DelawareHS 1 for HB 62 w/ HA 1153rd 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

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Medical needs stop utility shutoffs

If a doctor, physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner signs a statement that a shutoff would harm an occupant’s health, the utility cannot disconnect service. The statement lasts 120 days. Renewals require a good‑faith effort to make payments; the Public Service Commission may define that term. If there is a dispute, service stays on while the Commission reviews it.

More notice before utility shutoffs

Utilities must give you at least 72 hours’ notice before a shutoff for nonpayment. During heating season (Nov 1–Mar 31) and cooling season (Jun 1–Sep 30), gas and electric utilities must give at least 14 days’ written notice. All mailed notices must list the earliest shutoff date (at least 14 days after mailing), say that a good‑faith billing dispute pauses a shutoff, explain that starting an initial payment plan may avoid a shutoff, point to help like LIHEAP, and mention medical deferrals. If your billing address is different, notices go to both places; in heating season, electric companies must try to reach an adult occupant at least three times on separate days (one after 5 p.m.); in cooling season, at least once. You may name a third person to also get shutoff notices; they must agree in writing and are not responsible for your bill.

Fines for illegal utility shutoffs

Breaking the shutoff rules is a misdemeanor. The Public Service Commission may fine a utility up to $1,000 for each violation, and each day counts separately. Towns with municipal electric companies may also set penalties up to $1,000 per violation per day.

Ask to end your utility service

An adult occupant can ask the utility to stop service. The utility may do so on that voluntary request.

No shutoffs in holidays or extreme weather

Utilities cannot disconnect service from December 21 through January 1 unless there is a safety emergency. Gas and electric companies also cannot disconnect for nonpayment on days when the National Weather Service reports 8:00 a.m. temperatures of 35°F or below within 50 miles, or when the 8:00 a.m. forecast has a special statement predicting a Heat Index of 90°F or higher. If a shutoff is deferred, the utility must tell an adult occupant that day; for master‑metered buildings, all occupants must be told.

Shutoffs only weekday daytime hours

Unless there is a safety emergency, utilities may only disconnect service between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. If Thursday or Friday is a legal state or national holiday, Wednesday stands in for Thursday on the shutoff schedule.

When these rules take effect

The law takes effect 60 days after enactment. All duties, bans, and programs start on that date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
William Bush
Democratic • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Larry Lambert
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
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House
Sherae'a Moore
Democratic • House
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
Madinah Wilson-Anton
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 48 • No: 12

Senate vote • 5/20/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025