Public utilities; require at least 45 days between reading of meter and bills rendered for any utility service.

HB 1368 requires utility companies in Mississippi to send bills to customers within 45 days of reading the meter, directly affecting residential and commercial utility customers. The bill's key provision mandates this 45-day timeline for all utility services, replacing any longer billing cycles unless specifically authorized by the utility commission. It aims to provide customers with more timely billing information and reduce uncertainty about payment deadlines. This change would apply to all regulated utilities, including water, gas, and electricity providers, without altering existing rate structures or billing methods.