We will Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who can't pay through April 30, 2021. "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. The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. by . The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. If you need assistance, please Contact the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200. SoCalGas Request for Extension of Time to Comply with Ordering Paragraphs of Triennial Cost Allocation Proceeding for Small Business Customers in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, CPUC Works to Help Mitigate Higher Energy Bills Utility Customers May Receive Due to Shelter at Home, CPUC Letter to TNCs on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Response Plans, CPUC Letter to All County Executive Officers re: Essential Wildfire and PSPS Mitigation Work, CPUC Letter to Class C, D Water and Sewer Utilities on Emergency Customer Protections to Support Customers Affected by the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Executive Director's Letter to Wireless Providers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), SDG&E Directive to Provide Information on Planned Service Interruptions, SCE Directive to Provide Information on Planned Service Interruptions, PG&E Directive to Provide Information on Planned Service Interruptions, Executive Director's Letter to Energy Companies, Executive Director's Letter to Water Companies, Executive Director's Letter to Communications Companies, Executive Director's Letter to Rail Companies, CPUC Suspends Renewal Requirements for Low Income Energy and Telco Programs to Assist Customers During COVID-19 Epidemic, Practitioner Alert: COVID-19 Temporary Filing and Service Protocol, CPUC Public Meetings During COVID-19 Pandemic, Executive Directors Letter to Energy Companies, Executive Directors Letter to Water Companies, Executive Directors Letter to Communications Companies, Draft Resolution Ratifying the Executive Directors March 17 Letter; will be on April 16 Voting Meeting Agenda, Cancelled - CPUC Public Forums on SCE Rate Requests, 2020 Wildfire Mitigation and PSPS Preparation, 2020 Wildfire Mitigation and PSPS Preparation Presentation, Utility Consumer Protections During California COVID-19 Outbreak. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. Earlier this month, Gov. 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. Some page levels are currently hidden. All told, some $1.33 billion in past-due bills have piled up statewide. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. 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). You may want to consider adopting a policy that will authorize you to write-off uncollectible debt. 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. 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. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. If you are served by a municipal utility, it may or may not be shutting off customers for unpaid bills. Water and other utility services already have been disconnected for at least hundreds of thousands families unable to pay these bills, with more at risk every day. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). For businesses, the plan ensures that the monthly payment does not exceed 10 percent of the customers average monthly bill. 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.. Most Massachusetts investor-owned electric and gas utility companies offer deferred payment arrangements which allow the customer to set up a customized, manageable payment plan. 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. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. 2023 Cox Media Group. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. Please do not include personal or contact information. Water and electrical services have a statutory lien under RCW 35.21.290, but enforcement of the lien is limited to shutting off the utility by RCW 35.21.300. 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. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. 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. 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.. 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. A lock icon ( Inflation and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine are driving up fossil fuel prices and in turn energy rates for customers across the country this winter. 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 risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are Governor Inslee issuedProclamation 20-23.16 on July 2, 2021, which extended the utility shutoff moratorium through September 30, 2021. These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. 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. Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. 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. 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. ones. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . 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. 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. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! Where available, the fact sheet provides links to federal program webpages and funding allocations to state, territorial, Tribal, and local grantees. 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. Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. All in all, 83 out of 578 water utilities submitted plans to shut off service for more than 9,500 customers. On-Demand Webinars Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience. If you are a small business customer that receives electric or gas service through a municipal utility, call your municipal utility to see what programs they offer to help avoid disconnection. We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. The move comes after S.C. Gov. 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. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. 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 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. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. The electric utilities are responsible for operating their systems, including the decision to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. 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. Try now to get LIHEAP funds, Dollar Energy Fund help or emergency assistance, they said. What is a local government agency's responsibility to be available to accept legal papers served by a processor during COVID-19, especially when they have closed their offices to the public? 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. Under the terms of the CPUC's 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. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. 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. In the case of small businesses in disadvantaged communities, the payment cannot exceed 5 percent of the customers average monthly bill. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. If your household income is 60% or less of the state median income, you are eligible for LIHEAP. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. On this webpage you will find information on what the CPUC Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. 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. 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. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. But if you are falling behind on utilities, get help as soon as possible so you are not shut off. That guidance was incorporated into Proclamation 20-23.6 to help utilities create their own programs. For resources and updates about New Jerseys response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Information Hub. 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. 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. of King v. Ne. update email soon. You may be able to pause mortgage payments, credit card bills, bank fees and more during the pandemic. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. State Disclosures, Senior Attorney and Director, Urban Water Infrastructure, People & Communities Program. 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. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. during these challenging times. 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. Call your electric or gas utility immediately to enroll. The update also adds a link to the Washington State Department of Healths Customer Assistance Program. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. 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. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? 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. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. California Public Utilities Commission 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. Anyone facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to . "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. The extension of the moratorium on shutoffs has been met with frustration by some, including Jason Bessette, general manager of New London Utilities. 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. A utility company generally can't turn off the heat, electricity or power during cold or hot weather. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. Those balances amounted to $235.7 million. 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. (Getty Images) Paying . and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities 1990)]. April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. Category: Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. 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 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. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. 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 California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. 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. . South Carolina utilities will stop cutting service to customers with unpaid bills during the novel coronavirus pandemic. March 17, 2020: CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation. You skipped the table of contents section. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC).

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