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. The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. When the remaining state or local moratoria are lifted, residential water customers who lose shutoff protections will face billions of dollars in arrears. Lt. Gov. Further, the prohibitions on disconnecting or refusing to reconnect these services was limited by the language of the proclamations to residential service, but the prohibition on charging late fees did not include that limitation. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). of King v. Ne. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. 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. But if you are falling behind on utilities, get help as soon as possible so you are not shut off. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. 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. Earlier this year, the commission reported that statewide enrollment in CARE has increased 13.6 percent and FERA enrollment shot up 45 percent. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. The fact sheet also describes five other relevant programs: You can download the fact sheethereor view it below. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. Southern California Edison Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage, San Diego Gas & Electric Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage, Bear Valley Electric Service Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage, Liberty Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Page, PacifiCorp California Public Safety Power Shutoffs Webpage, The Governors Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website for small businesses. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions. Steve Gross Some page levels are currently hidden. 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. Hous. 229; Executive Order No. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, call your municipal utility immediately to ask about any assistance programs that may be available. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. This is true even if you are behind on rent. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 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. For FAQs on the end of the moratorium and the six-month grace period, click here. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. "It's just very difficult that the PSC wouldn't allow us to use our same tools," said Bessette. 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. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. 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. 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. 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 actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. Utilities will continue to provide assistance programs. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! For county-owned utilities, RCW 36.94.150 authorizes a lien for sewerage and water. ones. Illinois' moratorium on utility shut-offs during the COVID-19 pandemic ends Wednesday, but there is still help available for anyone who needs assistance paying bills. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. Customers with higher income levels will be offered payment plans of at least one or two years. 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. Gov. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. of Cty. Can I get help paying my utilities? Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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. A federal program can help. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. If your bill lists a competitive supplier that you do not recognize, there are two possibilities. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. 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. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. February 22 2023. 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. 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. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off, At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardship. 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. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. 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. You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. 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. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. Many residents are struggling to pay their bills, including their monthly utility bills, following the COVID-19 crisis and due to the currently high fossil fuel prices. Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. 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%. If you are having trouble paying your electric, sewer, or water bills, you may be eligible to avoid disconnection through the Winter Termination Program. 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. Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. 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. Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. FERA is open to customers whose household incomes slightly exceed those eligible for CARE. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. The AGO encourages you to contact your electric or gas utility if the recent COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted your household income because you may be newly eligible for other assistance programs. If a small business enrolls in an electric or gas payment plan with its investor-owned utility company and the business makes its payments, it will be protected from electric or gas service disconnection for the duration of the payment plan. 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. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. CPUC response letter that delays an already scheduled natural gas rate increase for Southern California Gas Company and SDG&E small business customers for 120 days to help reduce natural gas bills during the crisis. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). 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. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities It appears that sewer and storm utilities are not prohibited from charging late fees and interest (depending on the utilitys rate schedule) for any past-due amounts. Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 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.. 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. "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. Tom Wolf, who opposes lifting the moratorium. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. You may want to consider adopting a policy that will authorize you to write-off uncollectible debt. 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. 2023 www.goerie.com. Please do not include personal or contact information. Only eight states have statewide water shutoff moratoria in place today. 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. But she learned that if you fall behind on those payment plans, it can be lights out. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who can't pay through April 30, 2021. MRSC offers a wide range of services to local governments and our contract partners in Washington State. The California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). When the state reopened in mid-June, Newsom quietly extended the moratorium on water shutoffs to Sept. 30. Have a problem?Send me an email, at [email protected] or message me on Facebook. Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. 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). More than 1 million customers were eligible for termination when Wolf sent the letter a month ago. April 30, 2021: CPUC Approves Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plans. 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. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. We are using lanterns to get ready for work.". For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. For many of us, the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year. 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. In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) 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. We will 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. Utilities - Billing and Collection. of Cty. The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. 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. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email [email protected] or use our Listener Feedback form. If a customer account is eligible, a credit will be automatically applied to the customer bill. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. 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). 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. Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt? 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. An additional "catch-all" category is also included for those who are unable to pay their utility bills because of circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment or illness. 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. The commissioners did not heed that call. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. 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. Electricity and Gas are essential servicesthats why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it. So even before there was a mandate to do so, we voluntarily suspended disconnections in early March, said Janet Kim, of PSE. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. 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. 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. 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 |. 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. South Carolina utilities will stop cutting service to customers with unpaid bills during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments were down 40% compared to the previous year, according to PUC data. She said utility workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months. "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities
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