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. Under the terms of the CPUCs vote, utility companies will automatically enroll residential customers who are more than 60 days behind on their energy bills to a COVID-19 Residential Relief Payment Plan that will amortize their debt over a 24-month period. 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. Most significantly, for the first time ever, Congress in December 2020 and March 2021 appropriated funds specifically for low-income water and wastewater assistance a total of $1.138 billion for an emergency Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). 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.. Tom Wolf, who opposes lifting the moratorium. When the remaining state or local moratoria are lifted, residential water customers who lose shutoff protections will face billions of dollars in arrears. March 27, 2020: Joint Letters to IOUs re: Essential Wildfire and PSPS Mitigation Work, March 20, 2020: Business Continuity and COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Response Plans. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. 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. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. Remember that for city-owned utilities,RCW 35.67.210 and RCW 35.67.215 apply to sewage liens. For FAQs on the end of the moratorium and the six-month grace period, click here. Sign up today for a digital subscription. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. However, you may want to stay with your community choice program this winter because many cities and towns currently have electricity rates that are lower than the rate available from the electric company. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. If you are homebound, you may request a home visit to apply for HEAP. When the state reopened in mid-June, Newsom quietly extended the moratorium on water shutoffs to Sept. 30. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. 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. Can it be done by appointment? 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. 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. Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. 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. The program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15 and March 15 of each year. NEW! The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. 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. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Sign up now! 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. 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. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . of Cty. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. 505 Van Ness Avenue June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. 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. For more information, see Utilities and Landlord/Tenant Issues. May 7, 2020: Free and affordable Internet access and devices are crucial for low income students as they transition to learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). 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. To learn about these payment programs, and whether they are offered by your utility, please contact your utility. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. by 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.. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. Please visit the CSD website for more information. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off, At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardship. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. 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. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. 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. The proclamations did not prohibit disconnecting sewer and storm services (if practical) for non-payment. Utilities said that few customers responded to pleas to enroll in payment plans or to apply for assistance, and few customers were shut off. 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. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. For businesses, the plan ensures that the monthly payment does not exceed 10 percent of the customers average monthly bill. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who can't pay through April 30, 2021. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). Can a power company turn off power? If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. More than 1 million customers were eligible for termination when Wolf sent the letter a month ago. She also noted that the 9,500 customers represented the number of meters that would be shut off, and that more people whoresided in any of those households were also at risk of losing service. PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. 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. 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. Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. Auth. One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. 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). 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). In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. Steve Gross joined MRSC as a Legal Consultant in January 2020. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. That guidance was incorporated into Proclamation 20-23.6 to help utilities create their own programs. 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. 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. She is borrowing electricity from down the hall to keep her food from spoiling. No, your landlord cannot shut off your utilities. 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. For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. 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. The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. A utility company generally can't turn off the heat, electricity or power during cold or hot weather. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. Steve Gross Commissioners said utility companies may forgive a portion of the debt for low-income customers who stay current on their payments. In such circumstances, a lien may be filed for all charges due during the period covered by the declaration and may be effective for six months after the expiration of the declaration of the emergency. 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. Based on the plain language of the proclamations this is how we think they affect the utilities once the prohibitions expire. 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. Plus, if they wish to accelerate or make larger payments, they may do so. "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. 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 more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. 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. 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). We will use this information to improve this page. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Automatic renewals often lead to customers paying higher rates. 246; https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml; https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. SDG&E spokeswoman Sara Prince said the utility supports the CPUCs moves. You'll receive your first NRDC action alert and Source: Executive Order No. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! 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). Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. Utilities resume the issuance of late payment notifications to customers and collection activities. But tens of millions of people are continuing to accumulate tens of billions of dollars of overdue utility bills. 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. HEAP is a seasonal program. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities A lock icon ( April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. For policy examples, see our Ask MRSC Archives question: Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt?. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? NRDC and NCLC have submitted recommendations to HHS on how to implement LIHWAP equitably and efficiently.
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