Utility Extreme Heat Shutoff Moratorium (House Bill 1329, 2023) prohibits electrical and water companies from involuntarily terminating utility service to any residential user due to lack of payment on any day for which the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued or has announced that it intends issue a heat-related alert, such as an excessive heat warning, a heat advisory, an excessive heat watch, or similar alert for the area in which the residential user’s address is located. The law protects all Washington residents’ access to electric fans, working refrigerators, and running water during extreme heat, as well as air conditioning for residents with access. The moratorium would ensure that every Washingtonian has the ability to protect themselves against extreme heat. It does not prohibit utilities from shutting off power to prevent or mitigate forest fires.
Reporting requirements eliminated
The Washington Legislature enacted EHB 2575, which reduces, simplifies and modifies reporting requirements for electric and water utilities. EHB 2575 keeps disconnection protections for households and eliminates utility disconnection reporting requirements under Washington’s Utility Extreme Heat Shutoff Moratorium law. As a result, utilities no longer need to report to Commerce under Washington’s utility extreme heat shutoff moratorium law.
Utilities must continue to enforce all other sections of the moratorium. EHB 2575 encourages electric utilities to use any savings from reduced reporting requirements toward low-income energy assistance.