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Current law provides rights to spouses of retirement plan participants. Protections are stronger in defined benefit (DB) plans than in defined contribution (DC) plans.

Defined contribution plan account holders should have to obtain written spousal consent to take payment from the account in a form other than a joint-and-survivor annuity.

Access to affordable and reliable telecommunications, energy, water, and sewer services is crucial to health and economic well-being.

These principles build upon AARP’s general consumer principles, which apply to all products and services, including utilities (see also 

Electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications utility services are essential to health, safety, and economic welfare. These services must be affordable and reliable.

Credit histories and loan records are tools traditionally used by lenders to decide whether to give consumers credit.

All consumers should receive service that meets their daily needs at a reasonable price. The rates for these services should be fair, reasonable, and affordable.

Rapid changes in technology have made protecting consumer privacy increasingly challenging.

Most states and the District of Columbia have established utility consumer advocate offices.

Commissions that regulate investor-owned utilities and local boards where publicly owned utilities are authorized have a large effect on the lives of consumers.