Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. More than 1 million customers were eligible for termination when Wolf sent the letter a month ago. Gov. Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. 2023 www.goerie.com. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. 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. 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;. 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. 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. Gov. Remember that for city-owned utilities,RCW 35.67.210 and RCW 35.67.215 apply to sewage liens. But utilities will have to balance their need to maintain their revenue stream with the reality that some of their customers may not have the ability to pay the past-due debt and keep up with current expenses. For many of us, the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. This is true even if you are behind on rent. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. You can alsofile a consumer complaintwith the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or by calling our hotline at 617-727-8400. 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. Upcoming TrainingsAttend our live webinars, virtual workshops, and in-person trainings to learn about key local government issues! As an alternative to the collection provisions in that section, RCW 36.94.150(3) allows the county to adopt the procedures in RCW 35.67.290 for collection. The Public Service Commission voted unanimously Thursday to end the moratorium. Thanks for signing up. (Getty Images) Paying . Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. Governor Inslee issuedProclamation 20-23.16 on July 2, 2021, which extended the utility shutoff moratorium through September 30, 2021. The commissioners did not heed that call. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. 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. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. Utilities resume the issuance of late payment notifications to customers and collection activities. "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. Want to know more about the team behind MRSC or contact a specific staff member? Steve Gross Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). South Carolina utilities will stop cutting service to customers with unpaid bills during the novel coronavirus pandemic. 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. You skipped the table of contents section. The fact sheet describes what is currently known of the program and will be updated as HHS releases more information. "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. You should also closely review your electric and gas utility bills to determine whether you are buying your electric or gas supply from your utility or from another entity, often called a competitive supplier. 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. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. 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. The program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15 and March 15 of each year. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. 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. Maybe. April 30, 2021: CPUC Approves Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plans. . 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. 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. 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. Under these programs, your city or town negotiates a supply rate with a competitive supplier for its residents. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). Nowak has previously urged the commission to work with the Evers administration to provide assistance to water customers in need through CARES Act funding. 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. 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. Those balances amounted to $235.7 million. 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. To be eligible for your electric or gas utilitys low-income discount rate program or the arrearage management program (AMP), you must either qualify for LIHEAP funding, or receive food, cash, or medical benefits from the state. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. The Proclamation 20-23 series (the proclamations) only applied to energy, telecommunications, or water services. Details wont be finalized until the governor approves the budget and the commission will take the $1 billion payments into consideration in a later proceeding. Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. You can also go towww.heatinghelpma.orgto find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. We are using lanterns to get ready for work.". Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. 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 without a way to connect to their jobs or schools. You may want to consider adopting a policy that will authorize you to write-off uncollectible debt. You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. The policy should consider the variables for each type of receivable with specific criteria and internal controls in place to assure that the utilitys assets (receivables) are being safeguarded. Water Utilities Will Not Be Able To Disconnect Service After PSC Vote. 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. PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. 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. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Final Transition Plan Advice Letters available on. Keep updated on the latest news and information. Sign up now! The utility reported to the commission that 495 out of its roughly 3,000 customers would be eligible for disconnection. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. 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. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. 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. Earlier this month, the Legislature earmarked $1 billion in the upcoming 2022 state budget to help Californians pay overdue utility bills. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year. April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. 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. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. You must re-apply each year and meet the qualifications to receive a HEAP benefit. In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. 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. 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. 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. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). 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. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . 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. during these challenging times. 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. 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. 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 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. California Public Utilities Commission San Diego International Airport received the $20 million grant as part of the governments Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The heat dome of 2021 claimed the lives of 157 people in Washington State . Take steps to reduce your overall energy usage this winter, which should in turn help you lower your utility bill. These funds can help millions keep their water running and dig out from a mountain of utility debt, while helping utilities offset decreased revenue without raising rates. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. 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. 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. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. In the case of small businesses in disadvantaged communities, the payment cannot exceed 5 percent of the customers average monthly bill. 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). Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardshipandone of the following applies, your electric or gas cannot be shut off without permission from the Department of Public Utilities: In addition, payment plans are available to avoid shut off and manage utility bills. 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%. 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. Utilities - Billing and Collection. Earlier this month, Gov. (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. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . 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. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. COVID-19 CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. 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. Please do not include personal or contact information. LIHEAP is available this winter heating season from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. NRDC and NCLC have submitted recommendations to HHS on how to implement LIHWAP equitably and efficiently. But this part-time warehouse worker says she was battling COVID, and was out of work for weeks. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. 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. 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 |. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. 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. Can a power company turn off power? 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. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. 1990)]. 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 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. She said utility workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months. By February 25, 2021, IOUs shall submit drafts of Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC staff (, Jan. 22, 2021: Comments on Draft Resolution M-4849. 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. 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. 229; Executive Order No. 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. We will use this information to improve this page. Customers with higher income levels will be offered payment plans of at least one or two years. Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. Earlier this year, the commission reported that statewide enrollment in CARE has increased 13.6 percent and FERA enrollment shot up 45 percent. Puget Sound Energy reported giving $7.6 million in bill credits to nearly 14,000 customers. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. NEW! MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. of Cty. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. 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. April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. 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. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve?

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