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If you receive residential electric or gas service through a municipal utility, contact them directly to find out more about their shut-off policy and to hear about available payment assistance programs. 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. Last month, regulators voted 2 to 1 to extend a temporary moratorium on utility shutoffs during the COVID-19 crisis for residential customers until Nov. 1. Editor's note: This blog has been updated to remove references tostate guidance related to the creation of COVID-19 customer support programs. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. Automatic renewals often lead to customers paying higher rates. 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. If you are unsure whether the supplier on your bill is part of a community choice electric plan, call or check your city or towns website to find out. Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. If you are served by a municipal utility, it may or may not be shutting off customers for unpaid bills. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. Bill Protecting Washingtonians From Utility Shutoffs During Extreme On-Demand Webinars Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience. If you need assistance, please Contact the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. 2023 Cox Media Group. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. Most significantly, for the first time ever, Congress in December 2020 and March 2021 appropriated funds specifically for low-income water and wastewater assistance a total of $1.138 billion for an emergency Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. 505 Van Ness Avenue Hous. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. Bills You Don't Have to Pay During the Coronavirus Pandemic Please visit theCSD websitefor more information. Also, utilities may assign delinquent customer debts to licensed collection agencies under the authority provided inRCW 19.16.500and pursuant to a written contract with a licensed agency. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Try now to get LIHEAP funds, Dollar Energy Fund help or emergency assistance, they said. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Residential customers making payments under payment plans with their investor-owned electric or gas utility will remain protected from shut-off as long as they make payments under the payment schedule. 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). 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. Steve has worked in municipal law and government for over 20 years as an Assistant City Attorney for Lynnwood, Seattle, Tacoma, and Auburn, and as the City Attorney for Port Townsend and Auburn. In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) Use this button to show and access all levels. 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. The New Jersey moratorium on gas and electric companies shutting off service due to non-payment during the coronavirus pandemic is set to expire at the end of the year and the state has sent . They should also check our Assistance Programs page for information about assistance programs or use the DCAid online screening tool to apply for financial assistance from the State of New Jersey. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted 2 to 1 to ban all utility disconnections until next April. "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. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. The decision also calls on utilities to document follow-up efforts with community-based organizations to make sure hard-to-reach customers can sign up for relief programs. June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. Board of Public Utilities | Newsroom & Public Notices You, or someone in your home, is seriously ill; You have an infant under 12 months in your home; and, All adults in the home are age 65 or older, Customers who are interested in installing solar panels or enrolling with community solar programs should visit the AGs Office FAQ with consumer tips at, This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), 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. What is a local government agency's responsibility to be available to accept legal papers served by a processor during COVID-19, especially when they have closed their offices to the public? Source: Executive Order No. In other words, they do not prohibit your payment plans from including interest or late fees for missing a payment after the effective date of the payment plan. Can a power company turn off power? of King v. Ne. When the state reopened in mid-June, Newsom quietly extended the moratorium on water shutoffs to Sept. 30. "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. Pa. utility shut-off notice: Here's what you can do if you're at risk. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. To learn about these payment programs, and whether they are offered by your utility, please contact your utility. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. It also notes where federal agencies have not yet provided critical details, such as how the program funds will be allocated and how programs will be structured. We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. The move comes after S.C. Gov. 2023 www.goerie.com. NJ residents must make utility bill payments by 2021 or risk shut-offs *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. KIRO 7 News Seattle facebook feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle twitter feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle youtube feed(Opens a new window), Powerball jackpot winner identified as longtime Boeing employee, Multiple western Washington residents indicted in connection to coast-to-coast drug ring, Seattle firefighters battle massive Lake City building fire for hours, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies after brain aneurysm at 61, Thieves lose ATM ripped out of Lakewood credit union. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. N.J. again extends ban on utilities shutting off power, gas, water to All told, some $1.33 billion in past-due bills have piled up statewide. The AMP provides customers with the opportunity to have all or a portion of an arrearage (or outstanding unpaid amounts due) forgiven in exchange for payments of an amount and on a schedule designed individually for each participant. The Energy 202: Biden under pressure to stop utility shutoffs during With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. 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. The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. The good news is that the recent federal COVID-19 relief packages including President Bidens American Rescue Plan enacted in March 2021 provide billions of dollars that can help low-income families struggling to pay their water and sewer bills. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, Frequently Asked Questions about Electric and Gas Utilities, is, Frequently Asked Questions about Electric and Gas Utilities. Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparation Plans Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. Nearly 35 million households will lose their utility shutoff - CNBC Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! Illinois utilities shut off moratorium ends Wednesday; how to get help In the past year, the CPUC and the states utilities stepped up efforts to get eligible customers to sign up for the California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE, and the Family Electric Rates Assistance, or FERA programs. But this part-time warehouse worker says she was battling COVID, and was out of work for weeks. The fact sheet also describes five other relevant programs: You can download the fact sheethereor view it below. Six utilities serving more than 21 million Californians have announced that they will not shut off customers' power for non-payment as the coronavirus continues to disrupt daily life. One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. Anyone facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to . 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. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. State extends utility cutoff protection through April 2021 By February 25, 2021, IOUs shall submit drafts of Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC staff (, Jan. 22, 2021: Comments on Draft Resolution M-4849. The AGO strongly urges any Massachusetts consumer who considers signing up with a competitive supplier to read the AGOs FAQs on electric supply options here. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. Tripadvisor picks two for top 10 in U.S. San Diego airport gets $20M federal infrastructure grant to help Terminal 1 remodel, Boeing CEO loses $7M bonus, keeps $22.5 million compensation, Louisiana Gov. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). But in cities and towns all around the country in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Illinois, and more utilities have resumed cutting off water when people cant afford to pay. A recent report by Duke University researchers found that, if utility disconnections had been barred nationwide from March through November 2020, COVID-19 infections rates could have been reduced by 8.7% and deaths by 14.8%. 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. For FAQs on the end of the moratorium and the six-month grace period, click here. The Biden Administration and Congress have not acted on urgent calls to ban water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. But if you are falling behind on utilities, get help as soon as possible so you are not shut off. California Public Utilities Commission Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. 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. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments were down 40% compared to the previous year, according to PUC data. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. Also ask your electric or gas utility if you qualify for an arrearage forgiveness program or any other payment assistance program. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. Under these programs, your city or town negotiates a supply rate with a competitive supplier for its residents. Steve Gross As an alternative to the collection provisions in that section, RCW 36.94.150(3) allows the county to adopt the procedures in RCW 35.67.290 for collection. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. In New York City, the numbers reported include only water and sewer accounts that are at least 180 days overdue; the total of all overdue water and sewer bills in New York City is certainly much higher. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. during these challenging times. 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. 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 without a way to connect to their jobs or schools. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. 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. Customers with higher income levels will be offered payment plans of at least one or two years. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. The proclamations required these utilities to developCOVID-19 customer support programsthat would address payment plan options for residential customers who are in arrears due to COVID-19-related circumstances. COVID-19 Customers who are interested in installing solar panels or enrolling with community solar programs should visit the AGs Office FAQ with consumer tips at mass.gov/ago/solar. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. 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. Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management, resources for utility customers behind on their payments, Collection Practices for Delinquent Utility Accounts, A Quick Guide to Utility Account Overcharges, Undercharges, and the Statute of Limitations. The program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15 and March 15 of each year. Please limit your input to 500 characters. * Unsurprisingly, when California examined its statewide data, low-income communities of color had disproportionately high levels of household water debt. At least 30 days before assigningdebt, theutility must first attempt to notify the debtor of the existence of thedebtand that thedebtmay be assigned to a collection agency if not paid. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. 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. We are using lanterns to get ready for work.". The bill also extends the time for cities and counties to impose a sewage lien: A sewage lien may exceed six months' delinquent charges without the necessity of any writing or recording if collection of charges was impacted by the declaration of an emergency by the governor. 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. To leave anyone, especially children who rely on utilities to attend virtual school, without electricity or heat is unconscionable when these companies have guaranteed income and millions in revenue.. 229; Executive Order No. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. 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. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. Enrollment does not prevent customers from accessing other financial programs that can help them reduce utility debt. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. Gov. "It's just very difficult that the PSC wouldn't allow us to use our same tools," said Bessette. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. Medical Information from healthcare professionals on symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and proper steps to take if exposed to COVID-19. update email soon. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. New York Bans Utility Shutoffs during COVID-19 Emergency 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. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. For small business customers of an investor-owned utility, enrolling in a payment plan may protect your business from electric or gas shut off if you cannot afford your current balance. Last month, regulators voted 2 to 1 to extend a temporary moratorium on utility shutoffs during the COVID-19 crisis for residential customers until Nov. 1. Your electric or gas utility may be able to arrange a new payment plan that you can afford and, at the same time, the utility can also check your eligibility to participate in a range of payment assistance programs (see discussion below about available residential electric or gas payment assistance programs).