Rocky Mount and Louisburg would steer utility revenue to utility needs

Rocky Mount must use electric and natural gas revenue to run those systems; remaining revenue must support lower rates or utility improvement debt. These rules apply to Rocky Mount's electric and natural gas systems. Electric revenue may also go to other city funds as a return on the city's investment, up to the greater of 3% of electric system assets or 5% of annual electric revenue. The restrictions do not apply to actions required by the Local Government Commission. These rules take effect when the act becomes law and expire January 1, 2029.

Louisburg must use electric revenue to run its system; remaining revenue must support lower rates or debt for electric system improvements. These rules apply to the Town of Louisburg's electric system. Electric revenue may also go to other town funds as a return on the town's investment, up to the greater of 3% of electric system assets or 5% of annual electric revenue. The restrictions do not apply to actions required by the Local Government Commission. This section takes effect when the act becomes law.

Rocky Mount's City Council appoints a nine-member committee to review utility matters and advise the council. The committee reviews Rocky Mount's electric, natural gas, water, and sewer services, including service outside city limits. Five members must live in the city; four must be customers outside city limits, with one residential and one business customer from each of Nash and Edgecombe Counties. The committee advises but cannot manage utilities, set rates, or approve the budget. The council keeps those powers. This section takes effect July 1, 2027. The committee is established July 1, 2028, and its members' terms begin then.