What does Preamble of Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act do?

This bill expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for a nationwide moratorium on electric and natural gas utility disconnections during a government shutdown. The bill aims to ensure electric service is not disconnected for electric consumers during certain lapses in appropriations. The bill is introduced by Senator Markey and co-sponsored by Senators Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Wyden, and Duckworth.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act'.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE NEED FOR A NATIONWIDE of Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding a nationwide moratorium on electric and natural gas utility disconnections during a government shutdown. During a lapse in appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services, State regulatory authorities and utilities should ensure no service is terminated due to inability to pay. Utilities should make reasonable efforts to safely reconnect consumers who have lost service. Reconnection services should be provided without charge to consumers. Late fees and other penalties should be waived for electric and natural gas consumers. There should be no increases in cost-of-service to electric and natural gas consumers.

What does PROCEDURES FOR TERMINATION OF ELECTRIC SERVICE. of Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act do?

This section amends Section 115(g) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The amendments modify procedures for termination of electric service. The text revises clauses and subparagraphs within paragraph (2) to include changes in wording and numbering. Paragraph (1) is also amended, including changes to numbering and wording. New language prohibits termination of electric service during periods when appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services are not in effect. Electric utilities may not retroactively assess costs incurred due to the appropriations-related termination prohibition. State regulatory authorities may establish alternative cost recovery mechanisms for utilities if certain conditions are met (substantial costs, prudently incurred, and unrecoverable through other means).

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Stop Shut-Offs During Shutdowns Act

Last updated: 11/19/2025 · Introduced: 11/19/2025

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits electric utilities from terminating service during periods when appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services are not in effect.
During government shutdowns, utilities should waive late fees and penalties, and make free reconnection services available to consumers who have lost service.
If utilities incur substantial costs due to the termination prohibition, state regulatory authorities may establish alternative cost recovery mechanisms.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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