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DelawareHB 62153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 22 AND 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE TERMINATION OF UTILITY SERVICES.

Sponsored By: Melanie Ross Levin (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Medical need blocks utility shutoffs

If a licensed doctor, physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner signs a statement that a shutoff would harm health, the company must keep service on. The statement lasts 120 days and can be renewed only if you make a good‑faith effort to pay. If the Public Service Commission is reviewing a dispute, service stays on until a final decision. When possible, the company should also alert a known case manager before a shutoff.

More warning before utility shutoffs

Before a shutoff, utilities must give at least 72 hours’ notice. During the heating or cooling season, they must also mail a First Class notice at least 14 calendar days before the shutoff date. If your billing and service addresses differ, they must mail both. In heating season, they must try to contact you three times on different days, with one try after 5:00 P.M. In cooling season, they must try at least once. You may name a third party to also get shutoff notices; that person must agree in writing and is not liable for your bill.

Weather and winter shutoff protections

Utilities cannot shut off service on a day when the National Weather Service 8:00 A.M. reading within 50 miles is 35°F or colder, or when the 8:00 A.M. forecast shows a heat index of 95°F or higher. If a shutoff is delayed for weather, the company must leave a notice at your home. During the heating season, service cannot be shut off for nonpayment if anyone in the home receives LIHEAP, TANF, federal SSI, or Purchase of Care.

Local utilities must follow shutoff rules

Breaking these shutoff rules is a misdemeanor. The Public Service Commission can fine up to $1,000 per violation, and each day counts as a separate violation. Cities that run electric utilities must adopt and enforce these rules and may fine up to $1,000 per day. The law also clarifies who counts as a utility employee or person, including people who take payments and the worker who performs a shutoff.

Shutoffs limited to weekday hours

Shutoffs can only happen 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday, unless there is a safety emergency. No shutoffs are allowed from 12:00 noon Friday to 12:00 noon Monday. Holidays shift these limits as the law describes. If payment or restoration offices are closed, a shutoff may be delayed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank Burns

    Democratic • House

  • Mara Gorman

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kamela T Smith

    Democratic • House

  • S. Elizabeth Lockman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Spiros Mantzavinos

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa Minor-Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

  • DeShanna U Neal

    Democratic • House

  • Edward S. Osienski

    Democratic • House

  • Sophie Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Sherae'a Moore

    Democratic • House

  • Ray Seigfried

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

  • Bryan Townsend

    Democratic • Senate

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

  • Madinah Wilson-Anton

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. HS 1 for HB 62 - Signed by Governor

    5/22/2025Governor

  2. HS 1 for HB 62 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    5/20/2025Senate

  3. HS 1 for HB 62 - Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 4 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    5/14/2025Senate

  4. HS 1 for HB 62 - Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    4/8/2025Senate

  5. HS 1 for HB 62 - Passed By House. Votes: 28 YES 12 NO 1 ABSENT

    4/8/2025House

  6. HS 1 for HB 62 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    4/8/2025House

  7. Substituted in House by HS 1 for HB 62

    4/8/2025House

  8. HS 1 for HB 62 - Reported Out of Committee (Natural Resources & Energy) in House with 10 On Its Merits

    3/26/2025House

  9. Substituted in House by HS 1 for HB 62

    3/20/2025House

  10. Re-Assigned to Natural Resources & Energy Committee in House

    3/10/2025House

  11. Introduced and Assigned to Transportation Committee in House

    3/6/2025House

Bill Text

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