Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. 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 . April 30, 2021: CPUC Approves Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plans. Editor's note: This blog has been updated to remove references tostate guidance related to the creation of COVID-19 customer support programs. 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 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. On this webpage you will find information on what the CPUC MRSC has consolidated additional information in the Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans section of our COVID-19 Small Business and Tenant Assistance Programs webpage. 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. 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. June 17, 2020: The CPUC presented its COVID-19 response. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, call your municipal utility immediately to ask about any assistance programs that may be available. Also ask your electric or gas utility if you qualify for an arrearage forgiveness program or any other payment assistance program. Utilities will continue to provide assistance programs. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. Global travelers on Tripadvisor platform rank Coronado No. The Public Service Commission voted unanimously Thursday to end the moratorium. The commissioners did not heed that call. 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. COVID-19 (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who can't pay through April 30, 2021. The policy should provide clear criteria for allowing the debt to be written off and should apply to all types of accounts receivable (water, sewer, garbage, court fines, and other fees and charges that the utility may impose). Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. 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. SBA COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), News and Outreach Office Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. 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. The financial effect of the pandemic has hit utility customers hard in California, a state that is home to one of the highest electricity rates in the country. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. 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. She is borrowing electricity from down the hall to keep her food from spoiling. 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. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. 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). Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. Under the terms of the CPUCs 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 Payment Plan that will amortize their debt over a 24-month period. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Water and other utility services already have been disconnected for at least hundreds of thousands families unable to pay these bills, with more at risk every day. Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. The update also adds a link to the Washington State Department of Healths Customer Assistance Program. For county-owned utilities, RCW 36.94.150 authorizes a lien for sewerage and water. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. In the case of small businesses in disadvantaged communities, the payment cannot exceed 5 percent of the customers average monthly bill. For water-sewer districts considering rate forgiveness,RCW 57.08.014requires the district to notify all ratepayers of the special rates and any associated cost shifts. Based on the plain language of the proclamations this is how we think they affect the utilities once the prohibitions expire. 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. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. 229; Executive Order No. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. John Bel Edwards is traveling to Asia for a weeklong series of meetings with business leaders and policymakers in the hopes of growing foreign investment, Stocks rallied on Wall Street, climbing to their biggest gain in six weeks, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. In California, the reported $1 billion in overdue residential bills includes about $600 million for customers of water utilities or combined water/sewer utilities, and about $400 million for customers who receive a combined bill for water and power from the same utility. Eligible government agencies can use our free one-on-one inquiry service. 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). At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardshipandone of the following applies, your electric or gas cannot be shut off without permission from the Department of Public Utilities: In addition, payment plans are available to avoid shut off and manage utility bills. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). The utility reported to the commission that 495 out of its roughly 3,000 customers would be eligible for disconnection. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? 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. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are 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. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. 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. Category: . State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. We will use this information to improve this page. The proclamations did not prohibit disconnecting sewer and storm services (if practical) for non-payment. But the vaccines are still in a race against time, with COVID-19 again resurging in many states. 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. Please visit the CSD website for more information. 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. These funds can help millions keep their water running and dig out from a mountain of utility debt, while helping utilities offset decreased revenue without raising rates. 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. Lt. Gov. For more information about which programs you may be eligible for, use DCA's screening tool. March 17, 2020: CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Try now to get LIHEAP funds, Dollar Energy Fund help or emergency assistance, they said. The four-month lien limit on water services (enforceable only by water shut-off) is extended by: The period in which the lien may be imposed is the later of: (a) Three months from the expiration of the emergency declaration preventing collection or a lien; or (b) Three months of the ratepayer's failure to abide by the terms of an agreed payment plan, if the payment plan for past due charges would have allowed the ratepayer to repay the past due charges over a period of six months or more. We are using lanterns to get ready for work.". Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. ones. NRDC and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) have just published a new fact sheet summarizing six federal COVID-19 relief programs that are either dedicated to, or can be used for, low income water and wastewater assistance. VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. . 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. And commissioners said utility companies told them many customers had not set up plans for repayment during the moratorium. If a customer account is eligible, a credit will be automatically applied to the customer bill. Please do not include personal or contact information. These pages cover more specific details that depend on the type of utility, and its critical that you use the right tools for your specific type of jurisdiction and type of utility. NEW! 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. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. of Cty. 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. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. 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. In its decision, the commission said the combination of the moratorium extension and the two-year amortization plans will relieve customers of the threat of disconnection and put them on a path toward solvency.. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. Automatic renewals often lead to customers paying higher rates. 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. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. 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. You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. 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. She said utility workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. If you qualify as income eligible, there are several programs, including: (1) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program that helps Massachusetts residents pay their heating bills; (2) the low-income discount rate program for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers; and (3) arrearage management programs (AMPs) for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers. 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. The extension of the moratorium on shutoffs has been met with frustration by some, including Jason Bessette, general manager of New London Utilities. All in all, 83 out of 578 water utilities submitted plans to shut off service for more than 9,500 customers. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. 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. Customers with higher income levels will be offered payment plans of at least one or two years. 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. 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. Gov. The Biden Administration and Congress have not acted on urgent calls to ban water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. On-Demand Webinars Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience. 246; https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml; https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. To help bridge this divide, the CPUC approved a partnership with the Department of Education to fund $5 million in devices for students in need. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. 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. For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. Under these programs, your city or town negotiates a supply rate with a competitive supplier for its residents. Please visit theCSD websitefor more information. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut offif the utility service is needed to heat your homeand you receive service from an investor-owned utility, such as Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, or Berkshire Gas. For collection of delinquent amounts by water-sewer districts, the procedures in RCW 57.08.081control. Note that the proclamations do not prohibit imposing some kind of monetary penalty for failing to comply with the provisions of a payment plan. Energy utilities will apply for CAPP assistance on behalf of customers who incurred a past due balance of 60 days or more on their energy bill during the COVID-19 pandemic relief period covering March 4, 2020 through June 15, 2021. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. But the majority of these orders are . 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. 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. The proclamations also did not prohibit any utility from disconnecting water, power, or telecommunications service if the customer does not comply with the terms of a payment plan. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in "late fees.") There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. For resources and updates about New Jerseys response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Information Hub. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. Please limit your input to 500 characters. 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. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist., 784 P.2d 1284 (Wash. Ct. App. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. 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. 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. This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. In addition, any Massachusetts consumer who signs a contract with a competitive supplier should actively monitor their electric supply costs each month to ensure the rate that the supplier charges them is the same rate that was agreed to under the contract. 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. , Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. The Wolf Administration is working to get money provided by the December stimulus package and the American Rescue Plan in March out to qualifying renters and utility customers as quickly as possible to help with overdue balances, the governors press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger said.