A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "UTILITY BILLING ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 2026" BY ADDING CHAPTER 44 TO TITLE 58 SO AS TO PROHIBIT A UTILITY FROM CHANGING BILLING OR PAYMENT PRACTICES WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION; TO PERMIT TEMPORARY APPROVAL PROCESSES IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY; TO REQUIRE UTILITIES TO SUBMIT QUARTERLY REPORTS TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF; TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF, TO ENGAGE AN AUDITOR TO EXAMINE PRESCRIBED BILLING ISSUES; TO REQUIRE A UTILITY TO PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS FOR BILLING OR PAYMENT CHANGES; TO ESTABLISH CONDITIONS AND PROHIBITIONS IN CERTAIN RENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES; TO REQUIRE ELECTRIC, GAS, AND WATER UTILITIES TO IMPLEMENT CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR RURAL ENERGY-BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS, TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO PUBLISH A RURAL ENERGY BURDEN REPORT, AND TO CONSIDER METRICS IN ALL RATE PROCEEDINGS; TO PERMIT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO IMPOSE ADMINISTRATIVE FINES FOR VIOLATIONS, FOR A CUSTOMER TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COMMISSION, AND TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO PROMULGATE RELATED REGULATIONS.
Impact
The enactment of H5282 aims to specifically address issues faced by low- and moderate-income households, as well as those in rural areas who experience disproportionately high energy burdens. This act would require utilities to enhance consumer protections such as providing clear billing information and not disconnecting services during extreme weather events. This objective reflects a broader commitment to maintaining equitable access to essential services and to reducing the financial hardships associated with sudden changes in utility billing policies, which have previously led to disconnection and confusion among customers.
Summary
House Bill 5282, titled the 'Utility Billing Accountability and Consumer Protection Act of 2026', seeks to enhance consumer protections regarding utility billing practices in South Carolina. This legislation prohibits utilities from changing billing or payment practices without prior approval from the Public Service Commission. Among its main provisions, the bill establishes procedures for the Public Service Commission to evaluate and approve any proposed changes to billing methods, ensuring they are treated transparently and justly as per consumer welfare considerations. Notably, it also mandates utilities to provide written notice for any changes and outlines requirements for quarterly reports detailing billing practices, disconnections, and customer service metrics.
Contention
While the bill is designed to offer significant consumer protections, it may face contention from utility companies who could argue that the increased regulatory oversight could hinder their ability to manage billing processes efficiently or adapt to financial circumstances. Furthermore, the balance between protecting consumers and ensuring operational flexibility for utility providers remains a point of debate. Critics may express concerns regarding the administrative burdens placed on utility companies in meeting the rigorous reporting and regulatory requirements instituted by the bill, which could complicate operational practices while striving for compliance.