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 bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Water Utilities Will Not Be Able To Disconnect Service After PSC Vote. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Where available, the fact sheet provides links to federal program webpages and funding allocations to state, territorial, Tribal, and local grantees. 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). Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions. "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. 246; https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml; https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. Note that the proclamations do not prohibit imposing some kind of monetary penalty for failing to comply with the provisions of a payment plan. Auth. 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. February 22 2023. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. Gov. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? Take steps to reduce your overall energy usage this winter, which should in turn help you lower your utility bill. 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. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. 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. LIHEAP is available this winter heating season from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. 1990)]. 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. 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. For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. 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. 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. Residential customers making payments under payment plans with their investor-owned electric or gas utility will remain protected from shut-off as long as they make payments under the payment schedule. For many of us, the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. Final Transition Plan Advice Letters available on. Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. 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). Enrollment does not prevent customers from accessing other financial programs that can help them reduce utility debt. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). 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. Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. by 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. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. The extension of the moratorium on shutoffs has been met with frustration by some, including Jason Bessette, general manager of New London Utilities. There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. of Cty. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Heres how to apply, Suspicions of manipulation in the natural gas market? 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. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year. Thanks for signing up. Other CPUC Actions 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. The number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. 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. 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. People can apply for assistance online at TRR's website or over the phone by calling the TRR call center at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368). ones. (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. For FAQs on the end of the moratorium and the six-month grace period, click here. during these challenging times. Remember that for city-owned utilities,RCW 35.67.210 and RCW 35.67.215 apply to sewage liens. 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. She cited lower unemployment and COVID-19 infection rates, and pointed to the latest federal stimulus among the reasons the moratorium could be lifted. 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. Utilities said that few customers responded to pleas to enroll in payment plans or to apply for assistance, and few customers were shut off. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. 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. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. 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. 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? Cities like Madison and progressive groups have urged the commission to extend its moratorium on utility disconnections, arguing people can't stay safe or thrive without service. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Can a power company turn off power? We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. This partnership was previously. Steve Gross 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). June 17, 2020: The CPUC presented its COVID-19 response. When the state reopened in mid-June, Newsom quietly extended the moratorium on water shutoffs to Sept. 30. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. 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 |. "It just makes this problem compounding for the individual, and it's making the utility look like more of a bad guy in my eyes.". 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. But she learned that if you fall behind on those payment plans, it can be lights out. 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. April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. The Proclamation 20-23 series (the proclamations) only applied to energy, telecommunications, or water services. 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. The fact sheet describes what is currently known of the program and will be updated as HHS releases more information. The electric utilities are responsible for operating their systems, including the decision to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. Electric and gas utility contact information is provided below: You can considercontacting Mass Savefor an energy efficiency audit. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. You must re-apply each year and meet the qualifications to receive a HEAP benefit. California has been here before, Feds using enhanced surveillance to see whats behind the natural gas spike in California, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South. Please visit the CSD website for more information. Keep updated on the latest news and information. 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. * Unsurprisingly, when California examined its statewide data, low-income communities of color had disproportionately high levels of household water debt. 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. She is borrowing electricity from down the hall to keep her food from spoiling. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. 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) DHCD has a toll-free hotline,1-800-632-8175, that is multi-language and will quickly direct you to your local community action agency that can help answer additional questions about eligibility and process your LIHEAP application. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. Auth. But the vaccines are still in a race against time, with COVID-19 again resurging in many states. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. Some page levels are currently hidden. 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. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. COVID-19 and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities If your bill lists a competitive supplier that you do not recognize, there are two possibilities. 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. If you qualify as income eligible, there are several programs, including: (1) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program that helps Massachusetts residents pay their heating bills; (2) the low-income discount rate program for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers; and (3) arrearage management programs (AMPs) for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers. PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. 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. A lock icon ( Not only did many customers with overdue bills not set up payment plans with their utility companies, they also did not seek much help in coming up with the money. The California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. 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;. 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). It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. 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. Global travelers on Tripadvisor platform rank Coronado No. March 17, 2020: CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. Do we have to have a location open during this time to accept papers? CPUC Industry Divisions will accept the submittal of Advice Letters and related documents by electronic mail. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). The state Department of Human Services has worked with counties to make available the money in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the $270 million infusion to LIHEAP from the federal American Relief Plan. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. 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. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. You may be able to pause mortgage payments, credit card bills, bank fees and more during the pandemic. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities He said they're trying to work with customers on payment plans, but the decision means some customers will have $4,000 in outstanding bills by next April. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. For collection of delinquent amounts by water-sewer districts, the procedures in RCW 57.08.081control. But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. 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. Steve Gross joined MRSC as a Legal Consultant in January 2020. Aug. 13, 2020, at 12:14 p.m. Bills to Stop Paying During Coronavirus. 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. 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. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. 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 addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. Can it be done by appointment? 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 . Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. 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. NRDC and NCLC have submitted recommendations to HHS on how to implement LIHWAP equitably and efficiently. , You can alsofile a consumer complaintwith the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or by calling our hotline at 617-727-8400. (Getty Images) Paying . 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. Can I get help paying my utilities? 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. Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What. Customers with higher income levels will be offered payment plans of at least one or two years. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. 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. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. 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. On-Demand Webinars Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. 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. Based on the plain language of the proclamations this is how we think they affect the utilities once the prohibitions expire. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. 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. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy Some utilities stated they have been helping customers. 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.. 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. Please do not include personal or contact information. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. Electricity and Gas are essential servicesthats why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. The proclamations did not prohibit disconnecting sewer and storm services (if practical) for non-payment. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. 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. But this part-time warehouse worker says she was battling COVID, and was out of work for weeks.