By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would require gas and electric companies to contact landlords within 14 days of a tenant’s bill becoming past due.

Supporters said the bill would allow for third party notifications as an extra measure of protection against having their gas or electric service shut off. Utility companies would be required to contact landlords within 14 days of a tenant’s bill becoming past due. And if a tenant is out of town or overlooks the notice, the landlord will be notified and can give rectify the situation to protect their property from any damage due to a cessation of service.

“The purpose of this bill is to notify homeowners, particularly landlords, about a potential shut-off,” said sponsor Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). “Currently, only the customer of record is given notice, which makes a landlord vulnerable to cessation of services which may harm their real property.”