Eligible government agencies can use our free one-on-one inquiry service. Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. The California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. Keep updated on the latest news and information. of King v. Ne. 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. Some utilities stated they have been helping customers. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). 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 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. Puget Sound Energy reported giving $7.6 million in bill credits to nearly 14,000 customers. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. 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). coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. 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. 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. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. CARE is available to customers whose total household income is at or below specific income limits, such as $52,4000 for a family of four. 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. 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. Commissioners said utility companies may forgive a portion of the debt for low-income customers who stay current on their payments. 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. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. You can alsofile a consumer complaintwith the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or by calling our hotline at 617-727-8400. 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. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off, At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardship. Nowak has previously urged the commission to work with the Evers administration to provide assistance to water customers in need through CARES Act funding. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. If you are homebound, you may request a home visit to apply for HEAP. And the amount of unpaid bills had increased 67% since 2019 to $1 billion in February. 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). 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). For policy examples, see our Ask MRSC Archives question: Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt?. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. September 7, 2021 February 22 2023. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. Final Transition Plan Advice Letters available on. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) According to research at Indiana University that looked at a nationally representative sample of households below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, 20% of Black households and 28% of Hispanic households reported being unable to pay an energy bill between June and August 2020, compared to just 12% of white households. If your household income is between 60 to 80% of the state median income, you may be able to receive help from theGood Neighbor Energy Fund. Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. 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. Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, call your municipal utility immediately to ask about any assistance programs that may be available. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. Municipal Elections Running for Office 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. Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. 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. But the majority of these orders are . For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. If a customer account is eligible, a credit will be automatically applied to the customer bill. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. of King v. Ne. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. For additional help, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has a variety of programs that can help with energy bills, water and sewer bills, rent costs, eviction prevention, and more. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. June 17, 2020: The CPUC presented its COVID-19 response. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. 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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. 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. However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. Customers with higher income levels will be offered payment plans of at least one or two years. Can a power company turn off power? If you need assistance, please Contact the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200. 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. You can also go towww.heatinghelpma.orgto find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. "It just makes this problem compounding for the individual, and it's making the utility look like more of a bad guy in my eyes.". For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. Sign up now! LIHEAP is available this winter heating season from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. 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. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. 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. 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. 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. 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. Heres how to apply, Suspicions of manipulation in the natural gas market? Utilities - Billing and Collection. This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). 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. 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. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. A lock icon ( Applications for LIHEAP for the 2022-2023 heating season can be submitted now and throughout the winter heating season. Earlier this month, Gov. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC) shows there are now 38 states where the moratorium on shutoffs has expired or is voluntary for utility companies. So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. 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. In accordance with the approved plans, utilities are communicating with customers about imminent protection expiration, providing support to customers transitioning off of customer protections, and helping customers enroll in applicable assistance programs. Please let us know how we can improve this page. The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 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 will 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) In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. 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. He said they're trying to work with customers on payment plans, but the decision means some customers will have $4,000 in outstanding bills by next April. (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. Anyone facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to . 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. Auth. 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. Please visit theCSD websitefor 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. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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). The policy should consider the variables for each type of receivable with specific criteria and internal controls in place to assure that the utilitys assets (receivables) are being safeguarded. But this part-time warehouse worker says she was battling COVID, and was out of work for weeks. 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. 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. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. NRDC and NCLC have submitted recommendations to HHS on how to implement LIHWAP equitably and efficiently. If your household income is 60% or less of the state median income, you are eligible for LIHEAP. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. 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. Whats your favorite San Diego County beach? 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? 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. 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. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. Cities like Madison and progressive groups have urged the commission to extend its moratorium on utility disconnections, arguing people can't stay safe or thrive without service. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities San Diego International Airport received the $20 million grant as part of the governments Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 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. Nearly one-third of residential customers among the state's five largest utilities had past-due bills as of August, according to data provided to the commission. 246; https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml; https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. Want to know more about the team behind MRSC or contact a specific staff member? No, your landlord cannot shut off your utilities. Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also ordered investor-owned utilities to continue waiving new customer deposits and late fees through Oct. 27, 2021. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). 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 . These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. "I think that we could have been narrower, help those in need, prevent people from digging a bigger hole than they're already in, and eventually driving up rates for everybody," said Nowak. 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 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). 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. . Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. 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. The heat dome of 2021 claimed the lives of 157 people in Washington State . PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. 505 Van Ness Avenue With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! But tens of millions of people are continuing to accumulate tens of billions of dollars of overdue utility bills. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. "It's just very difficult that the PSC wouldn't allow us to use our same tools," said Bessette. Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. Plus, if they wish to accelerate or make larger payments, they may do so. Gov. Only eight states have statewide water shutoff moratoria in place today. concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. Source: Executive Order No. 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. It allowed utilities to resume shutoffs on Nov. 9 but the ban was lifted for only three weeks before the annual winter shut-off went into effect on Dec. 1. The fact sheet also describes five other relevant programs: You can download the fact sheethereor view it below. But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. April 30, 2021: CPUC Approves Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plans. The fact sheet describes what is currently known of the program and will be updated as HHS releases more information. In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). In addition, 2020 collection reports for the individual Electric Distribution Companies (EDC) and Gas Distribution Companies (GDC) are available via NJBPU's Public Document Searchtool. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. All rights reserved. 1990)]. 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. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. New Jersey has again extended its moratorium on companies shutting off residents' utilities through June 30, as the state continues to cope with the coronavirus pandemic one year after the . 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. 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. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist., 784 P.2d 1284 (Wash. Ct. App. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. 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 financial impact of the pandemic has been devastating for many in our community and helping our customers by providing flexible payment options and access to bill assistance resources has been a priority for us, Prince said in an email.
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can utilities be shut off during coronavirus 2021