AN ACT PERMITTING HARDSHIP CUSTOMERS TO CONTRACT WITH ENERGY SUPPLIERS.

SB 306 allows homeowners or renters struggling to pay energy bills ("hardship customers") to switch to any energy supplier without needing approval from their current electric distribution company. The bill amends state law to require only that these customers notify their current provider in writing before contracting with a new supplier. This change directly affects low-income households or those facing financial hardship with their electricity costs. The key mechanism is the simplified notification process, removing barriers that previously restricted hardship customers from choosing alternative energy providers.