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The utility reported to the commission that 495 out of its roughly 3,000 customers would be eligible for disconnection. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. PG&E is submitting separate biweekly corrective action progress reports that can be found on the docket card of the CPUCs Public Safety Power Shutoffrulemaking. HARRISBURGThe moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of the month, leaving more than 1 million Pennsylvania households at risk of losing their electricity, gas, water and telephone service. Thanks for signing up. . In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. update email soon. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Wolf told commissioners he knew the moratorium couldnt continue indefinitely, but he urged them to continue the protections that are in place for low-income Pennsylvanians. Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. Customers who need payment assistance should contact their utility as soon as possibleto ask about Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs), and to learn what other assistance is available. As past-due balances grow, the commission is asking gas, electric and water utilities to submit comprehensive plans for dealing with delinquent bills by Jan. 15. In addition, more than 5,000 utility customers statewide have received $2.8 million from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program that helps renters with unpaid bills and California was allocated $1.5 billion through the American Rescue Plan Act that homeowners can apply to utility bill relief. But utilities will have to balance their need to maintain their revenue stream with the reality that some of their customers may not have the ability to pay the past-due debt and keep up with current expenses. Whats your favorite San Diego County beach? The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. Utilities have argued an extension would make it more likely customers would fall further behind on their bills, which could result in utilities passing on those losses to all ratepayers. The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. Please do not include personal or contact information. The number of customers who havent paid their bills increased 14% in the last year, but the amount they owe increased 76%, according to the Energy Association of Pennsylvania. according to data provided to the commission, Wisconsin utility regulators discontinue remaining COVID-19 protections for customers, Two of Wisconsin's largest utilities reach deal with groups as they seek to raise rates next year, Utility regulators want state's energy efficiency program to play a larger role in cutting emissions, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Wisconsin, Latest COVID-19 data shows hospitalization, death rates low, infection rates up among vaccinated, Lawyer who oversaw Trump elector scheme in Wisconsin reappointed to judicial advisory panel, Court orders Green Bay to stop using audio devices while lawsuit plays out, UW System President Jay Rothman to seek in-state tuition increase, Capital budget would offload 4 state office buildings, From 'Magic the Gathering' to computer coding manuals, these are the books banned in Wisconsin prisons, Landowners sue Lac du Flambeau tribal leaders to reopen roads blocked for a month, Wisconsin natives aged gouda is 'best cheese' in America, contest says, As budget negotiations begin, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos downplays Wisconsin's surplus, Federal lawsuit challenging Eau Claire schools transgender policy dismissed, Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. February 22 2023. Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. Other assistance programs for income-eligible customers are available year-round through investor-owned gas and electric utilities, including a low-income discount rate program, which helps make bills more manageable, and an arrearage management program (AMP), which helps customers who have an unpaid balance on their bill and are struggling to pay. Governor Inslee issuedProclamation 20-23.16 on July 2, 2021, which extended the utility shutoff moratorium through September 30, 2021. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities But the vaccines are still in a race against time, with COVID-19 again resurging in many states. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. Please limit your input to 500 characters. There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. ones. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. An additional "catch-all" category is also included for those who are unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment or illness. For more information, visit:https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.aspx, More:Fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians can gather without masks, but only in these situations, More:COVID-19 vaccine motivation: Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts for showing vaccination card. The electric utilities are responsible for operating their systems, including the decision to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. Electric and gas utility contact information is provided below: You can considercontacting Mass Savefor an energy efficiency audit. Please visit theCSD websitefor more information. Water and electrical services have a statutory lien under RCW 35.21.290, but enforcement of the lien is limited to shutting off the utility by RCW 35.21.300. But she learned that if you fall behind on those payment plans, it can be lights out. And while they applied to water and sewer districts as well as other municipally-owned utilities, the proclamations did not specifically include sewer or stormwater services. Thank you for your website feedback! Can a power company turn off power? One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. The AGO encourages you to contact your electric or gas utility if the recent COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted your household income because you may be newly eligible for other assistance programs. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. Auth. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. She's argued for more targeted solutions to provide assistance to customers in need, highlighting that utilities are required to work out a down payment plan with customers during the pandemic. And the amount of unpaid bills had increased 67% since 2019 to $1 billion in February. of Cty. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. Try now to get LIHEAP funds, Dollar Energy Fund help or emergency assistance, they said. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. Texas regulators vote to ban residential utility shut-offs during pandemic while buoying companies The Texas Public Utility Commission approved an order Thursday that would ban. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. Only eight states have statewide water shutoff moratoria in place today. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. Utilities will continue to provide assistance programs. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also. So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. Gov. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. NRDC and NCLC have submitted recommendations to HHS on how to implement LIHWAP equitably and efficiently. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? A lock icon ( Any person who is making good faith efforts should never have their services shut off, he said. PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. Some individual water utilities are continuing to suspend shutoffs, even after state bans expire, while some others never do shutoffs at all for non-payment. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. Visit, For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities, In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or complete. COVID-19 The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. Most Massachusetts investor-owned electric and gas utility companies offer deferred payment arrangements which allow the customer to set up a customized, manageable payment plan. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. "I didn't have the $300 they needed," she said. travels to Asia to strengthen business ties, How major US stock indexes fared Friday 3/3/2023, There is nothing warm and welcoming about it. San Diegos cruise ship terminal will get first makeover in 40 years, How to get your security deposit back in San Diego, Rapid reversal of price growth: San Diego home prices declining more quickly than other cities, San Diego rent increases are slowing. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. We will use this information to improve this page. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The good news: After we confirmed to Fields' provider that she would be getting pandemic aid to pay the bill, the utility agreed to restore her electricity. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. The decision essentially meant gas and electric utilities would be barred from disconnecting service through April 15, since the state's winter moratorium takes effect Nov. 1. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.aspx, Fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians can gather without masks, but only in these situations, COVID-19 vaccine motivation: Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts for showing vaccination card, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. DHCD has a toll-free hotline,1-800-632-8175, that is multi-language and will quickly direct you to your local community action agency that can help answer additional questions about eligibility and process your LIHEAP application. If you are struggling to pay your electric or gas utility bills, reach out to your utility to discuss available payment plans, arrearage forgiveness programs and other payment assistance programs. NEW! Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. Kathy Hochul announced the vast majority of $567 million dedicated to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills will be reflected on customers' August bills. Under the terms of the CPUC's vote, utility companies will automatically enroll residential customers who are more than 60 days behind on their energy bills to a "COVID-19 Residential Relief. "It's just very difficult that the PSC wouldn't allow us to use our same tools," said Bessette. Murphy was set to sign an executive order Monday that ends the 15-month moratorium on utility shut-offs on July 1, but creates a grace period through Dec. 31 for residents to sign up for a. The CPUCs oversight consists of ensuring that the utilities are clear about the rules they must adhere to, monitoring the utilities preparation, and evaluating their implementation. "When we have public health experts telling us that one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus is frequent hand washing, I don't know how in good conscience and based on that public health guidance we can allow utility service to be disconnected," said Valcq. Puget Sound Energy reported giving $7.6 million in bill credits to nearly 14,000 customers. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. Budget billing equalizes monthly payments over the course of 12 months so that you pay a predictable amount each month instead of seeing your bill amount fluctuate depending on the season, the price of energy, and customer usage. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions. Aug. 13, 2020, at 12:14 p.m. Bills to Stop Paying During Coronavirus. Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. You should also closely review your electric and gas utility bills to determine whether you are buying your electric or gas supply from your utility or from another entity, often called a competitive supplier. Consumer advocates and those who manage programs to assist customers, such as the Dollar Energy Fund, are warning those facing shutoff notices to not wait until the last minute to get help. These LIHEAP funds, combined with assistance from ERAP, will significantly reduce the impact of the lifting of the moratorium, and prevent potentially hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians from facing termination, Wolf said. A utility company generally can't turn off the heat, electricity or power during cold or hot weather. you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities, current and historic basic service rates here, Frequently Asked Questions about Water Utilities During COVID-19, Contact the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. Have a problem?Send me an email, at [email protected] or message me on Facebook. If one of these suppliers is on your bill, it is possible that one of these companies switched your electricity supply without your permission. during these challenging times. Sign up today for a digital subscription. SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. But if you are falling behind on utilities, get help as soon as possible so you are not shut off. These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted 2 to 1 to ban all utility disconnections until next April. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Illinois' moratorium on utility shut-offs during the COVID-19 pandemic ends Wednesday, but there is still help available for anyone who needs assistance paying bills. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Consider solar energy to reduce electricity usage. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off if the utility service is needed to heat your home and you receive service from an investor-owned utility, such as Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, or Berkshire Gas. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. However, you may want to stay with your community choice program this winter because many cities and towns currently have electricity rates that are lower than the rate available from the electric company. If a small business enrolls in an electric or gas payment plan with its investor-owned utility company and the business makes its payments, it will be protected from electric or gas service disconnection for the duration of the payment plan. Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What. The Biden administration is pushing for more economic relief, but has not yet committed to stopping shut-offs. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. The state Department of Human Services has worked with counties to make available the money in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the $270 million infusion to LIHEAP from the federal American Relief Plan. Further, the prohibitions on disconnecting or refusing to reconnect these services was limited by the language of the proclamations to residential service, but the prohibition on charging late fees did not include that limitation. Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. MRSC offers a wide range of services to local governments and our contract partners in Washington State. Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. Auth. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. If you get your electricity or gas from an individual competitive supplier and are paying a high rate,consider canceling your contract so that you may return to buying your electric and gas supply from your utility (often called basic service). We offered specific program design recommendations to deliver assistance to those with the greatest need; maximize public health benefits by using program funds to protect access to essential water service; ensure accountability for program spending by states and utilities; and generate data to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and determine how to improve upon it. "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. At least one of those states (Wisconsin) is set to end its moratorium on April 15, placing over 20,000 households at risk of shutoff. So even before there was a mandate to do so, we voluntarily suspended disconnections in early March, said Janet Kim, of PSE. The CPUC is taking action to ensure that this does not become an added hardship for people who have lost their jobs or are otherwise suffering economically due to COVID-19, including, but not limited to: Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. The proclamations said that customers "shall not be charged" late fees for energy, telecommunications, or water services between March 23, 2020, and September 30, 2021. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off, At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardship. Customers behind on their utility bills have three more months of assurance they will not get their power shut off for non-payment after the California Public Utilities Commission passed an extension on Thursday. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. Utilities said that few customers responded to pleas to enroll in payment plans or to apply for assistance, and few customers were shut off. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments were down 40% compared to the previous year, according to PUC data. Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The fact sheet provides a guide for advocates, utilities, and state and local officials who are seeking to help customers with past due and unaffordable water and sewer bills. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. PRA/OPMA E-Learning Courses Free video courses for city/town elected officials on the Public Records Act (PRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. In addition to requesting assistance from your electric or gas utility, residential customers should also contact their local community action agency, as there may be funds available to assist households who earn more than 60 % of the state median income, but still need assistance paying their bills. Sign up now! its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. New Jersey also has a COVID-19 Hotline staffed by trained healthcare professionals who are standing by to answer your questions, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week: To receive email updates from NJBPU,sign up here. OLYMPIA, WA - With a bipartisan 64-31 vote, the Washington State House passed a bill to ensure a utility operator cannot shut off power or water when the National Weather Service issues a heat-related warning or alert. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. SDG&E asking regulator to increase rates starting next year, Heres how much lower your SDG&E bill might be in March, SDG&E kicks in $16 million of shareholder funds to help financially strapped customers, Behind on your SDG&E utility bill? In this post, well focus on what effect (if any) the proclamations have on your existing collections process. San Francisco, CA 94102, Utility Business Continuity Plans and PSPS Preparation, CPUC Mobilizes Community Based Organizations for Pilot Program To Help Consumers With Utility Debt, CPUC Executive Director Letter Concerning Extension of Moratorium on Disconnection for Non-Payment and Fees for Late Payment for Voice Service Through February 15, 2022, CPUC Acts To Ensure Essential Utility Services for Consumers at Risk of Disconnections, CPUC Actions to Protect Customers During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Utility Disconnection Moratoria and Arrearage Management - Presentation at CPUC Voting Meeting, CPUC Executive Director Letter Extending Moratorium on Disconnection for Non-Payment and Fees for Late Payment for Voice Service through September 30, 2021, CPUC Provides Relief for Customers Who Have Energy Bill Debt, https://liob.cpuc.ca.gov/m-4849-utility-transition-plans/, Executive Director Letter to IOUs on Direction to Conduct Customer Data Validation for Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Executive Director Letter Extending Moratorium on Disconnection for Non-Payment and Fees for Late Payment for Voice Service (Resolution M-4848) Through July 15, 2021, CPUC Extends Emergency Utility Customer Protections and Takes Further Action To Address Energy Arrearages During COVID-19, California Cable & Telecommunications Association, CPUC Implements Consumer Protections to Assist Residential and Small Business Customers, Workshop on COVID-19 Impacts on Customers in the Energy Sector, President Batjer Letter to AT&T regarding Legacy DSL Services Retirement, CPUC Letter to ISPs re: Affordable Broadband Plan Subscription Information, Remarks on COVID-19 Actions from Energy Division Deputy Executive Director, CPUC Letter to Program Administrators on Guidance on Energy Efficiency and Energy Savings Assistance Program Suspensions, CPUC Issues Proposal for Additional Customer Protections Due to Non-Payment, CPUC Letter to ISPs on Affordable Broadband Plans to Support Customers Affected by the COVID-19 State of Emergency. LIHEAP is available this winter heating season from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. Steve Gross According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. If you received a shut-off notice from your electric or gas utility, call your utility immediately and ask to enroll in a payment plan. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. "I asked a neighbor if I could plug in an extension cord to my refrigerator, just to keep it cold so I don't lose my groceries," she said. Heres how to apply, Suspicions of manipulation in the natural gas market? In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) But tens of millions of people are continuing to accumulate tens of billions of dollars of overdue utility bills. Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Those balances amounted to $235.7 million. But since many utilities issue a combined utility bill it may be difficult to separate out services for which it can charge late fees from those it cannot. You may be able to pause mortgage payments, credit card bills, bank fees and more during the pandemic. We will In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are The Washington State Department of Commerce has assembledresources for utility customers behind on their payments, and the Washington Department of Healths Office of Drinking Water has a customer assistance program. Not only did many customers with overdue bills not set up payment plans with their utility companies, they also did not seek much help in coming up with the money. The Governor's Executive Order establishes a six-month grace period in which no residential customer will face disconnection of their gas, electric, or water services before the end of the grace period on December 31, 2021. A deadlocked Public Utility Commission earlier this month ensured utility companies could move forward with terminations starting April 1, potentially leaving low-income workers and students. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. For policy examples, see our Ask MRSC Archives question: Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt?. Those enrolled in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, and Lifeline) are protected by the Winter Termination Program. Take steps to reduce your overall energy usage this winter, which should in turn help you lower your utility bill. Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. In the past MRSC has written that a utility is required to collect a past-due amount and that failing to do so may violate Article VIII section 7of the state constitution, which prohibits a government agency from gifting public funds.
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