can utilities be shut off during coronavirus 2021

So even before there was a mandate to do so, we voluntarily suspended disconnections in early March, said Janet Kim, of PSE. For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. All told, some $1.33 billion in past-due bills have piled up statewide. 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 . He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. (Rob Nikolewski/The San Diego Union-Tribune), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, California Public Utilities Commission passed an extension, extended the moratorium earlier this year, one of the highest electricity rates in the country, California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE, and the Family Electric Rates Assistance, or FERA programs, Is your utility bill going to get even higher? Many customers financial situations have changed during the pandemic. Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. 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. Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management 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. 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 California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. by Some page levels are currently hidden. But the vaccines are still in a race against time, with COVID-19 again resurging in many states. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. 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 year, the CPUC and the states utilities stepped up efforts to get eligible customers to sign up for the California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE, and the Family Electric Rates Assistance, or FERA programs. (Allied organizations have also submitted similar recommendations to HHS, including a letter organized by frontline advocates that NRDC also joined.). 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.. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also. 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. 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. 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. Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. 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. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. Take steps to reduce your overall energy usage this winter, which should in turn help you lower your utility bill. 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. The update also adds a link to the Washington State Department of Healths Customer Assistance Program. She cited lower unemployment and COVID-19 infection rates, and pointed to the latest federal stimulus among the reasons the moratorium could be lifted. 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. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. NEW! 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. 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. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who can't pay through April 30, 2021. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. 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. 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.. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. 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. 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. Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. of King v. Ne. 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). Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for SBA disaster assistance programs online or seek assistance from SBAs Customer Service Center at 1-800-569-2955/1-800-877-8339 (TTY). These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. 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 |. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. Utilities said that few customers responded to pleas to enroll in payment plans or to apply for assistance, and few customers were shut off. Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. 2023 www.goerie.com. Residential customers making payments under payment plans with their investor-owned electric or gas utility will remain protected from shut-off as long as they make payments under the payment schedule. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. FERA is open to customers whose household incomes slightly exceed those eligible for CARE. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. 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 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. CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. 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. Tripadvisor picks two for top 10 in U.S. San Diego airport gets $20M federal infrastructure grant to help Terminal 1 remodel, Boeing CEO loses $7M bonus, keeps $22.5 million compensation, Louisiana Gov. Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! . VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparation Plans 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. "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. 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. Earlier this month, Gov. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. The Biden administration is pushing for more economic relief, but has not yet committed to stopping shut-offs. 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. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Source: Executive Order No. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, 2023 Cox Media Group. (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. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Please let us know how we can improve this page. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. 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. Category: 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. California Public Utilities Commission The heat dome of 2021 claimed the lives of 157 people in Washington State . The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. For collection of delinquent amounts by water-sewer districts, the procedures in RCW 57.08.081control. You skipped the table of contents section. Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). 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. 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. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. 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. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Earlier this year, the commission reported that statewide enrollment in CARE has increased 13.6 percent and FERA enrollment shot up 45 percent. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Thank you for your website feedback! The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. 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. 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. 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. "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. Can it be done by appointment? 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. 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. A utility company generally can't turn off the heat, electricity or power during cold or hot weather. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy 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. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. Keep updated on the latest news and information. 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. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. If you are served by a municipal utility, it may or may not be shutting off customers for unpaid bills. 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. We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. 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. of Cty. 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. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. September 7, 2021 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. 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. 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. Nowak has previously urged the commission to work with the Evers administration to provide assistance to water customers in need through CARES Act funding. 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. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. 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. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. The White House is proposing to spend $5 billion to cover home energy and water. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. 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. 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. There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. 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. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. Note that the proclamations do not prohibit imposing some kind of monetary penalty for failing to comply with the provisions of a payment plan. Plus, if they wish to accelerate or make larger payments, they may do so. April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. We will use this information to improve this page. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. State Disclosures, Senior Attorney and Director, Urban Water Infrastructure, People & Communities Program. As Californians are sheltering at home, residential electric usage has increased 15 to 20 percent in recent weeks compared to the same period last year. The Proclamation 20-23 series (the proclamations) only applied to energy, telecommunications, or water services. Puget Sound Energy reported giving $7.6 million in bill credits to nearly 14,000 customers. 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. The fact sheet also describes five other relevant programs: You can download the fact sheethereor view it below. 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? 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. Automatic renewals often lead to customers paying higher rates. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year. You can also go towww.heatinghelpma.orgto find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. The state regulator also approved a plan that requires utilities including San Diego Gas & Electric to automatically enroll customers who are lagging on monthly payments into a two-year debt relief program. Utilities - Billing and Collection. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. The AGO strongly urges any Massachusetts consumer who considers signing up with a competitive supplier to read the AGOs FAQs on electric supply options here. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. Earlier this month, the Legislature earmarked $1 billion in the upcoming 2022 state budget to help Californians pay overdue utility bills. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. 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. 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. If a customer account is eligible, a credit will be automatically applied to the customer bill. We know this has been an extremely difficult time for our customers. Utilities resume the issuance of late payment notifications to customers and collection activities. 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. Mashelle Fields is one of them, living off batteries and borrowed power in her apartment. March 17, 2020: CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation. For more information, see Utilities and Landlord/Tenant Issues. Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. In the first quarter of this year, more than 3.3 million residential customers of the states big four utilities have fallen behind on their bills: Applying SDG&Es figure to its overall residential customer total of about 1.326 million, that means 36.6 percent of SDG&E residential customers are in arrears. 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. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. 246; https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml; https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf.