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. Under state law, water utilities can still collect past-due bills by putting those expenses onto the property tax roll. "I guess the first day he could file for eviction, he did it," she told us after receiving an eviction notice. "I didn't have the $300 they needed," she said. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. coronavirus State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who cant pay through April 30, 2021. The proclamations required these utilities to developCOVID-19 customer support programsthat would address payment plan options for residential customers who are in arrears due to COVID-19-related circumstances. In Fields' case, her supplier put her on a payment plan so she could just pay a few dollars a month. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Preparation Plans You may be eligible for assistance now, even if you have not been eligible in the past. Nowak has previously urged the commission to work with the Evers administration to provide assistance to water customers in need through CARES Act funding. For more information, see Utilities and Landlord/Tenant Issues. Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt? Candy Woodall is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania Capital Bureau. 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. Earlier this year, the commission reported that statewide enrollment in CARE has increased 13.6 percent and FERA enrollment shot up 45 percent. Call your electric or gas utility immediately to enroll. She cited lower unemployment and COVID-19 infection rates, and pointed to the latest federal stimulus among the reasons the moratorium could be lifted. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. Moratoriums on disconnects expiring across the US. Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. To learn about these payment programs, and whether they are offered by your utility, please contact your utility. The Governor's Executive Order establishes a six-month grace period in which no residential customer will face disconnection of their gas, electric, or water services before the end of the grace period on December 31, 2021. concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. If you need help paying your utility bills or your arrears, visit the Board of Public Utilities' Assistance Programs page. March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities Editor's note: This blog has been updated to remove references tostate guidance related to the creation of COVID-19 customer support programs. If your bill lists a competitive supplier that you do not recognize, there are two possibilities. 2023 www.goerie.com. A second possibility is that you are receiving supply from a competitive supplier that markets and sells to individual customers. Please see below for contact numbers for each investor-owned electric and gas utility. Utilities will continue to provide assistance programs. Steve Gross 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. Boeings CEO is missing out on a $7 million bonus because the companys new large jet is behind schedule, Louisiana Gov. SDG&E spokeswoman Sara Prince said the utility supports the CPUCs moves. He has indicated that this will be the final extension. The more you pay now the less you will have to make up later. Governor Inslee issuedProclamation 20-23.16 on July 2, 2021, which extended the utility shutoff moratorium through September 30, 2021. PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq highlighted the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. Don't fall behind on your bills or you may find yourself in the dark.__________________________. 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. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. Some utilities stated they have been helping customers. You can also go towww.heatinghelpma.orgto find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. 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. of Cty. For small business customers of an investor-owned utility, enrolling in a payment plan may protect your business from electric or gas shut off if you cannot afford your current balance. 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. 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. 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. Water Utilities Will Not Be Able To Disconnect Service After PSC Vote. If your household income is 60% or less of the state median income, you are eligible for LIHEAP. Electric and gas utility contact information is provided below: You can considercontacting Mass Savefor an energy efficiency audit. The utility reported to the commission that 495 out of its roughly 3,000 customers would be eligible for disconnection. Massachusetts consumers should also take steps to avoid an automatic renewal of their supply contract. CPUC Industry Divisions will accept the submittal of Advice Letters and related documents by electronic mail. Even without the moratorium on shutoffs, most utility companies have been generous this year. CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. It may also violate the prohibition againstdiscriminating among similarly situated ratepayers [Hous. This is true even if you are behind on rent. Tony Evers invested $15 million in CARES Act funding to the state's Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program in order to help residents pay their heating bills. To leave anyone, especially children who rely on utilities to attend virtual school, without electricity or heat is unconscionable when these companies have guaranteed income and millions in revenue.. But the majority of these orders are . Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). 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 utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. April 1, 2021: Electric, gas, and water utilities submit final Emergency Utility Customer Protection Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC. These funds can help millions keep their water running and dig out from a mountain of utility debt, while helping utilities offset decreased revenue without raising rates. HEAP is a seasonal program. The fact sheet provides a guide for advocates, utilities, and state and local officials who are seeking to help customers with past due and unaffordable water and sewer bills. 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. 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. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. 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. 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. For collection of delinquent amounts by water-sewer districts, the procedures in RCW 57.08.081control. If you received a shut-off notice from your electric or gas utility, call your utility immediately and ask to enroll in a payment plan. Earlier this month, Gov. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. of King v. Ne. June 30, 2021: Emergency Customer Protections expire. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Some page levels are currently hidden. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days 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. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace. We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. 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 For water-sewer districts considering rate forgiveness,RCW 57.08.014requires the district to notify all ratepayers of the special rates and any associated cost shifts. 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. 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. In the past year, the CPUC and the states utilities stepped up efforts to get eligible customers to sign up for the California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE, and the Family Electric Rates Assistance, or FERA programs. She is borrowing electricity from down the hall to keep her food from spoiling. Utilities have argued an extension would make it more likely customers would fall further behind on their bills, which could result in utilities passing on those losses to all ratepayers. 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. 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. 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 grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. All rights reserved. Keep updated on the latest news and information. * Unsurprisingly, when California examined its statewide data, low-income communities of color had disproportionately high levels of household water debt. Try now to get LIHEAP funds, Dollar Energy Fund help or emergency assistance, they said. Since it has not been referenced in any subsequent proclamations, the guidance may not have any legal effect. 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. 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. By February 25, 2021, IOUs shall submit drafts of Transition Plan Advice Letters to CPUC staff (, Jan. 22, 2021: Comments on Draft Resolution M-4849. 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). Many customers financial situations have changed during the pandemic. Utilities - Billing and Collection. Please visit theCSD websitefor more information. 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. "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. "It's just very difficult that the PSC wouldn't allow us to use our same tools," said Bessette. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, call your municipal utility immediately to ask about any assistance programs that may be available. But, thewinter moratorium doesnot apply to water utilities. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. If one of these suppliers is on your bill, it is possible that one of these companies switched your electricity supply without your permission. You should also closely review your electric and gas utility bills to determine whether you are buying your electric or gas supply from your utility or from another entity, often called a competitive supplier. Please limit your input to 500 characters. You may be able to pause mortgage payments, credit card bills, bank fees and more during the pandemic. If you are a small business customer that receives electric or gas service through a municipal utility, call your municipal utility to see what programs they offer to help avoid disconnection. 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. 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%. The commission, known as the CPUC for short, extended the moratorium earlier this year but it was set to run out June 30. 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. State officials recommend anyone with a shut-off notice to set up a plan now with their electric, gas or water provider. Remember that for city-owned utilities,RCW 35.67.210 and RCW 35.67.215 apply to sewage liens. Thanks for signing up. For county-owned utilities, RCW 36.94.150 authorizes a lien for sewerage and water. Hous. Customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. Southern states are more frequently turning to pay-to-use express lanes as a way to address highway congestion without raising taxes. 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. In this post, well focus on what effect (if any) the proclamations have on your existing collections process. 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. Municipal Elections Running for Office Residential customers making payments under payment plans with their investor-owned electric or gas utility will remain protected from shut-off as long as they make payments under the payment schedule. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. Valcq pointed out that similar assistance programs do not exist for water customers. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. The order also applies to small-business customers who have bills at least 60 days past due. The grace period for residential cable and internet for customers with school-aged children ended on December 31, 2021. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. The Natural Resources Defense Council works to safeguard the earth - its people, PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. If you qualify as income eligible, there are several programs, including: (1) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program that helps Massachusetts residents pay their heating bills; (2) the low-income discount rate program for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers; and (3) arrearage management programs (AMPs) for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers. 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. 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 policy should provide clear criteria for allowing the debt to be written off and should apply to all types of accounts receivable (water, sewer, garbage, court fines, and other fees and charges that the utility may impose). 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. In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are Other CPUC Actions We are using lanterns to get ready for work.". However, the question remains as to what actions local utilities can take to collect past-due amounts. 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. Illinois' moratorium on utility shut-offs during the COVID-19 pandemic ends Wednesday, but there is still help available for anyone who needs assistance paying bills. 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. 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 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. Consider solar energy to reduce electricity usage. The program protects specific categories of customers from having their gas or electric shut off between November 15 and March 15 of each 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 |. In the first quarter of this year, more than 3.3 million residential customers of the states big four utilities have fallen behind on their bills: Applying SDG&Es figure to its overall residential customer total of about 1.326 million, that means 36.6 percent of SDG&E residential customers are in arrears. Utility Late Fee/Shutoff Moratorium Expires September 30: Now What. and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities The Biden administration is pushing for more economic relief, but has not yet committed to stopping shut-offs. 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. 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. 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? 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. So, late fees for commercial customers were also prohibited during the emergency. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. The commissioners did not heed that call. The move comes after S.C. Gov. Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. 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. On June 14, Governor Murphy announced that the moratorium on utility service shutoffs will end as of July 1, 2021. A federal program can help. 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. VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. 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. NJBPUtook several other actions to issue guidance to the utility companies during the State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency, including: Water and Sewer Arrearages Summary as of September , 2022 (PDF). Aug. 13, 2020, at 12:14 p.m. Bills to Stop Paying During Coronavirus. 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. 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