Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. We know this has been an extremely difficult time for our customers. 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. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. Any person who is making good faith efforts should never have their services shut off, he said. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. On-Demand Webinars Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience. Try now to get LIHEAP funds, Dollar Energy Fund help or emergency assistance, they said. 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. 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. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. 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 California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. June 17, 2020: The CPUC presented its COVID-19 response. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. September 7, 2021 The proclamations did not prohibit disconnecting sewer and storm services (if practical) for non-payment. 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.. As a quick refresher, take a look at MRSCs Collection Practices for Delinquent Utility Accountswebpage, our Utility Liens and Shutoffs Tool, and our February 22, 2021 blog:A Quick Guide to Utility Account Overcharges, Undercharges, and the Statute of Limitations. But since many utilities issue a combined utility bill it may be difficult to separate out services for which it can charge late fees from those it cannot. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. We will Mashelle Fields is one of them, living off batteries and borrowed power in her apartment. And the amount of unpaid bills had increased 67% since 2019 to $1 billion in February. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. 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 AMP provides customers with the opportunity to have all or a portion of an arrearage (or outstanding unpaid amounts due) forgiven in exchange for payments of an amount and on a schedule designed individually for each participant. 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. It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. March 17, 2020: CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation. Water utilities were asked to submit any disconnection plans for review this month. All rights reserved. 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. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. But tens of millions of people are continuing to accumulate tens of billions of dollars of overdue utility bills. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. "I didn't have the $300 they needed," she said. Please visit theCSD websitefor more information. There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. 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. 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. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. 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). 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. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. 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. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. All in all, 83 out of 578 water utilities submitted plans to shut off service for more than 9,500 customers. FERA is open to customers whose household incomes slightly exceed those eligible for CARE. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. 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. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. "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. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. (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 more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. of Cty. 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. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. (Allied organizations have also submitted similar recommendations to HHS, including a letter organized by frontline advocates that NRDC also joined.). The feedback will only be used for improving the website. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. 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. According to research at Indiana University that looked at a nationally representative sample of households below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, 20% of Black households and 28% of Hispanic households reported being unable to pay an energy bill between June and August 2020, compared to just 12% of white households. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. The commissioners did not heed that call. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. Water Utilities Will Not Be Able To Disconnect Service After PSC Vote. You can alsofile a consumer complaintwith the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or by calling our hotline at 617-727-8400. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. Those enrolled in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, and Lifeline) are protected by the Winter Termination Program. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. In addition to Texas Utility Help, the following programs exist to help people pay utilities Also: Help for Texans (TDHCA) 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. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Only eight states have statewide water shutoff moratoria in place today. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management We know the effects of COVID are still very much front and center for many consumers, Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. 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. She cited lower unemployment and COVID-19 infection rates, and pointed to the latest federal stimulus among the reasons the moratorium could be lifted. Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. All told, some $1.33 billion in past-due bills have piled up statewide. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. Under these programs, your city or town negotiates a supply rate with a competitive supplier for its residents. 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. 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. For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 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. of King v. Ne. The fact sheet also describes five other relevant programs: You can download the fact sheethereor view it below. 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. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off, At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardship. Some page levels are currently hidden. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. 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. 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. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). 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. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. Utilities will continue to provide assistance programs. By comparison, about 12 percent of customers had past-due balances in April 2019, amounting to $184million. NEW! Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. 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. 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). Earlier this month, Gov. (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? "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. Share this webpage and the flyer below with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word. Can it be done by appointment? Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. 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. you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities, current and historic basic service rates here, Frequently Asked Questions about Water Utilities During COVID-19, Contact the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200. Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. Also, if a customer enters into a payment plan with their provider, many . But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. The Biden administration is pushing for more economic relief, but has not yet committed to stopping shut-offs. In addition, more than 5,000 utility customers statewide have received $2.8 million from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program that helps renters with unpaid bills and California was allocated $1.5 billion through the American Rescue Plan Act that homeowners can apply to utility bill relief. 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 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.. Based on the plain language of the proclamations this is how we think they affect the utilities once the prohibitions expire. Sign up now! Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. "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. 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. 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. These pages cover more specific details that depend on the type of utility, and its critical that you use the right tools for your specific type of jurisdiction and type of utility. 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. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! SDG&E spokeswoman Sara Prince said the utility supports the CPUCs moves. and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities Keep updated on the latest news and information. 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. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. 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. You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. 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'm charging my cell phone in my truck when I can. Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). Maybe. 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. 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. For FAQs on the end of the moratorium and the six-month grace period, click here. 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. 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). Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. Can I get help paying my utilities? For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. 229; Executive Order No. South Carolina utilities will stop cutting service to customers with unpaid bills during the novel coronavirus pandemic. To learn about these payment programs, and whether they are offered by your utility, please contact your utility. 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. 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. 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 |. Want to know more about the team behind MRSC or contact a specific staff member? "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.". 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. 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. CPUC response letter that delays an already scheduled natural gas rate increase for Southern California Gas Company and SDG&E small business customers for 120 days to help reduce natural gas bills during the crisis. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut offif the utility service is needed to heat your homeand you receive service from an investor-owned utility, such as Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, or Berkshire Gas. 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.