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. The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. Can bge disconnect service winter? Explained by Sharing Culture Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. What pandemic? Utilities resuming disconnections - WCPO But she learned that if you fall behind on those payment plans, it can be lights out. Frequently Asked Questions about Electric and Gas Utilities This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 505 Van Ness Avenue Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. 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). San Diego International Airport received the $20 million grant as part of the governments Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. Many customers financial situations have changed during the pandemic. The good news is that the recent federal COVID-19 relief packages including President Bidens American Rescue Plan enacted in March 2021 provide billions of dollars that can help low-income families struggling to pay their water and sewer bills. As past-due balances grow, the commission is asking gas, electric and water utilities to submit comprehensive plans for dealing with delinquent bills by Jan. 15. "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. But if you are falling behind on utilities, get help as soon as possible so you are not shut off. 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. 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. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Utilities resume the issuance of late payment notifications to customers and collection activities. How to apply for rent and utility bill assistance in Texas Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. 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. Electric and gas utility contact information is provided below: You can considercontacting Mass Savefor an energy efficiency audit. 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 Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. She cited lower unemployment and COVID-19 infection rates, and pointed to the latest federal stimulus among the reasons the moratorium could be lifted. 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. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. If you received a shut-off notice from your electric or gas utility, call your utility immediately and ask to enroll in a payment plan. 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. 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. In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. 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. 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. 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). Utilities will be able to shut off services for people behind on bills Heres how to apply, Suspicions of manipulation in the natural gas market? Category: Can't pay your power bill? Don't worry, you're safe for now as Thank you for your website feedback! 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. Auth. 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.. 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. 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. You can also go towww.heatinghelpma.orgto find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. Those balances amounted to $235.7 million. For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. NRDC and NCLC have submitted recommendations to HHS on how to implement LIHWAP equitably and efficiently. Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. The update also adds a link to the Washington State Department of Healths Customer Assistance Program. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. For businesses, the plan ensures that the monthly payment does not exceed 10 percent of the customers average monthly bill. LIHEAP is available this winter heating season from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. 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. Earlier this month, the Legislature earmarked $1 billion in the upcoming 2022 state budget to help Californians pay overdue utility bills. 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. (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? SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. The Public Service Commission voted unanimously Thursday to end the moratorium. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. SDG&E spokeswoman Sara Prince said the utility supports the CPUCs moves. (Getty Images) Paying . By comparison, about 12 percent of customers had past-due balances in April 2019, amounting to $184million. Illinois utilities shut off moratorium ends Wednesday; how to get help The Utilities and Transportation Commission also ordered investor-owned utilities to continue waiving new customer deposits and late fees through Oct. 27, 2021. You skipped the table of contents section. 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. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. 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. 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? 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. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. "When we have public health experts telling us that one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus is frequent hand washing, I don't know how in good conscience and based on that public health guidance we can allow utility service to be disconnected," said Valcq. Texas bans utility shut-offs during coronavirus outbreak | The Texas State Regulators Bar All Utilities From Shutting Off Water, Power And We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . 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. 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. 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. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. 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. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. 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. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. 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. What if I can't pay my water, gas, electricity, phone, or Internet bill If you are homebound, you may request a home visit to apply for HEAP. The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. 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. (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. 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. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. Pa. utility shut-off notice: Here's what you can do if you're at risk. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparation Plans Visit, For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities, In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or complete. Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What? The CPUC is taking action to ensure that this does not become an added hardship for people who have lost their jobs or are otherwise suffering economically due to COVID-19, including, but not limited to: Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. But the majority of these orders are . Keep updated on the latest news and information. HEAP is a seasonal program. 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. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted 2 to 1 to ban all utility disconnections until next April. It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. 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. 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. Consider solar energy to reduce electricity usage. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. We know this has been an extremely difficult time for our customers. Nearly one-third of residential customers among the state's five largest utilities had past-due bills as of August, according to data provided to the commission. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. 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. Some individual water utilities are continuing to suspend shutoffs, even after state bans expire, while some others never do shutoffs at all for non-payment. 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. We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. 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. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. Budget billing equalizes monthly payments over the course of 12 months so that you pay a predictable amount each month instead of seeing your bill amount fluctuate depending on the season, the price of energy, and customer usage. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. But the vaccines are still in a race against time, with COVID-19 again resurging in many states. "I didn't have the $300 they needed," she said. Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. "It's just very difficult that the PSC wouldn't allow us to use our same tools," said Bessette. Governor Inslee issuedProclamation 20-23.16 on July 2, 2021, which extended the utility shutoff moratorium through September 30, 2021. The Energy 202: Biden under pressure to stop utility shutoffs during February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management The California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. of King v. Ne. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. 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. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. 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. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. FERA is open to customers whose household incomes slightly exceed those eligible for CARE. 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). Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. California Public Utilities Commission Under these programs, your city or town negotiates a supply rate with a competitive supplier for its residents. 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? 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. COVID-19 - California Public Utilities Commission 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. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? Mashelle Fields is one of them, living off batteries and borrowed power in her apartment. 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). This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). N.J. again extends ban on utilities shutting off power, gas, water to
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