Cities notified of disconnections

A bill that would require utility companies to notify local authorities when they shut off gas or electric service to a customer’s house is on its way to the governor’s desk.

HF3229/SF2775*, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and Sen. Leo Foley (DFL-Coon Rapids), is designed to prevent structural damage that can occur when a house no longer has heat in the winter but the water has not been turned off. The House passed the bill 123-3 on April 24 and the Senate passed it 62-0 on April 28.

Nelson said the bill would help prevent damage to houses that have been temporarily vacated because of foreclosures.

“They think this is going to help to try and preserve these assets in our cities, preserve the cities’ tax bases, and make these homes so that when the economy turns around people can move back into them and they won’t be damaged beyond repair,” he said.

Under the bill’s provisions, cities can request that utilities provide them a report on Oct. 15 and Nov. 1 of each year on which properties within city limits have been disconnected. Between Oct. 15 and April 15, daily reports must be made available to cities on any newly disconnected properties.

In addition, the bill provides that cities receiving this information must provide it to their local fire and police departments.