This bill eliminates the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission over steam
heating companies. The bill also requires formerly regulated steam heating
companies to be bound by the rate structure in effect on September 30, 1999 as a
maximum until October 2002.

House Bill 126, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May
27, 1999, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign
Senate Bill 236.

Sincerely,

Parris N. Glendening
Governor

Senate Bill 236

AN ACT concerning

Steam Heating Companies

FOR the purpose of eliminating the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission
over steam heating companies; providing that a steam heating company is an
"owner" for purposes of certain underground utility provisions; requiring a
steam heating company to abide by a certain rate structure for a certain period;
requiring a steam heating company to maintain service to certain customers for
a certain period; requiring certain notice to certain persons; authorizing certain
customers to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, Division of
Consumer Protection, for certain violations; requiring the Division to investigate
certain allegations and proceed in accordance with certain provisions of law;
providing that a. violation of certain provisions of this Act shall be considered a
violation under certain other provisions of law; and generally relating to steam
heating companies.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Public Utility Companies

Section 1-101(p), 4-401, 4-402(a) and (b), 6-202(b), and 12-101(f)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1998 Volume)

BY repealing

Article - Public Utility Companies
Section 1-101(w)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1998 Volume)

BY renumbering

Article - Public Utility Companies

Section 1-101(x) through (gg), respectively

to be Section 1-101(w) through (ff), respectively