PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Distribution, Storage, and Sale of Gas

The Act increases the time period for the Public Service Commission (PSC) to issue orders regarding electric fuel cost recovery or natural gas capacity plans, authorizes the Commission to seek an injunction, clarifies the Commission's authority to initiate certain rate proceedings, and changes accounting procedures for gas utility rate proceedings. The Act also provides for a Consumers' Bill of Rights. The Act changes certain provisions relating to billing, reading meters, deposits, and changing marketers. The Act also prohibits charging distribution fees when a consumer's gas service is turned off. The Act provides remedies for slamming and prohibits estimated bills, unreasonable late fees, and retroactive rate increases. The Act also creates the Natural Gas Consumer Education Advisory Board, and provides for a private right of action and for the application of the Fair Business Practices Act of 1975. Finally, the Act changes certain provisions relating to the Universal Service Fund (USF) and provides for a regulated provider to serve low-income residential consumers and consumers unable to get service from marketers.