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. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. 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. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? 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. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. 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. On this webpage you will find information on what the CPUC 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. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted 2 to 1 to ban all utility disconnections until next April. NEW! 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%. 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. (Getty Images) Paying . It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. 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. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. 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. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. 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. In accordance with the approved plans, utilities are communicating with customers about imminent protection expiration, providing support to customers transitioning off of customer protections, and helping customers enroll in applicable assistance programs. Global travelers on Tripadvisor platform rank Coronado No. concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. Governor Inslee issuedProclamation 20-23.16 on July 2, 2021, which extended the utility shutoff moratorium through September 30, 2021. You may want to consider adopting a policy that will authorize you to write-off uncollectible debt. That guidance was incorporated into Proclamation 20-23.6 to help utilities create their own programs. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Unlike AMP, utility customersdo not need to applyto receive assistance under the CAPP program. Inflation and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine are driving up fossil fuel prices and in turn energy rates for customers across the country this winter. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). (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 fact sheet describes what is currently known of the program and will be updated as HHS releases more information. Utilities - Billing and Collection. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. 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. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. She said utility workers shut off her electricity over the weekend for non-payment going back several months. Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. Commissioners said utility companies may forgive a portion of the debt for low-income customers who stay current on their payments. Do we have to have a location open during this time to accept papers? In California, the reported $1 billion in overdue residential bills includes about $600 million for customers of water utilities or combined water/sewer utilities, and about $400 million for customers who receive a combined bill for water and power from the same utility. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, state and local governments have barred utility companies from shutting off services such as gas, electric and water. Remember that for city-owned utilities,RCW 35.67.210 and RCW 35.67.215 apply to sewage liens. But she learned that if you fall behind on those payment plans, it can be lights out. 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. 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. 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. 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. A lock icon ( coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. 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. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. 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). 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. 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. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also. 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. The AGO issued a 2018reportand2019 update,and2021 updatethat found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. We will be monitoring very closely the extent to which state and federal funding efforts address the debt that consumers face, Rechtschaffen said. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. 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. You can also go towww.heatinghelpma.orgto find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. . Medical Information from healthcare professionals on symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and proper steps to take if exposed to COVID-19. SoCalGas Request for Extension of Time to Comply with Ordering Paragraphs of Triennial Cost Allocation Proceeding for Small Business Customers in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, CPUC Works to Help Mitigate Higher Energy Bills Utility Customers May Receive Due to Shelter at Home, CPUC Letter to TNCs on COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Response Plans, CPUC Letter to All County Executive Officers re: Essential Wildfire and PSPS Mitigation Work, CPUC Letter to Class C, D Water and Sewer Utilities on Emergency Customer Protections to Support Customers Affected by the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Executive Director's Letter to Wireless Providers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), SDG&E Directive to Provide Information on Planned Service Interruptions, SCE Directive to Provide Information on Planned Service Interruptions, PG&E Directive to Provide Information on Planned Service Interruptions, Executive Director's Letter to Energy Companies, Executive Director's Letter to Water Companies, Executive Director's Letter to Communications Companies, Executive Director's Letter to Rail Companies, CPUC Suspends Renewal Requirements for Low Income Energy and Telco Programs to Assist Customers During COVID-19 Epidemic, Practitioner Alert: COVID-19 Temporary Filing and Service Protocol, CPUC Public Meetings During COVID-19 Pandemic, Executive Directors Letter to Energy Companies, Executive Directors Letter to Water Companies, Executive Directors Letter to Communications Companies, Draft Resolution Ratifying the Executive Directors March 17 Letter; will be on April 16 Voting Meeting Agenda, Cancelled - CPUC Public Forums on SCE Rate Requests, 2020 Wildfire Mitigation and PSPS Preparation, 2020 Wildfire Mitigation and PSPS Preparation Presentation, Utility Consumer Protections During California COVID-19 Outbreak. SDG&E asking regulator to increase rates starting next year, Heres how much lower your SDG&E bill might be in March, SDG&E kicks in $16 million of shareholder funds to help financially strapped customers, Behind on your SDG&E utility bill? For more information, visit:https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.aspx, More:Fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians can gather without masks, but only in these situations, More:COVID-19 vaccine motivation: Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts for showing vaccination card. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. Utilities said that few customers responded to pleas to enroll in payment plans or to apply for assistance, and few customers were shut off. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. This is true even if you are behind on rent. Additionally, the period in which the lien may be imposed was amended this year by the legislature (see HB 1069, section 15). The proclamations did not prohibit disconnecting sewer and storm services (if practical) for non-payment. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. If your bill lists a competitive supplier that you do not recognize, there are two possibilities. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist., 784 P.2d 1284 (Wash. Ct. App. of King v. Ne. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. , Call your electric or gas utility immediately to enroll. Thanks for signing up. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. 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. We will 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. This partnership was previously. 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. 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. 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. 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. Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. 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. "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. 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. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. Plus, if they wish to accelerate or make larger payments, they may do so. State Disclosures, Senior Attorney and Director, Urban Water Infrastructure, People & Communities Program. Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt? 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. 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 . 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) 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. 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. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. 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. The utility reported to the commission that 495 out of its roughly 3,000 customers would be eligible for disconnection. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. 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. Municipal Elections Running for Office ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. Applications for LIHEAP for the 2022-2023 heating season can be submitted now and throughout the winter heating season. 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. One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, call your municipal utility immediately to ask about any assistance programs that may be available. The commissioners did not heed that call. during these challenging times. 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. The electric utilities are responsible for operating their systems, including the decision to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff as a last resort. But the majority of these orders are . The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. 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. June 17, 2020: The CPUC presented its COVID-19 response. 2023 www.goerie.com. When the remaining state or local moratoria are lifted, residential water customers who lose shutoff protections will face billions of dollars in arrears. February 27 2023, Integrating Best Available Science: New Tools for Land Use Planning & Emergency Management BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic.