AUR submits a bill to protect consumers from disconnection from electricity, gas, water, heating and communications services

The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) has submitted to Parliament a bill aimed at protecting consumers from the disconnection, interruption or restriction of essential services, such as electricity, natural gas, water, heating and communications.

The initiative, submitted by AUR MP Dan Tanasă, proposes introducing a minimum protection threshold. Suppliers would not be allowed to disconnect customers for non-payment if the outstanding debt is lower than the higher of two values: the equivalent in Romanian lei of 50 euros or the average value of the bills for the previous 12 months for the respective service and place of consumption.

The bill also provides for a mandatory procedure before disconnection. Consumers would be able to request the repayment of debts in installments over at least three months in the case of arrears lower than twice the protection threshold, and over a minimum of six months in all other situations.

AUR proposes banning, throughout the year, the disconnection of vulnerable consumers and those affected by energy poverty from electricity and gas services, regardless of the amount owed. Additional protection would be granted to people dependent on electrically powered medical equipment.

The initiative does not cancel the debts but seeks to ensure that they are recovered through proportionate measures. The bill will have to be reviewed and voted on by Parliament in order to become law.