New Bill Aims to Shield Struggling Households From Energy Cutoffs

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WSFA A proposed legislation in the state Senate might soon prohibit utilities from disconnecting electricity for non-payment among susceptible families.

By 2025, electricity and gas have become more of a necessity than a luxury.

“As much progress as society has made today, we still require this,” stated John Dodd, who works as a policy manager and lobbyist for Alabama Energy. “This is essential for cooking, cleaning, and all-around household activities; it’s something we genuinely need to focus on.”

That’s why Energy Alabama , an organization committed to promoting clean energy, is backing Senate Bill 340 Would stop gas and electric providers from disconnecting power in susceptible homes when they can’t pay their bills, provided specific criteria are met.

This rule covers situations involving severe weather conditions such as intense heat and cold. It also includes households with children younger than 12 years old or adults older than 65 living there, families that include an active servicemember or veteran, and homes where someone requires electricity for health-related reasons.

"Dodd mentioned diabetes. He pointed out that some individuals require constant refrigerator access for storing their insulin," he explained.

Dodd aims to emphasize that this bill would not function as a welfare program.

"If you're finding it hard to afford meals or aren't earning enough to cover utilities like water and power, ultimately, it remains your duty to settle those debts someday. However, due to these challenges, I believe you shouldn't be deprived of essential services such as electricity and gas," he stated.

Energy Alabama reports that the state ranks first nationally in terms of energy burden and comes in second for having the highest monthly energy bills. This has convinced legislators that this bill is essential.

This bill is currently in the state’s senate. If passed, it would go into effect Oct. 1.

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