The program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15 and March 15 of each year. Bessette said that puts utilities in a tough spot with landlords whose tenants can't or won't pay. If you need assistance, please Contact the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200. California Public Utilities Commission So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. 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. By comparison, about 12 percent of customers had past-due balances in April 2019, amounting to $184million. "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. Utilities - Billing and Collection. Commissioners said utility companies may forgive a portion of the debt for low-income customers who stay current on their payments. Plus, if they wish to accelerate or make larger payments, they may do so. But the majority of these orders are . Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. For additional FAQs about NJBPU's processes during the COVID-19 statewide response, click here. Water Utilities Will Not Be Able To Disconnect Service After PSC Vote. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. 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. 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. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. 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 |. Please let us know how we can improve this page. March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. Automatic renewals often lead to customers paying higher rates. But the vaccines are still in a race against time, with COVID-19 again resurging in many states. April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. 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) 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 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. Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. We will use this information to improve this page. Under these programs, your city or town negotiates a supply rate with a competitive supplier for its residents. 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.. The heat dome of 2021 claimed the lives of 157 people in Washington State . Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . He has indicated that this will be the final extension. Thanks for signing up. As state COVID-19 lockdown orders from Gov. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, Most states passed emergency laws banning evictions and utility shutoffs during the pandemic. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. 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. 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. 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. Auth. Most of the assistance is provided through new, emergency programs, although some is provided through pre-existing programs. Applications for LIHEAP for the 2022-2023 heating season can be submitted now and throughout the winter heating season. Keep updated on the latest news and information. 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. With expanded income eligibility for some programs, more New Jerseyans are now eligible for utility assistance. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. For more information about which programs you may be eligible for, use DCA's screening tool. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. 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. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. The move comes after S.C. Gov. 2023 Cox Media Group. 2023 www.goerie.com. For many of us, the accelerating rollout of COVID-19 vaccines provides hope for a light at the end of the tunnel. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. In the case of small businesses in disadvantaged communities, the payment cannot exceed 5 percent of the customers average monthly bill. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. 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. 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. 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. 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. Also ask your electric or gas utility if you qualify for an arrearage forgiveness program or any other payment assistance program. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. 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. 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. Jay Inslee previously ordered a moratorium on shut-offs, which he extended nine times. You can alsofile a consumer complaintwith the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or by calling our hotline at 617-727-8400. 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. 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. For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. Gov. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states. Some utilities stated they have been helping customers. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. 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. 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 number of people affected is alarming, according to a letter sent to the commission from Gov. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. NEW! 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. 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. In California and New York City alone, for example, residential water arrears total over $1.6 billion, with over 1.7 million households affected. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Pages/Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program.aspx, Fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians can gather without masks, but only in these situations, COVID-19 vaccine motivation: Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts for showing vaccination card, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. State Disclosures, Senior Attorney and Director, Urban Water Infrastructure, People & Communities Program. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. 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. 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. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. 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. Any utilities who may disconnect service once the winter moratorium ends would also have to submit those plans to regulators by Feb. 15. 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. 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. The White House is proposing to spend $5 billion to cover home energy and water. One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. She is borrowing electricity from down the hall to keep her food from spoiling. Many customers financial situations have changed during the pandemic. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. 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 enrolled in certain other programs (including Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, USF, and Lifeline) are protected by the Winter Termination Program. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. In this post, well focus on what effect (if any) the proclamations have on your existing collections process. Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. May 7, 2020: The CPUC temporarily modified rates for high energy use customers to minimize the impacts of electricity bills in the summer related to the COVID-19 pandemic. ones. 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. 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. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. For county-owned utilities, RCW 36.94.150 authorizes a lien for sewerage and water. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. 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. Please limit your input to 500 characters. 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. 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. South Carolina utilities will stop cutting service to customers with unpaid bills during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Final Transition Plan Advice Letters available on. 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. 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. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. 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. 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. 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. The financial effect of the pandemic has hit utility customers hard in California, a state that is home to one of the highest electricity rates in the country. 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. Category: Individual competitive suppliers (in other words, suppliers that are not part of a community choice program) often charge higher rates than your utilitys rates. PG&E is submitting separate biweekly corrective action progress reports that can be found on the docket card of the CPUCs Public Safety Power Shutoffrulemaking. Where available, the fact sheet provides links to federal program webpages and funding allocations to state, territorial, Tribal, and local grantees. VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. What is a local government agency's responsibility to be available to accept legal papers served by a processor during COVID-19, especially when they have closed their offices to the public? 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. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off if the utility service is needed to heat your home and you receive service from an investor-owned utility, such as Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, or Berkshire Gas. Puget Sound Energy reported giving $7.6 million in bill credits to nearly 14,000 customers. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. Anyone facing eviction should seek legal assistance, go to . On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. "I didn't have the $300 they needed," she said. Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. (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. You may want to consider adopting a policy that will authorize you to write-off uncollectible debt. 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. 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. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. 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;. 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. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities For policy examples, see our Ask MRSC Archives question: Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt?. during these challenging times. June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). , 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. Receive MRSC's latest articles and analysis through our Weekly Insights e-newsletter. But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility.
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