Rep. Von Haefen files bill in North Carolina House to revise public utility laws

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julie von Haefen seeks to revise public utility laws to prevent unjust fees and promote equitable rate classifications, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 922 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘North Carolina Consumer Protection Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to revise certain definitions in public utility law and impose additional requirements to prevent ratepayers from bearing unjust or unreasonable fees from public utilities. It introduces terms such as “advertising,” “lobbying,” and “political influence activities,” and outlines prohibited cost recoveries in utility rates. Utilities are required to provide annual reports detailing expenses on these activities, and if violations occur, the bill mandates penalties, with funds directed into an “Energy Equity Fund” for disaster recovery and low-income assistance. The bill encourages equitable rate classification and allows for the adoption of alternative regulatory mechanisms aligning with state energy goals. It is effective upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (53) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Haefen graduated from Ohio University in 1992 with a BA and again in 1995 from Case Western Reserve University with a JD.

Haefen, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2019 to represent the state’s 36th House district, replacing previous state representative Nelson Dollar.