Utilities would provide live phone help and online outage updates

Gas and electric company call centers would always have customer service representatives available to answer phone inquiries. This requirement covers gas and electric companies that provide utility services. Phone assistance would include information about outages and emergencies. The call center requirements would not apply to communications between departments to resolve a customer's inquiry. The requirements would take effect one year after the bill becomes law.

Covered utility providers would maintain a public website with real-time outage and emergency information. This requirement covers gas companies, electric companies, and municipalities that provide utility services. The website requirement would take effect one year after the bill becomes law. Rules needed to carry it out could be prepared immediately upon enactment.