Utilities would stop adding processing fees for customers without automatic payments

Public utilities would be barred from adding a fee for outside payment processing to covered payments. This covers customers who have not signed up for automatic payments and instead pay for their utility service another way. Covered one-time methods include online credit or debit cards, automated phone systems, and direct bank withdrawals. The ban applies to fees utilities add at payment to recover the cost of outside payment processors. The ban would start immediately if the bill becomes law.