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Senate codifies percentage‑of‑income utility program to improve consistency and transparency
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Summary
The Senate passed legislation standardizing percentage‑of‑income payment plans (PIP) for energy‑bill affordability, requiring clearer program information, standardized names, application pathways and timeliness of decisions for eligible households.
Senate Bill 2, a measure to improve energy affordability for income‑qualified utility customers, was adopted by the Senate on April 16.
Sponsors described the bill as a codification and standardization of existing percentage‑of‑income payment plans (PIP) across investor‑owned utilities. Senator Exum said the bill codifies PIP features into statute and aligns program rules to reduce confusion, allow direct utility applications, and prevent cost‑shifting to other customers. Senator Kipp, a co‑sponsor, said the bill implements requests from the Public Utilities Commission and expands application pathways, requires clear eligibility information on utility websites, and sets a 30‑day timeframe for utilities to notify applicants of approval or denial.
Opponents on the floor raised concerns about government involvement in utility programs; sponsors and committee reports said the bill largely formalizes programs utilities already offer and improves transparency and outreach to eligible households. The Senate adopted the Transportation and Energy Committee report and passed SB2 as amended; the clerk announced adoption and the bill was ordered to engrossment for final passage steps.
