Section 56.251. Statement of purpose and policy

Subchapters L—V apply to victims under a protection from abuse order as provided by 23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 61 (relating to Protection from Abuse Act) and 66 Pa.C.S. § 1417 (relating to nonapplicability). These subchapters also apply to wastewater, steam heating and natural gas distribution utilities with annual gas operating revenues of less than $6 million per year, except when the utility seeks to provide natural gas supply services to retail gas customers outside its service territory as provided by 66 Pa.C.S. § 1403 (relating to definitions). These subchapters establish and enforce uniform, fair and equitable residential utility service standards governing eligibility criteria, credit and deposit practices, and account billing, termination and customer complaint procedures. This chapter assures adequate provision of residential utility service, to restrict unreasonable termination of or refusal to provide that service and to provide functional alternatives to termination or refusal to provide that service. Every privilege conferred or duty required under this chapter imposes an obligation of good faith, honesty and fair dealing in its performance and enforcement. This chapter will be liberally construed to fulfill its purpose and policy and to insure justice for all concerned.