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. San Francisco, CA 94102, Utility Business Continuity Plans and PSPS Preparation, CPUC Mobilizes Community Based Organizations for Pilot Program To Help Consumers With Utility Debt, CPUC Executive Director Letter Concerning Extension of Moratorium on Disconnection for Non-Payment and Fees for Late Payment for Voice Service Through February 15, 2022, CPUC Acts To Ensure Essential Utility Services for Consumers at Risk of Disconnections, CPUC Actions to Protect Customers During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Utility Disconnection Moratoria and Arrearage Management - Presentation at CPUC Voting Meeting, CPUC Executive Director Letter Extending Moratorium on Disconnection for Non-Payment and Fees for Late Payment for Voice Service through September 30, 2021, CPUC Provides Relief for Customers Who Have Energy Bill Debt, https://liob.cpuc.ca.gov/m-4849-utility-transition-plans/, Executive Director Letter to IOUs on Direction to Conduct Customer Data Validation for Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Executive Director Letter Extending Moratorium on Disconnection for Non-Payment and Fees for Late Payment for Voice Service (Resolution M-4848) Through July 15, 2021, CPUC Extends Emergency Utility Customer Protections and Takes Further Action To Address Energy Arrearages During COVID-19, California Cable & Telecommunications Association, CPUC Implements Consumer Protections to Assist Residential and Small Business Customers, Workshop on COVID-19 Impacts on Customers in the Energy Sector, President Batjer Letter to AT&T regarding Legacy DSL Services Retirement, CPUC Letter to ISPs re: Affordable Broadband Plan Subscription Information, Remarks on COVID-19 Actions from Energy Division Deputy Executive Director, CPUC Letter to Program Administrators on Guidance on Energy Efficiency and Energy Savings Assistance Program Suspensions, CPUC Issues Proposal for Additional Customer Protections Due to Non-Payment, CPUC Letter to ISPs on Affordable Broadband Plans to Support Customers Affected by the COVID-19 State of Emergency. 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. The electric utilities are responsible for operating their systems, including the decision to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. 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. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. At least 30 days before assigningdebt, theutility must first attempt to notify the debtor of the existence of thedebtand that thedebtmay be assigned to a collection agency if not paid. However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. Follow John on Instagram @johnmataresemoney, For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted 2 to 1 to ban all utility disconnections until next April. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. Can I get help paying my utilities? Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. 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. 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. . In the case of small businesses in disadvantaged communities, the payment cannot exceed 5 percent of the customers average monthly bill. 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. 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. 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. Earlier this month, the Legislature earmarked $1 billion in the upcoming 2022 state budget to help Californians pay overdue utility bills. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. The AGO encourages you to contact your electric or gas utility if the recent COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted your household income because you may be newly eligible for other assistance programs. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. If you are homebound, you may request a home visit to apply for HEAP. 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. All in all, 83 out of 578 water utilities submitted plans to shut off service for more than 9,500 customers. April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. That guidance was incorporated into Proclamation 20-23.6 to help utilities create their own programs. For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. 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). concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved We know this has been an extremely difficult time for our customers. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. And commissioners said utility companies told them many customers had not set up plans for repayment during the moratorium. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. 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 |. 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. Some page levels are currently hidden. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. 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. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). Remember that for city-owned utilities,RCW 35.67.210 and RCW 35.67.215 apply to sewage liens. "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. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy 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. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? 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. 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. 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. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. Steve Gross joined MRSC as a Legal Consultant in January 2020. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The move comes after S.C. Gov. 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. 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. CARE is available to customers whose total household income is at or below specific income limits, such as $52,4000 for a family of four. 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. Utilities - Billing and Collection. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. Please let us know how we can improve this page. To learn about these payment programs, and whether they are offered by your utility, please contact your utility. 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. 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. Nowak has previously urged the commission to work with the Evers administration to provide assistance to water customers in need through CARES Act funding. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Utilities resume the issuance of late payment notifications to customers and collection activities. 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. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. Candy Woodall is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania Capital Bureau. May 7, 2020: Free and affordable Internet access and devices are crucial for low income students as they transition to learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. The Biden Administration and Congress have not acted on urgent calls to ban water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. 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. Fields, meanwhile, has applied for pandemic aid through the state. Some utilities stated they have been helping customers. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. When the state reopened in mid-June, Newsom quietly extended the moratorium on water shutoffs to Sept. 30. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. 505 Van Ness Avenue The Biden administration is pushing for more economic relief, but has not yet committed to stopping shut-offs. The Washington State Department of Commerce has assembledresources for utility customers behind on their payments, and the Washington Department of Healths Office of Drinking Water has a customer assistance program. June 17, 2020: The CPUC presented its COVID-19 response. We will use this information to improve this page. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. 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). Commissioners said utility companies may forgive a portion of the debt for low-income customers who stay current on their payments. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. (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. 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. Income eligibility is evaluated based on your gross household income for the past 4 weeks. NJBPUtook several other actions to issue guidance to the utility companies during the State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency, including: Water and Sewer Arrearages Summary as of September , 2022 (PDF). However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. 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. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. ones. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. 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. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. San Diego International Airport received the $20 million grant as part of the governments Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 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? Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. The fact sheet describes what is currently known of the program and will be updated as HHS releases more information. Electric and gas utility contact information is provided below: You can considercontacting Mass Savefor an energy efficiency audit. But tens of millions of people are continuing to accumulate tens of billions of dollars of overdue utility bills. 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. 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. 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. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments were down 40% compared to the previous year, according to PUC data. Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! 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 . "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. 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. 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. In this post, well focus on what effect (if any) the proclamations have on your existing collections process. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparation Plans 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. 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. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. 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. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. 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. The California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. Want to know more about the team behind MRSC or contact a specific staff member? Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. New Jersey has again extended its moratorium on companies shutting off residents' utilities through June 30, as the state continues to cope with the coronavirus pandemic one year after the . "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. April 30, 2021: CPUC Approves Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plans. Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. travels to Asia to strengthen business ties, How major US stock indexes fared Friday 3/3/2023, There is nothing warm and welcoming about it. San Diegos cruise ship terminal will get first makeover in 40 years, How to get your security deposit back in San Diego, Rapid reversal of price growth: San Diego home prices declining more quickly than other cities, San Diego rent increases are slowing. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. Can it be done by appointment? 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. 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. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . In addition, 2020 collection reports for the individual Electric Distribution Companies (EDC) and Gas Distribution Companies (GDC) are available via NJBPU's Public Document Searchtool. California Public Utilities Commission You must re-apply each year and meet the qualifications to receive a HEAP benefit. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. 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. of King v. Ne. And while they applied to water and sewer districts as well as other municipally-owned utilities, the proclamations did not specifically include sewer or stormwater services. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. 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. A federal program can help. In addition, any Massachusetts consumer who signs a contract with a competitive supplier should actively monitor their electric supply costs each month to ensure the rate that the supplier charges them is the same rate that was agreed to under the contract. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. 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). 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. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You'll receive your first NRDC action alert and 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. 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. For additional help, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has a variety of programs that can help with energy bills, water and sewer bills, rent costs, eviction prevention, and more. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. 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. 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. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. Sign up now! A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. The bill also extends the time for cities and counties to impose a sewage lien: A sewage lien may exceed six months' delinquent charges without the necessity of any writing or recording if collection of charges was impacted by the declaration of an emergency by the governor. For resources and updates about New Jerseys response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Information Hub. its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. 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. We will You skipped the table of contents section. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. of Cty. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. 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. "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. 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. 229; Executive Order No. 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. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. "I'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. The fact sheet provides a guide for advocates, utilities, and state and local officials who are seeking to help customers with past due and unaffordable water and sewer bills. COVID-19
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