This section defines what a 'district' is for the purposes of this chapter. A 'district' refers to a state agency created by general law or special act to handle local government or proprietary tasks within set boundaries. However, this definition does not include the state itself, cities, counties, city-counties, or school districts.

This law outlines what happens when a district provides essential services like electricity, water, or gas through a central meter to a building or area where someone else, like a landlord, is responsible for the bill. If this account is overdue, the district must notify the actual users—like tenants—that the service might be cut off in 10 days, but they can set up their own accounts without paying the landlord's debt. Notifications must be in English and any languages specified by the law.

If a tenant or user wants their own account, they must agree to the district’s rules. If some users agree to pay their own charges but others don’t, the district can only continue services if they can selectively stop service to those who haven't met the requirements.

For tenants needing to show a good payment record to start an account, proof of paying rent on time is enough. Lastly, tenants whose rent includes these utilities without breaking out the charges can deduct what they pay the district for these services from their rent.

This law ensures that districts providing light, water, power, or heat cannot cut off residential service for unpaid bills without first notifying customers of the delinquency and potential service termination. Moreover, service cannot be terminated while there's an ongoing investigation into a customer's complaint or if the customer has been granted more time to pay. If a doctor certifies that termination could be life-threatening and the customer can't pay on time but agrees to a payment plan, service shouldn't be cut off. If a customer disputes a bill or requests more time to pay within specified timeframes, they have the right to a review and possibly an installment plan to manage the debt. Customers can appeal unfavorable decisions to a board, and those eligible can pay overdue bills over up to 12 months.

If you get electricity, water, or other utilities from a district and can't pay your bill, they can't just cut off your service. First, they have to let you know your account is behind and give you at least 10 days' notice before shutting anything off. They have to try to contact you by phone or in person 48 hours before they do it.

The notice you get has to tell you the details of your overdue bill, how to dispute or discuss the charges, and where to find financial help if you need it. The rules make sure you have a fair chance to sort things out before they terminate your service.

If you miss a payment plan, they have to let you know 48 hours before cutting off the service and tell you what you need to do to fix it. Cutting off service without following these steps is not allowed, and if done wrongfully, the service should be turned back on without any charge.

This law states that a district cannot stop electric, gas, heat, or water services on weekends, legal holidays, or when their offices are closed due to non-payment.

This law allows a district to require new residential applicants to make a deposit before setting up a service account. The decision to require this deposit should be based only on the applicant's creditworthiness, as determined by the district.