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)
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Medical needs can delay household shutoffs
Utilities cannot disconnect service when a signed medical statement establishes that shutoff would harm an occupant's health or recovery. A licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse practitioner must sign the statement. It lasts 120 days; renewal requires a new statement and a good-faith effort to make payments. When possible, utilities must notify a known case manager or coordinator before shutoff. Service continues during a termination dispute; the Delaware Public Service Commission can review cases within its authority, and covered municipal electric companies must provide a dispute process.
More warning before household utility shutoffs
Covered residential utilities, including municipal electric companies, must give at least 72 hours' notice before shutoffs for nonpayment. Gas and electric utilities must give 14 calendar days' written notice during November 1–March 31 and June 1–September 30. They must mail it first-class to an adult occupant at the home and to a different billing address. Heating-season rules require three documented contact attempts on separate days, including one after 5 p.m.; cooling-season rules require one. Attempts can use the phone or another customer-preferred method. Notices must explain the shutoff date, timely dispute protections, medical delays, and referrals to LIHEAP and other government or charitable help. Customers unable to pay the full undisputed balance can avoid shutoff through an initial installment plan consistent with commission rules. Utilities must provide a dispute process and keep service on until good-faith bill disputes are decided. Customers can name a third party in writing to receive notices; that person must consent in writing and owes nothing merely for accepting. Shutoffs of gas, electric, water, or wastewater service are limited to 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Thursday, except safety emergencies. Special substitute-day rules apply when Thursday, Friday, or Monday is a legal or government holiday. Termination notices must reach all occupants of master-metered buildings.
Weather protections keep home energy connected
Gas and electric utilities cannot disconnect homes for past-due charges during specified cold or extreme heat. From November 1–March 31, shutoffs are barred when the National Weather Service reports an 8 a.m. temperature of 35°F or lower within 50 miles. From June 1–September 30, shutoffs are barred when the 8 a.m. forecast predicts a heat index of at least 95°F within 50 miles. Utilities must leave notice when weather delays a shutoff. In master-metered complexes, each affected home's occupants must receive notice.
Winter energy protection for benefit recipients
From November 1–March 31, gas and electric utilities cannot disconnect homes for past-due charges if any occupant receives listed benefits. Qualifying benefits are Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Purchase of Care. One occupant's qualifying benefit protects the home's service.
Enforcement backs household utility shutoff protections
The law takes effect 30 days after enactment and covers commission-regulated utilities and municipal electric utilities. The Delaware Public Service Commission can fine violators up to $1,000 per violation, replacing the applicable misdemeanor penalty. Each day a violation continues counts separately. Municipalities that contract under Chapter 13 and engage a municipal electric company must adopt enforcement rules and ordinances. These municipalities can also impose fines up to $1,000 per violation, with each continuing day counted separately.
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
HS 1 for HB 62 - Signed by Governor
5/22/2025GovernorHS 1 for HB 62 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
5/20/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 62 - Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 4 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
5/14/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 62 - Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate
4/8/2025SenateHS 1 for HB 62 - Passed By House. Votes: 28 YES 12 NO 1 ABSENT
4/8/2025HouseHS 1 for HB 62 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote
4/8/2025HouseSubstituted in House by HS 1 for HB 62
4/8/2025HouseHS 1 for HB 62 - Reported Out of Committee (Natural Resources & Energy) in House with 10 On Its Merits
3/26/2025HouseSubstituted in House by HS 1 for HB 62
3/20/2025HouseRe-Assigned to Natural Resources & Energy Committee in House
3/10/2025HouseIntroduced and Assigned to Transportation Committee in House
3/6/2025House
Bill Text
Current
3/6/2025
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