Democrats unveil $30bn bill to cancel water debts and bail out utility firms

Legislation will propose low-interest loans program for providers, allowing them to recoup money without using fines and shutoffs

Legislation to cancel utility debts for millions of low-income households and bail out struggling utility companies is to be introduced in the US Senate on Thursday.

Jeff Merkley, a Democratic senator from Oregon, will propose a $30bn low-interest loans program for electric, water and sewage and broadband providers as part of the Maintaining Access to Essential Services During the Covid Emergency Act of 2021.