adding a paragraph to read:
§ 1402. Declaration of policy.
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Formal service rules were first adopted by the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in 1978 with the
stated goal of enforcing uniform, fair and equitable
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residential public utility service standards governing
eligibility criteria, credit and deposit practices, account
billing, termination and restoration of service procedures
and customer complaint procedures. These rules have not
successfully managed the issue of bill payment. Increasing
amounts of unpaid bills now threaten paying customers with
higher rates due to other customers' delinquencies.
* * *
(5) The General Assembly believes that it is appropriate
to recognize the applicability of this chapter to a water and
sewer authority in a city of the second class.
Section 2. Sections 1403, 1404(d) and 1405(a) and (b) of
Title 66 are amended to read:
Section 2. Section 1403 of Title 66 is amended to read:
§ 1403. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Applicant." A natural person at least 18 years of age or an
emancipated minor not currently receiving service who applies
for residential service provided by a public utility or any
adult occupant whose name appears on the mortgage, deed or
lease, as identified in section 202 of the act of April 6, 1951
(P.L.69, No.20), known as The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951,
of the property for which the residential public utility service
is requested. The term does not include a person who, within 30
days after service termination or discontinuance of service,
seeks to have service reconnected at the same location or
transferred to another location within the service territory of
the public utility.
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"Change in income." A decrease in household income of 20% or
more if the customer's household income level exceeds 200% of
the Federal poverty level or a decrease in household income of
10% or more if the customer's household income level is 200% or
less of the Federal poverty level.
"City natural gas distribution operation." As defined in
section 102 (relating to definitions).
"Creditworthiness." An assessment of an applicant's or
customer's ability to meet bill payment obligations for utility
service.
"Customer." A natural person at least 18 years of age or an
emancipated minor in whose name a residential service account is
listed and who is primarily responsible for payment of bills
rendered for the service or any adult occupant whose name
appears on the mortgage, deed or lease, as identified in section
202 of The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, of the property for
which the residential utility service is requested. The term
includes a person who, within 30 days after service termination
or discontinuance of service, seeks to have service reconnected
at the same location or transferred to another location within
the service territory of the public utility.
"Customer assistance program." A plan or program sponsored
by a public utility for the purpose of providing universal
service and energy conservation, as defined by section 2202
(relating to definitions) or 2803 (relating to definitions), or
other assistance programs offered by a public utility, including
a water distribution utility or a wastewater utility, in which
customers make monthly payments based on household income and
household size and under which customers must comply with
certain responsibilities and restrictions in order to remain
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eligible for the program.
"Electric distribution utility." [An entity providing
facilities for the jurisdictional transmission and distribution
of electricity to retail customers, except building or facility
owners or operators that manage the internal distribution system
serving such building or facility and that supply electric power
and other related electric power services to occupants of the
building or facility.] The term have the same meaning as the
term "electric distribution company" in section 2803 (relating
to definitions).
"Formal complaint." A complaint filed before the
[Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission] commission requesting a
legal proceeding before a [Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission] commission administrative law judge or a mediation
under the management of a [Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission] commission administrative law judge.
"Household income." The combined gross income of all adults
at least 18 years of age and emancipated minors in a residential
household who benefit from the public utility service, excluding
earned income received by household members under 18 years of
age who are not emancipated.
"Informal complaint." A complaint filed with the
[Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission] commission by a
customer that does not involve a legal proceeding before a
[Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission] commission
administrative law judge or a mediation under the management of
a [Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission] commission
administrative law judge.
"LIHEAP" or "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program." A
federally funded program authorized by 42 U.S.C. §§ 8621
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(relating to home energy grants), 8622 (relating to
definitions), 8623 (relating to state allotments), 8624
(relating to applications and requirements), 8625 (relating to
nondiscrimination provisions), 8626 (relating to payments to
States; fiscal year requirements respecting availability, etc.),
8627 (relating to withholding of funds), 8628 (relating to
limitation on use of grants for construction), 8629 (relating to
studies and reports) and 8630 (relating to renewable fuels) that
provides financial assistance in the form of cash and crisis
grants to low-income households for home energy bills and is
administered by the Department of [Public Welfare] Human
Services.
"Medical certificate." A written document, in a form
approved by the commission:
(1) certifying that a customer or member of the
customer's household is seriously ill or has been diagnosed
with a medical condition which requires the continuation of
service to treat the medical condition; and
(2) signed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner
or physician's assistant.
"Natural gas distribution service." [The delivery of natural
gas to retail gas customers utilizing the jurisdictional
facilities of a natural gas distribution utility.] As defined in
section 2202 (relating to definitions).
"Natural gas distribution utility." [A city natural gas
distribution operation or entity that provides natural gas
distribution services and may provide natural gas supply
services and other services. The term does not include either of
the following:
(1) Any public utility providing natural gas
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distribution services subject to the jurisdiction of the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission that has annual gas
operating revenues of less than $6,000,000 per year, except
where the public utility voluntarily petitions the commission
to be included within this definition or where the public
utility seeks to provide natural gas supply services to
retail gas customers outside its service territory.
(2) Any public utility providing natural gas
distribution services subject to the jurisdiction of the
commission that is not connected to an interstate gas
pipeline by means of a direct connection or an indirect
connection through the distribution system of another natural
gas public utility or through a natural gas gathering
system.] Shall have the same meaning as the term "natural gas
distribution company" in section 2202.
"Natural gas supply services." [The sale or arrangement of
the sale of natural gas to retail gas customers and services
that may be unbundled by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission under section 2203(3) (relating to standards for
restructuring of natural gas utility industry). The term does
not include natural gas distribution service.] As defined in
section 2202.
"Occupant." (Reserved).
"Payment arrangement." An agreement whereby a customer or
applicant who admits liability for billed service is permitted
to amortize or pay the unpaid balance of the account in one or
more payments.
"Public utility." Any electric distribution utility, natural
gas distribution utility, small natural gas distribution
utility, steam heat utility, wastewater utility or water
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distribution utility in this Commonwealth that is within the
jurisdiction of the [Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.]
commission. The term includes a city natural gas distribution
operation and a water and sewer authority in a city of the
second class.
"Significant change in circumstance." Any of the following
criteria when verified by the public utility and experienced by
customers with household income less than 300% of the Federal
poverty level:
(1) The onset of a chronic or acute illness resulting in
a significant loss in the customer's household income.
(2) Catastrophic damage to the customer's residence
resulting in a significant net cost to the customer's
household.
(3) Loss of the customer's residence.
(4) Increase in the customer's number of dependents in
the household.
"Small natural gas distribution utility." A public utility
providing natural gas distribution services subject to the
jurisdiction of the commission that:
(1) has annual gas operating revenues of less than
$6,000,000 per year; or
(2) is not connected to an interstate gas pipeline by
means of a direct connection or any indirect connection
through the distribution system of another natural gas public
utility or through a natural gas gathering system.
"Steam heat utility." An entity producing, generating,
distributing or furnishing steam for the production of heat or
to or for the public for compensation.
"Wastewater utility." An entity owning or operating
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equipment or facilities for the collection, treatment or
disposal of sewage to or for the public for compensation. The
term includes separate companies that individually provide water
or wastewater service so long as the separate companies are
wholly owned by a common parent company.
" Water and sewer authority in a city of the second class. "
Shall have the same meaning as the term " authority " in section
3201 (relating to definitions).
"Water distribution utility." An entity owning or operating
equipment or facilities for diverting, developing, pumping,
impounding, distributing or furnishing water to or for the
public for compensation.
§ 1404. Cash deposits and household information requirements.
* * *
(d) Adult occupants.--Prior to providing utility service, a
public utility may require the applicant to provide the names of
each adult occupant at least 18 years of age and each
emancipated minor residing at the location and proof of their
identity.
* * *
Section 3. Section 1404 of Title 66 is repealed:
[§ 1404. Cash deposits and household information requirements.
(a) General rule.--In addition to the right to collect a
deposit under any commission regulation or order, the commission
shall not prohibit a public utility from requiring a cash
deposit, payable during a 90-day period in accordance with
commission regulations, in an amount that is equal to one-sixth
of the applicant's estimated annual bill, at the time the public
utility determines a deposit is required, from the following:
(1) An applicant who previously received utility
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distribution services and was a customer of the public
utility and whose service was terminated for any of the
following reasons:
(i) Nonpayment of an undisputed delinquent account.
(ii) Failure to complete payment of a deposit,
provide a guarantee or establish credit.
(iii) Failure to permit access to meters, service
connections or other property of the public utility for
the purpose of replacement, maintenance, repair or meter
reading.
(iv) Unauthorized use of the utility service
delivered on or about the affected dwelling.
(v) Failure to comply with the material terms of a
settlement or payment arrangement.
(vi) Fraud or material misrepresentation of identity
for the purpose of obtaining utility service.
(vii) Tampering with meters, including, but not
limited to, bypassing a meter or removal of an automatic
meter reading device or other public utility equipment.
(viii) Violating tariff provisions on file with the
commission so as to endanger the safety of a person or
the integrity of the delivery system of the public
utility.
(2) Any applicant or customer who is unable to establish
creditworthiness to the satisfaction of the public utility
through the use of a generally accepted credit scoring
methodology, as provided in a commission-approved tariff, and
which employs standards for using the methodology that fall
within the range of general industry practice.
(3) A customer who fails to comply with a material term
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or condition of a settlement or payment arrangement.
(a.1) Cash deposit prohibition.--Notwithstanding subsection
(a), no public utility may require a customer or applicant that
is confirmed to be eligible for a customer assistance program to
provide a cash deposit.
(b) Third-party guarantor.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to preclude an applicant from furnishing a third-party
guarantor in lieu of a cash deposit. The guaranty shall be in
writing and shall state the terms of the guaranty. The guarantor
shall be responsible for all missed payments owed to the public
utility.
(c) Deposit hold period.--
(1) A public utility may hold a deposit until a timely
payment history is established.
(2) A timely payment history is established when a
customer has paid in full and on time for twelve consecutive
months.
(3) At the end of the deposit holding period as
established in paragraph (1), the public utility shall deduct
the outstanding balance from the deposit and return or credit
any positive difference to the customer.
(4) If service is terminated before the end of the
deposit holding period as established in paragraph (1), the
public utility shall deduct the outstanding balance from the
deposit and return any positive difference to the customer
within 60 days of the termination.
(5) If a customer becomes delinquent before the end of
the deposit holding period as established in paragraph (1),
the public utility may deduct the outstanding balance from
the deposit.
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(6) The public utility shall accrue interest on the
deposit until it is returned or credited.
(i) Interest shall be computed at the simple annual
interest rate determined by the Secretary of Revenue for
interest on the underpayment of tax under section 806 of
the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The
Fiscal Code.
(ii) The interest rate in effect when deposit is
required to be paid shall remain in effect until the
later of:
(A) the date the deposit is refunded or
credited; or
(B) December 31.
(iii) On January 1 of each year, the new interest
rate for that year will apply to the deposit.
(d) Adult occupants.--Prior to providing utility service, a
public utility may require the applicant to provide the names of
each adult occupant residing at the location and proof of their
identity.
(e) Failure to pay full amount of cash deposit.--A public
utility shall not be required to provide service if the
applicant or customer fails to pay the full amount of the cash
deposit within the time period under subsection (a).
(f) City natural gas distribution operation; additional
deposit rules for city natural gas distribution operations.--
Except for applicants who are subject to a deposit under
subsection (a), a city natural gas distribution operation may
require a deposit from the applicant as follows:
(1) If an applicant has household income above 300% of
the Federal poverty level, one-sixth of the applicant's
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estimated annual bill paid in full at the time the city
natural gas distribution operation determines a deposit is
required; or
(2) If an applicant has household income no greater than
300% of the Federal poverty level, one-twelfth of the
applicant's estimated annual bill paid in full at the time
the city natural gas distribution operation determines a
deposit is required. Applicants who enroll into the Customer
Assistance Program made available by the city natural gas
distribution operation are not subject to this paragraph.
(g) Estimated annual bill.--When used in this section, an
estimated annual bill shall be calculated on the basis of the
annual bill to the dwelling at which service is being requested
for the prior 12 months or, if unavailable, a similar dwelling
in close proximity.
(h) Time for paying deposits upon reconnection.--Applicants
and customers required to pay a deposit upon reconnection under
subsection (a)(1) shall have up to 90 days to pay the deposit in
accordance with commission regulations.]
Section 4. Title 66 is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 1404.1. Security deposits.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or commission
regulation, a public utility may not require a cash deposit as a
condition for applicants or customers to obtain or continue
public utility service.
Section 5. Section 1405(a) and (b) of Title 66 are amended
to read:
§ 1405. Payment arrangements.
(a) General rule.--The commission is authorized to
investigate complaints regarding payment disputes between a
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public utility, applicants and customers. The commission is
authorized to establish payment arrangements between a public
utility, customers and applicants within the limits established
by this chapter. The request for a payment arrangement is
properly viewed as a request for an initial payment arrangement
if a previous payment arrangement has been completed as a result
of the customer making payments sufficient to retire the entire
balance that was the subject of that payment arrangement.
(b) Length of payment arrangements.--The length of time for
a customer to resolve an unpaid balance on an account that is
subject to a payment arrangement that is investigated by the
commission and is entered into by a public utility and a
customer shall not extend beyond:
(1) [Five] Six years for customers with a gross monthly
household income level not exceeding 150% of the Federal
poverty level.
(2) [Three] Four years for customers with a gross
monthly household income level exceeding 150% and not more
than 250% of the Federal poverty level.
(3) [One year] Two years for customers with a gross
monthly household income level exceeding 250% of the Federal
poverty level and not more than 300% of the Federal poverty
level.
(4) [Six months] One year for customers with a gross
monthly household income level exceeding 300% of the Federal
poverty level.
* * *
Section 3 6. Sections 1406(b)(1)(i), (iii) and (iv), (c)(1)
(iii) and (v), (e)(2)(i) and (ii), (f), (g) and (h)(1)
introductory paragraph and (iii) and 1407(b) 1407(a), (b)
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introductory paragraph, (c)(2)(i) and (3) and (e) of Title 66
are amended and the sections are amended by adding subsections
to read:
§ 1406. Termination of utility service.
* * *
(b) Notice of termination of service.--
(1) Prior to terminating service under subsection (a), a
public utility:
(i) Shall provide written notice of the termination
to the customer at least [ten] 14 days prior to the date
of the proposed termination. The termination notice shall
remain effective for [60] 70 days. The written notice
shall be mailed by first class mail to the customer and
provided by electronic means if the customer
affirmatively consents to receive electronic notice of
termination and if the public utility has the capability
to provide electronic notification. Electronic notice of
termination shall mean by either email, text or both if
both are provided to the utility with appropriate
consent.
* * *
(iii) During the months of December through March,
unless personal contact has been made with the customer
or responsible adult at least 18 years of age or an
emancipated minor by personally visiting the customer's
residence, the public utility shall, within 48 hours of
the scheduled date of termination, post a notice of the
proposed termination at the service location in a
conspicuous location.
(iv) After complying with [paragraphs] subparagraphs
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(i), (ii) and (iii), the public utility shall [attempt to
make personal contact with the customer or responsible
adult], at the time service is terminated, post a notice
of termination in a conspicuous location at the service
location. Termination of service shall not be delayed for
failure to make personal contact.
* * *
(c) Grounds for immediate termination.--
(1) A public utility may immediately terminate service
for any of the following actions by the customer:
* * *
(iii) Tampering with meters or other public
[utility's] utility equipment.
* * *
(v) Tendering payment for reconnection of service
that is subsequently dishonored, revoked, canceled or
otherwise not authorized under subsection (h) and which
has not been cured or otherwise made full payment within
three business days of the public utility's notice to the
customer, made in accordance with the notice provisions
of subsection (b)(1)(ii), of the dishonored payment.
* * *
(e) Winter termination.--
* * *
(2) In addition to the winter termination authority set
forth in paragraph (1), a city natural gas distribution
operation may terminate service to a customer whose household
income exceeds 150% of the Federal poverty level but does not
exceed 250% of the Federal poverty level, and starting
January 1, has not paid at least 50% of [his] the charges for
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each of the prior two months unless the customer has done one
of the following:
(i) Has proven in accordance with commission rules
that [his] the household contains one or more persons who
are 65 years of age or over.
(ii) Has proven in accordance with commission rules
that [his] the household contains one or more persons 12
years of age or younger.
* * *
(f) Medical certification.--A public utility shall not
terminate service to a premises when a customer has submitted a
medical certificate to the public utility. The customer shall
obtain a medical certificate verifying the condition and shall
promptly forward it to the public utility. The medical
certification procedure shall be implemented in accordance with
commission regulations. The following apply:
(1) Service may not be terminated for the time period
specified in a medical certification. The maximum length of
the certification shall be 60 days.
(2) Certifications may be renewed in the same manner and
for the same time period as provided in this section if the
customer has met the obligation to make payment on all new
undisputed charges and provide payment towards any undisputed
outstanding balance with a minimum payment amount determined
by the commission, which shall be no less than $10.
(g) Qualification for LIHEAP or other utility assistance.--A
notice of termination to a customer of a public utility shall be
sufficient proof of a crisis for a customer with the requisite
income level to receive a LIHEAP Crisis Grant or utility
assistance from the Department of [Public Welfare] Human
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Services or its designee as soon as practicable after the date
of the notice. Termination of service is not necessary to
demonstrate sufficient proof of crisis.
(g.1) LIHEAP Crisis exceptions or other utility
assistance.--Notwithstanding subsection (g), a past-due balance
that would otherwise be subject to termination if not for the
provisions of subsection (e) is sufficient proof of crisis for
the purpose of obtaining a LIHEAP Crisis Grant or other utility
assistance from the Department of Human Services for a public
utility customer.
(h) Dishonorable tender of payment after receiving
termination notice.--
(1) After a public utility has provided a written
termination notice under subsection (b)(1)(i) [and],
attempted [telephone] contact as provided in subsection (b)
(1)(ii), and posted the notice of termination at the service
location as provided in subsection (b)(1)(iv), termination of
service may proceed without additional notice if:
* * *
(iii) a customer tenders payment electronically that
is subsequently dishonored, revoked, canceled or is
otherwise not authorized and which has not been cured or
otherwise made full payment within three business days of
the public utility's notice to the customer, made in
accordance with the notice provisions of subsection (b)
(1)(ii), of the dishonored payment.
* * *
§ 1407. Reconnection of service.
* * *
(a.1) Reconnection fee reimbursements.--Notwithstanding
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subsection (a), a public utility shall return or credit a
customer's or applicant's reconnection fee who is enrolled in a
utility assistance program if the customer remains enrolled for
a duration of at least six months.
[(a) Fee.--A public utility may require a reconnection fee
based upon the public utility's cost as approved by the
commission prior to reconnection of service following lawful
termination of the service.]
(a.1) Fee prohibition.--A public utility m ay not require a
customer or applicant with an income at or below 300% of the
Federal poverty level to provide a reconnection fee. A public
utility shall inform a customer or applicant of the prohibition
on reconnection fees specified under this subsection at the time
a reconnection fee is assessed.
(b) Timing.--When service to a dwelling has been terminated
and provided the customer or applicant has met all applicable
conditions, the public utility shall reconnect service as
follows:
* * *
(c) Payment to restore service.--
* * *
(2) A public utility may require:
(i) Full payment of any outstanding balance incurred
together with any reconnection fees by the customer or
applicant prior to reconnection of service if the
customer or applicant has an income exceeding 300% of the
Federal poverty level or has defaulted on two or more
payment arrangements. If a customer or applicant with
household income exceeding 300% of the Federal poverty
level experiences a life event, the customer or applicant
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shall be permitted a period of not more than three months
to pay the outstanding balance required for reconnection.
For purposes of this subparagraph, a life event is:
(A) A job loss that extended beyond nine months.
(B) A serious illness that extended beyond nine
months.
(C) Death of the primary wage earner.
* * *
(3) Payment tendered by a customer to reconnect service
that is subsequently dishonored, revoked, canceled or is
otherwise not authorized under section 1406(h)(1) (relating
to termination of utility service) and which has not been
cured or otherwise made full payment within three business
days of the public utility's notice to the customer, made in
accordance with the notice provisions of section 1406(b)(1)
(ii), of the dishonored payment is grounds for immediate
termination under section 1406(c). A public utility may
require a customer or applicant to cure a dishonored payment,
as provided for in section 1406(h), as a condition of
entering into a payment agreement with the customer or
applicant for a remaining account balance.
* * *
(e) Approval.--A public utility may establish that an
applicant previously resided at a property for which residential
service is requested through the use of information on a
mortgage, deed or lease [information] as identified in section
202 of the act of April 6, 1951 (P.L.69, No.20), known as The
Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, a commercially available
consumer credit reporting service or other methods approved as
valid by the commission.
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Section 4 7. Sections 1409, 1410.1, 1413, 1414(a), 1415(3)
and 1417 of Title 66 are amended to read:
§ 1409. Late payment charge waiver.
A public utility shall waive late payment charges on any
customer accounts if the charges were improperly assessed. The
commission [may] shall order a waiver of any late payment
charges levied by a public utility as a result of a delinquent
account for customers with a gross monthly household income not
exceeding [150%] 300% of the Federal poverty level.
§ 1410.1. Public utility duties.
(a) General rule.--When a customer or applicant contacts a
public utility to make a payment agreement as required by
section 1410 (relating to complaints filed with commission), the
public utility shall:
(1) Provide information about the public utility's
universal service programs, including a customer assistance
program.
(2) Refer the customer or applicant to the universal
service program administrator of the public utility to
determine eligibility for a program and to apply for
enrollment in a program.
(3) Have an affirmative responsibility to attempt to
collect payment on an overdue account. [The utility shall
report to the commission annually residential customer
accounts which have accumulated $10,000 or more in arrearages
and shall demonstrate what efforts are being taken to collect
the arrearages. Failure to make reasonable attempts to
collect payments on overdue accounts with arrearages in
excess of $10,000 may result in civil fines or other
appropriate sanctions by the commission.]
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(4) Report to the commission on an annual basis the
number of medical certificates and renewals submitted and
accepted in the service territory.
(b) Duties.--The public utility shall:
(1) Contact customers with arrearages over 90 days past
due to offer payment arrangements, referrals and other
resources for which the customer or applicant may be
eligible.
(2) Report to the commission annually residential
customer accounts which have accumulated $10,000 or more in
arrearages. Failure to make reasonable attempts to collect
payments on overdue accounts with arrearages in excess of
$10,000 may result in civil fines or other appropriate
sanctions by the commission.
§ 1413. Reporting of recipients of public assistance.
The Department of [Public Welfare] Human Services shall
annually [provide a city natural gas distribution operation with
the listing of recipients of public assistance in a city of the
first class. A city natural gas distribution operation] make
available to all public utilities with signed LIHEAP vendor
agreements a listing of recipients of LIHEAP or any other
utility assistance administered by the Department of Human
Services or public assistance in the Commonwealth. A public
utility shall not use the listing for anything but qualification
and continued eligibility for a [customer] utility assistance
program, Department of Human Services-administered utility
assistance program or LIHEAP.
§ 1414. Liens by city natural gas distribution operations.
(a) General rule.--A city natural gas distribution operation
furnishing gas service to a property is entitled to impose or
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assess a municipal claim against the property and file as liens
of record claims for unpaid natural gas distribution service and
other related costs, including natural gas supply, in the court
of common pleas of the county in which the property is situated
or, if the claim for the unpaid natural gas distribution service
does not exceed the maximum amount over which the Municipal
Court of Philadelphia has jurisdiction, in the Municipal Court
of Philadelphia, pursuant to sections 3 and 9 of the act of May
16, 1923 (P.L.207, No.153), referred to as the Municipal Claim
and Tax Lien Law, and Chapter 22 (relating to natural gas
competition). A city natural gas distribution operation may
disclose to the property owner the amount of any lienable unpaid
service charges and other related costs.
* * *
§ 1415. Reporting to General Assembly and Governor.
No later than five years following the effective date of this
chapter and every five years thereafter, the commission shall
submit a report to the Governor, the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate reviewing the
implementation of the provisions of this chapter. The report
shall include, but not be limited to:
* * *
(3) The level of access to public utility services by
residential customers, including low-income customers.
* * *
§ 1417. Nonapplicability.
This chapter shall not apply to victims under a protection
from abuse order as provided by 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 (relating to
protection from abuse) or a court order issued by a court of
competent jurisdiction [in this Commonwealth], which provides
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clear evidence of domestic violence against the applicant or
customer.
Section 5 8. Section 1419 of Title 66 is repealed:
[§ 1419. Expiration.
This chapter shall expire December 31, 2024.]
Section 6 9. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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