An Act to renumber 196.604; to create 20.155 (3) (q), 25.965, 71.78 (4) (w), 73.03 (78), 196.37 (7), 196.60 (4), 196.604 (2), 196.93 and 196.94 of the statutes; Relating to: a percentage of income payment program for electricity and gas service, electricity and gas service disconnections, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
If enacted, AB785 will significantly impact state utility regulations and practices regarding service disconnections due to nonpayment. It prohibits public utilities from disconnecting electricity and gas service for residential units with a gross annual income under 300% of federal poverty guidelines. This change aims to protect vulnerable populations from losing access to essential utilities, while also requiring public utilities to report disconnections transparently. The bill also establishes a segregated fund to support the percentage of income payment program, ensuring sustainable financial assistance.
Summary
Assembly Bill 785 introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at alleviating the energy burden on economically disadvantaged households in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that the Public Service Commission (PSC) administer a percentage of income payment program for electricity and gas services, ensuring that costs do not exceed 2% of a household's annual income. The legislation categorizes households into 'severely energy burdened' and 'energy burdened', with defined thresholds for assistance eligibility. This initiative emphasizes active outreach and automatic enrollment for eligible households to promote access to essential services.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding AB785 include the requirement for public utilities to adjust their rate structures based on household income, which some stakeholders argue could lead to complexities in implementation and financial strain on utility companies. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for increased administrative responsibilities for the PSC as they take on additional oversight tasks. Critics may also question the feasibility of outreach efforts to historically underserved communities and the overall efficiency of the proposed financial assistance program in achieving its goals.
Crossfiled
A percentage of income payment program for electricity and gas service, electricity and gas service disconnections, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)