a) (Definitions)

i) “Affected Entities” means entities that deliver energy that powers heating or cooling to a residential property.

b) (Restriction). As of 90 days after passage of this Act, Affected Entities may not shut off or stop energy delivery to a residential property due to nonpayment on days when, with regard to the location where the meter is located:

i) A state of emergency has been declared by a governmental unit due to weather; or

ii) Temperatures have reached levels established by the [DEPARTMENT, such as Department of Health] which, based on best available scientific evidence and research, energy shutoff would be a threat to health and safety.

c) (Regulations). Within 60 days of passage of this Act, [DEPARTMENT, such as Housing Department or other enforcement agency] shall:

i) Issue emergency regulations establishing temperatures at which, based on best available scientific evidence and research, energy shutoff would be a threat to health and safety; and

ii) Establish a process to make such temperature declarations available on its website and communicate them to Affected Entities. However, a failure of Affected Entities to receive such notice does not relieve the requirements of section (b) above.

d) (Enforcement). The Department shall have enforcement authority over affected entities for violation of these provisions which shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 per violation.

e) The provisions of this Act are severable. If any provision of this Act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.