Cities notified of disconnections (new law)

In an effort to prevent damage to temporarily vacant houses, utility companies will now have to notify local authorities whenever they disconnect gas or electric service from a residence during winter months.

Signed May 1 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a new law requires the notice be provided to local governments so that officials can shut off municipal water service in time to prevent a house’s pipes from freezing, thereby risking serious structural damage to the building.

Under the 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 law provides that cities receiving this information must share it with their local fire and police departments.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and Sen. Leo Foley (DFL-Coon Rapids), the law is effective Aug. 1, 2008.

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.

HF3229/SF2775*/CH253