Full text of Utah Utah Code § 54-4-42 — Utility Bill Assistance Program., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-4-42. Utility Bill Assistance Program.
Effective 3/9/2023 54-4-42.
Utility Bill Assistance Program.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Division" means the Division of Public Utilities established in Section 54-4a-1.
(b)
"Eligible customer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 54-7-13.6.
(c)
"Existing credit" refers to bill payment assistance provided under Section 54-7-13.6.
(d)
"Large-scale utility" means a large-scale electric utility or a large-scale natural gas utility.
(e)
"Program" means the Utility Bill Assistance Program created in this section.
(2)
(a)
There is created in the Department of Commerce the Utility Bill Assistance Program that shall be administered by the division.
(b)
The purpose of the program is to provide credits to eligible customers to use against utility service balances.
(3)
A large-scale utility may request approval for a tariff that authorizes the large-scale utility to provide credits to eligible customers from funds available to the program.
(4)
The commission shall approve a large-scale utility's tariff request described in Subsection (3) if:
(a)
the commission finds the tariff to be in the public interest; and
(b)
the tariff does not result in increased costs to the large-scale utility's customers.
(5)
The division shall allocate available funds in accordance with a commission-approved tariff of a large-scale utility.
(6)
A large-scale utility that receives an allocation under Subsection (5) shall provide credits from funds received under this program to eligible customers to use against utility service balances.
(7)
(a)
A credit provided under the program shall be in addition to any existing credit the eligible customer receives.
(b)
If a large-scale utility provides an existing credit on a monthly basis, the large-scale utility shall only provide a credit under this section if the eligible customer has a utility service balance after application of an existing credit.
(8)
A large-scale utility with an approved tariff under Subsection (4) shall report to the commission semi-annually concerning:
(a)
amounts expended since the program's inception or the previous report;
(b)
amounts remaining to fund credits; and
(c)
verification of customer eligibility.
(9)
The division shall report to the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee concerning the status of the program before November 30 of each year for which credits are provided.
(10)
The commission and the division may review records in the possession of a large-scale utility concerning the credits provided in accordance with this section.
(11)
The division may administer the program as long as funds appropriated for the program remain.
Section 54-4-42 ("Utility Bill Assistance Program.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 54-4-42?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 54-4-42" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 54-4-42 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
