HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Municipal electric companies in Connecticut say a growing number of people are abusing a law that protects those with serious or life-threatening illnesses from having their electricity shut off during the winter because they can’t afford to pay the bill.

A bill before the legislature would change the definition of a “life-threatening” situation. Among other measures, it would allow utilities to verify an applicant’s income and liquid assets and to contest the validity of a customer’s illness.