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One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. The PUC approved a motion that will allow customers to set up payment plans with their utility companies that could extend for five years for low-income families and at least 18 months for small businesses. 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. 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. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? 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. The proclamations did not prohibit disconnecting sewer and storm services (if practical) for non-payment. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. Keep updated on the latest news and information. Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. 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. 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. This partnership was previously. 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. 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. 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. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). 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. PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. 1990)]. A utility company generally can't turn off the heat, electricity or power during cold or hot weather. For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. For resources and updates about New Jerseys response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Information Hub. For many of us, the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. 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. Only eight states have statewide water shutoff moratoria in place today. She said utility workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. For policy examples, see our Ask MRSC Archives question: Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt?. 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. Can I get help paying my utilities? Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. . The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. Do we have to have a location open during this time to accept papers? We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. Final Transition Plan Advice Letters available on. "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) Water Utilities Will Not Be Able To Disconnect Service After PSC Vote. Utilities resume the issuance of late payment notifications to customers and collection activities. One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy 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. Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. 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 this part-time warehouse worker says she was battling COVID, and was out of work for weeks. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. NJBPUtook several other actions to issue guidance to the utility companies during the State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency, including: Water and Sewer Arrearages Summary as of September , 2022 (PDF). 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. Lt. Gov. We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. 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). COVID-19 He has indicated that this will be the final extension. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. CPUC Industry Divisions will accept the submittal of Advice Letters and related documents by electronic mail. Details wont be finalized until the governor approves the budget and the commission will take the $1 billion payments into consideration in a later proceeding. 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. The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. 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. "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. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. California has been here before, Feds using enhanced surveillance to see whats behind the natural gas spike in California, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. 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. 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. Puget Sound Energy reported giving $7.6 million in bill credits to nearly 14,000 customers. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. 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. Automatic renewals often lead to customers paying higher rates. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. 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. September 7, 2021 Anyone facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to . Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. 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. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. If one of these suppliers is on your bill, it is possible that one of these companies switched your electricity supply without your permission. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. The move comes after S.C. Gov. 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. Earlier this month, Gov. And the amount of unpaid bills had increased 67% since 2019 to $1 billion in February. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. 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. 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? More than 1 million customers were eligible for termination when Wolf sent the letter a month ago. In this post, well focus on what effect (if any) the proclamations have on your existing collections process. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. 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. If you are a residential customer struggling to pay your utility bills, behind on your payments, or interested in more regular payments, reach out to your electric or gas utility to discuss available payment plans and payment assistance programs that may be available. and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities 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. 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. 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. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves said the regulator is trying to be responsive to this really dynamic situation that were in, in recovering from this pandemic.. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. 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. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. Auth. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. You may be able to pause mortgage payments, credit card bills, bank fees and more during the pandemic. (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. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. Those balances amounted to $235.7 million. Commissioners said utility companies may forgive a portion of the debt for low-income customers who stay current on their payments. Based on the plain language of the proclamations this is how we think they affect the utilities once the prohibitions expire. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. 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. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. 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. Tony Evers invested $15 million in CARES Act funding to the state's Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program in order to help residents pay their heating bills. John Fetterman, a progressive who is running for U.S. Senate in 2022, said utility companies should be cooperative and understanding with Pennsylvanians in need. Thank you for your website feedback! The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. 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. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. 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.. Please do not include personal or contact information. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time.