(a) A local government shall not enact or adopt any ordinance, policy, or action that infringes, prohibits, or otherwise impairs the right of a customer to purchase, use, connect, or reconnect to a utility service, or to install in a building or other structure wires, pipes, or other conduits for the purpose of purchasing, using, connecting, or reconnecting to a utility service, on the basis of the energy source of the utility service to be delivered to the customer.(b) As used in this section: (1) 'Customer' means an individual or entity that purchases a utility service;(2) 'Energy source' means the method of generation or fuel source that is used to provide or supply a utility service to a customer, including without limitation a nonrenewable or renewable energy resource;(3) 'Local government' means:(A) A county;(B) A city of the first class, a city of the second class, or an incorporated town; or(C) Any other district or political subdivision of the state or an agency, board, or commission of such a district or political subdivision; and(4)(A) 'Utility service' means a service:(i) Provided by a utility regulated by the Arkansas Public Service Commission under § 23-4-201;

or commission of such a district or political subdivision; and(4)(A) 'Utility service' means a service:(i) Provided by a utility regulated by the Arkansas Public Service Commission under § 23-4-201; and(ii) That is related to: (a) The generation, production, transmission, or distribution of electricity: (1) To or for the public;(2) For compensation; and(3) For lighting, heat, power, cooking, or any similar use; or(b) The production, manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, or furnishing of natural, renewable, or manufactured gas or a mixture of gases: (1) To or for the public;(2) For compensation; and(3) For lighting, heat, power, cooking, or any similar use.(B) 'Utility service' includes services provided by a Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board-permitted propane gas provider: (i) To or for the public;(ii) For compensation; and(iii) For lighting, heat, power, cooking, or any similar use.Added by Act 2021, No. 308,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.