SB 636: Electrical or gas corporations: deferment of payments: hardship.

This bill would allow certain customers to defer payments on their electricity or gas bills for up to three months if they are experiencing financial hardship. The customer would be required to enroll in the utility company's arrearage management program or an available payment plan upon the end of the deferment period. A customer who participates in the payment deferral would not be eligible for a subsequent three-month payment deferral for at least 18 months. The Public Utilities Commission would have the authority to adopt rules to implement these provisions. The bill would also prohibit utilities from disconnecting service for customers who meet the hardship requirements during the deferment period.