(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? and utilities under its jurisdiction are doing to support communities CAPP dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. Earlier this month, the Legislature earmarked $1 billion in the upcoming 2022 state budget to help Californians pay overdue utility bills. 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. The commissioners did not heed that call. But many utility companies have said without the threat of a shut-off notice, their bills would go unpaid. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Medical Information from healthcare professionals on symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and proper steps to take if exposed to COVID-19. Maintaining access to water and other essential utility services remains as vital as ever to safeguard public health, as the pandemic continues. Thursdays 5-0 vote extends the moratorium through the end of September for both residential and small-business customers. Lake Washington Sewer & Water Dist. 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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. 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. Consumer advocates want to make sure all utilities are required to offer longer payment plans and forgive debt. Please let us know how we can improve this page. We offered specific program design recommendations to deliver assistance to those with the greatest need; maximize public health benefits by using program funds to protect access to essential water service; ensure accountability for program spending by states and utilities; and generate data to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and determine how to improve upon it. Murphy was set to sign an executive order Monday that ends the 15-month moratorium on utility shut-offs on July 1, but creates a grace period through Dec. 31 for residents to sign up for a. March 17, 2020: CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation. Those figures were roughly the same in April 2018. The New Jersey moratorium on gas and electric companies shutting off service due to non-payment during the coronavirus pandemic is set to expire at the end of the year and the state has sent . For more information, please visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The Utilities and Transportation Commission also ordered investor-owned utilities to continue waiving new customer deposits and late fees through Oct. 27, 2021. Information on testing, vaccines, and help finding appointments near you. Take steps to reduce your overall energy usage this winter, which should in turn help you lower your utility bill. Some page levels are currently hidden. BGE Customers With Disconnected Service Can Get Service Restored During COVID-19 Pandemic. Moratoriums on electric shutoffs now expiring, Despite the continuing pandemic, Duke and other utilities are now disconnecting customers falling behind, as state moratoriums expire. The California legislature approved the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) in the 2021-2022 State Budget. With clear criteria, the governing body can delegate the authority to write-off the debt to staff without further involvement from the governing body. 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%. San Diego International Airport received the $20 million grant as part of the governments Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For FAQs on the end of the moratorium and the six-month grace period, click here. 8, even as sewage contamination led to closures for 35 days last year. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. If you receive residential electric or gas service through a municipal utility, contact them directly to find out more about their shut-off policy and to hear about available payment assistance programs. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. You must re-apply each year and meet the qualifications to receive a HEAP benefit. For resources and updates about New Jerseys response to COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 Information Hub. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. Meanwhile, utility customers have amassed large, unpaid bills, as a majority of the state has been working from home and using more energy. 505 Van Ness Avenue March 20, 2020: The CPUC has temporarily waived the hard copy filing requirements for our Advice Letter process. PUC Chair Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said its time to return to the regular collections process.. However, if a customer misses more than two payments in their COVID-19 relief plan, they can be kicked out of the plan. 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. of Cty. Customers should consider the following: Replaced outdated light bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs. You can check outcurrent and historic basic service rates here. its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. 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 . Visitwww.mass211.orgor dial 211 to find your local agency. 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). For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. "I just want some time to get my money," she said. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. In addition to your utility, you can contact the Department of Public Utilitiesat877-886-5066, or completetheir online complaint form. Gov. VIDEO: State regulators considering banning all electricity cutoffs for non-payment until next April. Last month, Ayanna McClure learned how quickly landlords were filing eviction notices when the moratoriums expired. 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. Utility Collection Deferrals, Shutoffs, and Payment Plans. 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 . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, A map from the National Association of Utility Regulators (NARUC). Using Electronic Signatures During Emergencies, Woodward says Spokane economic recovery continues, but problems loom. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. And the amount of unpaid bills had increased 67% since 2019 to $1 billion in February. 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. Gavin Newsom went into effect in March 2020, the utilities commission announced power companies could not disconnect services to customers for one year.