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. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Can I get help paying my utilities? That guidance was incorporated into Proclamation 20-23.6 to help utilities create their own programs. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. 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. 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 |. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. 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. (Getty Images) Paying . You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. 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. When the remaining state or local moratoria are lifted, residential water customers who lose shutoff protections will face billions of dollars in arrears. More than 1 million customers were eligible for termination when Wolf sent the letter a month ago. California has been here before, Feds using enhanced surveillance to see whats behind the natural gas spike in California, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South. Please visit the CSD website for more information. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments were down 40% compared to the previous year, according to PUC data. The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. 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. Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. Lt. Gov. 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 . Most Massachusetts investor-owned electric and gas utility companies offer deferred payment arrangements which allow the customer to set up a customized, manageable payment plan. Ellen Nowak opposed the decision to prevent all water shutoffs during the winter months. 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. CPUC Industry Divisions will accept the submittal of Advice Letters and related documents by electronic mail. 2023 Cox Media Group. 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? Those balances amounted to $235.7 million. Can a power company turn off power? Visithereor the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175 to find your local community action agency where you can apply for LIHEAP. If you are a residential customer struggling to pay your utility bills, behind on your payments, or interested in more regular payments, reach out to your electric or gas utility to discuss available payment plans and payment assistance programs that may be available. 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. 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, 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. Hous. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. 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. CAPP will be administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardshipandone of the following applies, your electric or gas cannot be shut off without permission from the Department of Public Utilities: In addition, payment plans are available to avoid shut off and manage utility bills. 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. 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. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling. By comparison, about 12 percent of customers had past-due balances in April 2019, amounting to $184million. According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. San Diego International Airport received the $20 million grant as part of the governments Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 2023 www.goerie.com. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. 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. 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. Between November 15th and March 15th, residential customers are protected from utility shut off, At all other times, if you are experiencing financial hardship. The Biden Administration and Congress have not acted on urgent calls to ban water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. The Wolf Administration is working to get money provided by the December stimulus package and the American Rescue Plan in March out to qualifying renters and utility customers as quickly as possible to help with overdue balances, the governors press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger said. Heres how to apply, Suspicions of manipulation in the natural gas market? Utilities will continue to provide assistance programs. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. The good news: After we confirmed to Fields' provider that she would be getting pandemic aid to pay the bill, the utility agreed to restore her electricity. Under the terms of the CPUC's 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. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. The decision essentially meant gas and electric utilities would be barred from disconnecting service through April 15, since the state's winter moratorium takes effect Nov. 1. You can also follow us on social media: Electric and Gas Arrearages Summary as of October, 2022 (PDF). 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. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. We will Based on the plain language of the proclamations this is how we think they affect the utilities once the prohibitions expire. of King v. Ne. Do we have to have a location open during this time to accept papers? HARRISBURGThe moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of the month, leaving more than 1 million Pennsylvania households at risk of losing their electricity, gas, water and telephone service. We are using lanterns to get ready for work.". If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about deferred payment arrangements. 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. 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. One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. Please limit your input to 500 characters. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. Use this button to show and access all levels. 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. 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. 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. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? In other words, they do not prohibit your payment plans from including interest or late fees for missing a payment after the effective date of the payment plan. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 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. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. Find information on what the CPUC and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities during these challenging times. Many customers financial situations have changed during the pandemic. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. 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.. by LIHEAP is available this winter heating season from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. You'll receive your first NRDC action alert and 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. 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). Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. 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. Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. 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 heat dome of 2021 claimed the lives of 157 people in Washington State . Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. 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. When you sign up you'll become a member of NRDC's Activist Network. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. Other CPUC Actions Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. He also has been a legal policy advisor for the Pierce County Council and has worked in contract administration. Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. We know this has been an extremely difficult time for our customers. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. These LIHEAP funds, combined with assistance from ERAP, will significantly reduce the impact of the lifting of the moratorium, and prevent potentially hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians from facing termination, Wolf said. With one call or click you can get a personalized answer from one of our trusted attorneys, policy consultants, or finance experts! September 7, 2021 The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. The White House is proposing to spend $5 billion to cover home energy and water. To help bridge this divide, the CPUC approved a partnership with the Department of Education to fund $5 million in devices for students in need. Maybe. 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. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted 2 to 1 to ban all utility disconnections until next April. The risk of disconnection disproportionately harms communities of color. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). 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? 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. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. If your household income is 60% or less of the state median income, you are eligible for LIHEAP. Steve Gross joined MRSC as a Legal Consultant in January 2020. Auth. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy 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. HEAP is a seasonal program. For policy examples, see our Ask MRSC Archives question: Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt?. If you have been switched without your permission, you should file a complaint with the Department of Public Utilities. Wolf told commissioners he knew the moratorium couldnt continue indefinitely, but he urged them to continue the protections that are in place for low-income Pennsylvanians. Payment plans can help avoid service shut-offs. The update also adds a link to the Washington State Department of Healths Customer Assistance Program. The Biden administration is pushing for more economic relief, but has not yet committed to stopping shut-offs. But Dutrieuille and the commission approved a motion that will allow customers to stretch out payment plans and keep on their services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not announced program rules or released funds to the states.
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