AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL FIRE DISTRICTS AND MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITIES.

HB 6533 allows local governments, including fire districts, to join or establish their own municipal electric utilities through a vote of the ratepayers (utility customers) in the district. This bill removes barriers that previously prevented fire districts and similar local entities from forming or merging with electric utilities. The key mechanism requires a direct vote by ratepayers to approve the formation or joining of such a utility. The bill does not mandate any action but provides a pathway for communities to create publicly owned electric services. It directly affects fire districts, municipalities, and their utility customers by expanding their options for local energy management.