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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. As past-due balances grow, the commission is asking gas, electric and water utilities to submit comprehensive plans for dealing with delinquent bills by Jan. 15. Thank you for your website feedback! You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. 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. 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. 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. Maybe. 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). Links to the 2020 briefing decks presented to CPUC and CAL FIRE can be found on the utility websites below. State extends utility cutoff protection through April 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. (Rob Nikolewski/The San Diego Union-Tribune), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, California Public Utilities Commission passed an extension, extended the moratorium earlier this year, one of the highest electricity rates in the country, California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE, and the Family Electric Rates Assistance, or FERA programs, Is your utility bill going to get even higher? For more information about the Winter Termination Program, call 800-624-0241. Why is my BGE bill so high 2021? Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for SBA disaster assistance programs online or seek assistance from SBAs Customer Service Center at 1-800-569-2955/1-800-877-8339 (TTY). In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities March 1 2023, Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities 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. 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. If your bill lists a competitive supplier that you do not recognize, there are two possibilities. keep you informed with the latest alerts and progress reports. 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. San Diego Gas & Electric residential customer bills. 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. States should heed the same recommendations as they set up their own programs to administer LIHWAP funds. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)provides more detailed household income information. It can reduce electric bills 30 to 35 percent. Plus, more than half the amount owed comes from customers not enrolled in assistance programs that help defray utility bills. 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. The fact sheet describes what is currently known of the program and will be updated as HHS releases more information. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy We want all Massachusetts residents to be aware of thenew and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their home heating bills. 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. , The commissioners did not heed that call. 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. *Note:This combined total for New York City and California is likely a conservative estimate. Applications for LIHEAP for the 2022-2023 heating season can be submitted now and throughout the winter heating season. "You don't get medical pay period when you are a temp worker," she explained. For county-owned utilities, RCW 36.94.150 authorizes a lien for sewerage and water. Can a power company turn off power? Hochul announces rollout of electric and gas utility bill credits for 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. Please visit the CSD website for more information. 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. California Public Utilities Commission If one of these suppliers is on your bill, it is possible that one of these companies switched your electricity supply without your permission. An increase in your homes energy efficiency should result in lower utility bills over time. The California Public Utilities Commission also extended the power shutoff moratorium to Sept. 30, days before it was set to expire on June 30. concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved One possibility is that you are participating in your city or towns community choice electric plan. This blog is co-authored by Larry Levine (NRDC) and Olivia Wein (National Consumer Law Center). According to research at Indiana University that looked at a nationally representative sample of households below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, 20% of Black households and 28% of Hispanic households reported being unable to pay an energy bill between June and August 2020, compared to just 12% of white households. So even before there was a mandate to do so, we voluntarily suspended disconnections in early March, said Janet Kim, of PSE. CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. Auth. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also. Customers can opt out of the plan if they want. State Regulators Bar All Utilities From Shutting Off Water, Power And 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. One water system has already said that it will resume shutoffs the next day. Sign up today for a digital subscription. SDG&E spokeswoman Sara Prince said the utility supports the CPUCs moves. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year. 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. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. 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. Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According toRCW 19.16.500(1)(b),utilities may also add a reasonable collections fee to the outstandingdebt. Click here for more on competitive electric suppliers. The Energy 202: Biden under pressure to stop utility shutoffs during 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. 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. Note that the proclamations do not prohibit imposing some kind of monetary penalty for failing to comply with the provisions of a payment plan. Those moratoriums are running out, and thousands of unemployed people plus others still battling COVID-19 are running out of options. However, the California data do not include arrears for customers of wastewater-only utilities. These programs are voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. Can it be done by appointment? But this part-time warehouse worker says she was battling COVID, and was out of work for weeks. its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. 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. How to apply for rent and utility bill assistance in Texas Customers behind on their utility bills have three more months of assurance they will not get their power shut off for non-payment after the California Public Utilities Commission passed an extension on Thursday. N.J. again extends ban on utilities shutting off power, gas, water to 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. April 23, 2020: CPUC held a workshop on Impacts of COVID-19 on Customer-Oriented Clean Energy Program. Many have indicated that if the moratoriums expire, they will cut customers off from power or heat, said Ruth Sawyer, of the Sierra Club. 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. We know this has been an extremely difficult time for our customers. 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. 2023 www.goerie.com. A lock icon ( 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. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a . Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. Last month, regulators voted 2 to 1 to extend a temporary moratorium on utility shutoffs during the COVID-19 crisis for residential customers until Nov. 1. Pa. lifts moratorium on pandemic shutoffs and allows utilities to 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. Digging Into Public Works In-person regional forums and training resources for public works staff and local contractors. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. Bill Protecting Washingtonians From Utility Shutoffs During Extreme 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. Sign up now! 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). This partnership was previously. 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. 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. 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. COVID-19 - California Public Utilities Commission March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. For more information on community choice electric plans, also known as municipal aggregations, visit this website maintained by the Department of Public Utilities here. 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. https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20211222a.shtml, https://www.nj.gov/bpu/newsroom/reports/covid19/Moratorium_Ending_FAQs_061421.pdf. 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. Nowak has previously urged the commission to work with the Evers administration to provide assistance to water customers in need through CARES Act funding. Are we in violation of a law if we do not have a location that is open to the public to serve? Is there a process for cities to write-off bad debt? Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. By comparison, about 12 percent of customers had past-due balances in April 2019, amounting to $184million. "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. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. No, your landlord cannot shut off your utilities. On-Demand Webinars Watch pre-recorded versions of our recent webinars, at your own convenience. (Since interest is generally considered to be a penalty for non-payment it is probably included in late fees.). Your electric or gas utility may be able to arrange a new payment plan that you can afford and, at the same time, the utility can also check your eligibility to participate in a range of payment assistance programs (see discussion below about available residential electric or gas payment assistance programs). With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. Take steps to reduce your overall energy usage this winter, which should in turn help you lower your utility bill. 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. If you are homebound, you may request a home visit to apply for HEAP. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. 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 . Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Municipal Elections Running for Office The utility shutoff grace period ended on March 15, 2022 for all water, electric, and sewer customers. The move comes after S.C. Gov. There is no similar prohibition for sewer or storm water services. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions.