Sign up now! A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC) shows there are now 38 states where the moratorium on shutoffs has expired or is voluntary for utility companies. So even before there was a mandate to do so, we voluntarily suspended disconnections in early March, said Janet Kim, of PSE. Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. Utilities have argued an extension would make it more likely customers would fall further behind on their bills, which could result in utilities passing on those losses to all ratepayers. March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. You skipped the table of contents section. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities SBA COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), News and Outreach Office Can I get help paying my utilities? In accordance with the approved plans, utilities are communicating with customers about imminent protection expiration, providing support to customers transitioning off of customer protections, and helping customers enroll in applicable assistance programs. 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. 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. Those enrolled in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, and Lifeline) are protected by the Winter Termination Program. She said utility workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). 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%. Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt? Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. The Energy 202: Biden under pressure to stop utility shutoffs during Unpaid utility bills? California will pay off $2 billion - CalMatters MRSC offers a wide range of services to local governments and our contract partners in Washington State. Federal COVID-19 Relief for Water & Sewer Bills | NRDC This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. 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. Shutoffs were allowed to resume Nov. 9 for some nonpaying customers, but existing commissionguidelines protected customers with income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 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). 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. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. All in all, 83 out of 578 water utilities submitted plans to shut off service for more than 9,500 customers. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. February 22 2023. 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. Utilities said that few customers responded to pleas to enroll in payment plans or to apply for assistance, and few customers were shut off. Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. Medical Information from healthcare professionals on symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and proper steps to take if exposed to COVID-19. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. 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. 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. To learn about these payment programs, and whether they are offered by your utility, please contact your utility. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. Thank you for your website feedback! But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? 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. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy 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. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. N.J. ban on utility shutoffs to end soon. Here's how to seek help if 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. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. New Jersey also has a COVID-19 Hotline staffed by trained healthcare professionals who are standing by to answer your questions, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week: To receive email updates from NJBPU,sign up here. Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. of King v. Ne. Do we have to have a location open during this time to accept papers? 2023 Cox Media Group. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. (Allied organizations have also submitted similar recommendations to HHS, including a letter organized by frontline advocates that NRDC also joined.). Check back for updates as more information becomes available. You may be able to pause mortgage payments, credit card bills, bank fees and more during the pandemic. 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. This new law provides several important safeguards for residential utility customers by: prohibiting shutoffs during the COVID-19 state of emergency for non-payment of a utility bill;. She is borrowing electricity from down the hall to keep her food from spoiling. They should also check our Assistance Programs page for information about assistance programs or use the DCAid online screening tool to apply for financial assistance from the State of New Jersey. This partnership was previously. Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. Many customers financial situations have changed during the pandemic. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. 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. Can't pay your power bill? Don't worry, you're safe for now as In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. Pa. utility shut-off notice: Here's what you can do if you're at risk. Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. Here are prices in 10 communities, Charge by night, discharge by day: Electric school buses in El Cajon will send power to the grid, VMware, Broadcom rise; Marvell, Bumble fall, Initial public offerings scheduled to debut next week, Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities, The implications of Walgreens decision on abortion pills, Nan Goldin is going to the Oscars, and she wants to win, World Bank: Quake caused damage worth $5.1 billion in Syria. 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 Public Service Commission voted unanimously Thursday to end the moratorium. N.J. again extends ban on utilities shutting off power, gas, water to If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. "I asked a neighbor if I could plug in an extension cord to my refrigerator, just to keep it cold so I don't lose my groceries," she said. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Note that the proclamations do not prohibit imposing some kind of monetary penalty for failing to comply with the provisions of a payment plan. Customers who need payment assistance should contact their utility as soon as possibleto ask about Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs), and to learn what other assistance is available. Please visit theCSD websitefor more information. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. For many of us, the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. 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. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. 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. A federal program can help. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. By comparison, about 12 percent of customers had past-due balances in April 2019, amounting to $184million. Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. 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. NEW! However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. NRDC and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) have just published a new fact sheet summarizing six federal COVID-19 relief programs that are either dedicated to, or can be used for, low income water and wastewater assistance.