If people actually have control over our energy system, and were making decisions about the basic resource that affects all of our lives, then you would be talking about a system that isnt run solely for the benefit of a small handful of wealthy shareholders, Robbins said. As of December 2021, 32 of those states have let those protections expire. There are a significant number of residents who are in danger of having their services cut off after today, and that is why were continuing to ask utility companies to work with people as they apply for assistance but they must apply for help, said Lt. Gov. Paralegal - Office of Victim Services (Jamestown) To that end, in an effort to help minimize the exposure . Instead, they try to work out repayment plans over a period of months or even years. Unlike electric and gas utilities, there are no statewide programs for low-income water assistance, and few local ones. An average residential electric customer using 600 kWh of electricity per month is expected to pay about $75 per month for supply. As the weather warms, shut-offs of electric and gas service due to nonpayment tend to pick up. Check this page for information about determining your eligibility, or email Con Ed about the program at LowIncomeRate@coned.com. As VICE News reported, in August 2021, the Public Service Commission voted 7-0 to approve a rate hike impacting 1.9 million residents, $129 million of which was earmarked to build National Grids North Brooklyn Pipeline, which has faced significant community opposition. The company is offering flexible payment plans that will be protected from service disconnection . That would be extremely helpful and take a lot of stress off me, Ms. Inghilleri said. Honeywell recently announced that it is shutting down production of N95 respirators at two facilities, in Smithfield, R.I., and Phoenix, laying off more than 1,000 workers. Legal Services Paralegal (Olean) Amber Johnson is the organizing and training director at the New York Energy Democracy Alliance (NYEDA). In the cold spell that followed a mild December, the cost of electricity in the New York City region jumped 28 percent in January, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. A gift of any size makes a difference and helps keep this unique platform alive. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If you receive food stamps, temporary assistance or Social Security benefits, you may already be enrolled in a program that offers a discount on your bills. If youre behind in your bills, you think its just you, right? she told Truthout. But Im not rich.. That means fuel costs more. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images, By Samantha Maldonado and Marie J. French. (We are tracking statewide water shutoff moratoria, including some that have already expired, here.). Were proud to publish real news 365 days of the year, completely free of charge to our readers. What utilities are protected from shutoff? ", In addition, the state agency said, Home Energy Fair Practices Act rules "require that a disconnection/termination notice must be printed in a size type capable of attracting immediate attention. Consumer Law Staff Attorney "The last thing we want to do is shut off . LCRA Avangrid, which owns New York State Electric & Gas and Rochester Gas & Electric, serving broad swathes of upstate New York, will suspend shut-offs due to unpaid bills for 30 days, spokesperson Michael Jamison said. Typically customers receive notices about 20 days past an overdue bill, and then 15 days before the company plans to shut off service. PSEG bills may include atermination notice but aspokeswoman said the note is only there for technical reasons, and users should instead refer to a message in smaller type above it. This is designed to ensure consumers are made aware of the notice.". SNAP Emergency Allotments are ending by the end of the month. There would have been no way that I can get paid up by then, Ms. Inghilleri said. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. Con Edison does not accept these payment methods. If people are quarantined or out of work due to a widespread economic slowdown, some advocates say they shouldnt have to worry about having the lights or heat turned off. Though the shutoff number may appear large, utilities regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility . Everyone, regardless as to what industry, has to have a heightened responsibility thats encompassed in compassion and take everything into consideration, New Jersey state Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) told POLITICO. Con Edison says it has held off on disconnecting residential customers and small businesses. They will still be responsible for the outstanding cost of their water service, they just will not face the risk of water being cut off for non-payment at this time. On top of that, the price of the oil, supplied by a different company, has increased with each delivery. Con Edison does not accept these payment methods. On Thursday, Con Edison offered the suspension . Now is not the time to be worrying about late payments or bills. For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Jackie Huba, who lives in Harlem, got a bill from Con Edison in January for $891, double what she was billed two months before. If you are able, you should pay your utility bills as they come due. We will Bills such as the Build Public Renewables Act would help by requiring the states largest publicly owned utility to be the sole provider to both state-owned and municipally owned buildings and to exclusively source renewable energy. This is a reasonable outcome for ratepayers, Public Service Commissioner John Howard told the USA Today New York Network, noting that the agency approved a lower rate hike than the utility requested. The agency told him, "theyre not going to do anything anyway," to terminate his service because of the law barring shut-offs. Published Jul 29, 2021. In the end what you end up with are people who are shut off who aren't able to reconnect." COVID-19s clear impact There's little doubt more people are falling behind on their bills. When customers of Consolidated Edison in New York City and its northern suburbs complained about sharp increases in their bills this winter, the company said the main cause was a spike in the price of natural gas driven by winter demand. Business customers may wish to rent a portable generator, but please note that we cannot reimburse you for this cost. As winter dragged on, she fell further behind, owing PSE&G about $2,800. Nurses at Health + Hospitals earn on average $12,000 less than their private sector counterparts. How do I protect my utilities from being shutoff? Leanna First-Arai is a freelancejournalistwho coversenvironmental and climate (in)justice. The Executive Order also requires restoration of service to customers that were disconnected for non-payment 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 first . Image: Customer communication with energy saving tips, Great to see this for customers that may not yet feel comfortable interacting with outside workers if they are in vulnerable populations. But its important to know: Con Ed doesnt set those rates. This new law provides several important safeguards for residential utility customers by: One limitation of this new law is that it requires reconnections only for utility services that were terminated during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Congress, states, and utilities will all have important roles in crafting a solution that works. The federal government offers the Home Energy Assistance Program, but the application process is cumbersome and doesnt stretch far enough. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam to 3.4 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Easy Tips on How to Save Energy at Home This Summer., Con Edison Customers Made 2022 Another Record Year for Solar Energy, EV Charger Installations Rocket in NYC and Westchester Thanks to Con Edison Support, Con Edison Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions as it Replaces Gas Mains for Safety, Reliability, Learn more about posting on Energy Central , PUC Sr. Market Analyst (Program Spec VII) (00028762), PUC Engineer (Engineer IV - VI) (00029045), Associate Director/Director: Electric Portfolio Manager, Senior Customer Programs Transportation Electrification Manager. Marin Clean Energy (MCE) In New York and New Jersey alone, more than two million customers are in debt to companies that provide electricity, heat, water and broadband. In New Orleans, City Council members pressed Entergy Corp., the nearly $21 billion company that provides the city's power, to suspend shutoffs as the national crisis rapidly worsened Thursday . Youre not alone. This includes water, sewer and trash pick up services. Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. 2023 Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. . There is merit to the idea that air-conditioning is helpful during a pandemic, as the US board ASHRAE said. It includes electric heat. She and her fianc kept three space heaters going to supplement the heat supplied by their oil-burning furnace. You must re-apply each year and meet the qualifications to receive a HEAP benefit. Over the past several weeks, we have been implementing those plans. On March 15, state officials warned customers of potential shut-offs. This note is for information purposes only.". When the pandemic led to lockdowns that triggered huge job losses, people in New York City and the surrounding region accumulated a mountain of debt. A moratorium remains in place for water, gas and electric service turn-offs until Nov. 15 . LawNY Statement on the Killing of Tyre Nichols, Ontario County Resident Home Saved - Case marks a huge legal win for homeowners across New York State, Amelia Kohli is our next staff spotlight! That includes 411,694 residential Con Ed customers in New York City and Westchester. PFAS contamination has been documented in polar bears, tigers in China, plankton off the coast of Panama, and more. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam to 3.4 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit www.conEd.com. Steve Haber of Franklin Square received one on his most recent bill, an apparent mix-up that he said resulted from PSEG neglecting to send him a prior quarterly bill earlier this year. Her landlord knew this, she said, but he was aiming to sell the house, so he didnt want to invest in the fixes. Here is the DPS guide for how to fill out the complaint, and what happens when you do. Santa Clara, California, Financial Analyst This new law is sweeping and precedent-setting: New York is the first state to act via legislationto establish a statewide moratorium on all utility shutoffswater, gas, electric, and telephone, including both publicly- and privately-owned utilities. Kathleen Kerr, the alliances director for utility assistance, said she was waiting for the bombardment of calls from people who had gotten shut-off notices. Consistent with customer preferences prioritizing the health and safety of the public and its workforce, Con Edison will incrementally resume the work that was put on pause in response to the rapid spread of the pandemic. Texas is barring electricity companies from shutting off service for unpaid bills after storms caused prices to surge. Other states have done so by some combination of executive order or utility commission order, with legislation playing a supporting role on water in at least one instance. In Nebraska, which is currently the only state in the U.S. with 100 percent publicly owned energy infrastructure, residents pay at least 15 percent below the national average for the energy they use. Con Edison, the largest utility in the state serving most of New York City, had already informed the Department of Public Service it will suspend all shut-offs in the one-mile radius New Rochelle containment area, spokesperson Michael Clendenin said on Thursday. You can opt out at any time. Those with diabetes should not be forced to pay $98 for a vial of insulin that costs $8 to manufacture, Sanders said. LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) - As the coronavirus outbreak brings normal life to a halt for millions of people, Southern California Gas Company announced Friday it would not stop service for customers . As a single mother, covering expenses is a constant challenge. New Jerseys moratorium, one of the last in effect, expired on March 15. Ebony Jackson is a community leader and small business owner in Binghamton, New York. Managing Attorney What if my utilities have already been shut off by my service provider? Pandemic-era boosts to SNAP will soon be rolled back, threatening rural communities with little access to alternatives. Con Edison crews and contractors will observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and city health guidelines. Folsom, California, Sr. Electrical Engineer Ultimately, customers unable to pay will need additional financial assistance, including some level of arrearage forgiveness, to keep the water on. Public Utility Law Project executive director Richard Berkley said thats important because customers can get behind on multiple utility bills, and have a hefty balance due when the moratorium is lifted in the spring. Ms. Inghilleri, 33, said she could not keep up with the hefty bills she received this winter from PSE&G, her electricity provider. Theres a campaign in New York to suspend evictions and foreclosures, with growing political support. In addition, we are leveraging the guidance of the CDC, state and local authorities. The PUC's order will still prohibit utilities from shutting off "protected customers" whose income is no more than triple the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are set at $26,200 for a family of four, so the yearly limit for such a family would be $78,600.The protected customers must apply for available assistance programs and request a payment arrangement from the utility to pay down . prohibiting shutoffs during the COVID-19 state of emergency for non-payment of a utility bill; requiring reconnection, within 48 hours of disconnection, for utility service that had been shut off during the emergency; extending the moratorium on utility shutoffs for 180 days beyond when the state of emergency has been lifted or has expired (no later than March 31, 2021 as per, requiring the utility to offer a restructuring of payments owed to the utility, without requiring a down payment or assessing late fees or penalties, for customers that have experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 emergency; and. A NYSEG rate hike applied retroactively from April 2020 to 2023, increases average household bills by more than 9 percent. But on Wednesday, New Jerseys largest power distributor, PSE&G, started sending representatives to shut off electricity of customers who had not responded to multiple warnings and whose bills were more than 90 days past due, a company spokeswoman said. On account of historically racist housing policies, Black families are more likely to live in energy-inefficient housing stock, according to forthcoming research to be published in the journal Energy Research & Social Science. But each states moratorium is set to lapse before the end of the year, just when ratepayers are more behind in payments than ever before: As of November 2021, ratepayers in the Empire State alone owed a whopping $2 billion to energy giants such as National Grid and Con Edison. Visiting, e-mailing, or calling about outstanding bills or disconnecting service. Follow her on Twitter: @FirstArai. Amelia has been with LawNY for over 9 years. The Department of Public Service says if a residential customer is shut off for nonpayment in violation of the utility disconnection moratorium, they should file a complaint at 1-800-342-3377. Legal Services Paralegal The problem isnt new. You should contact 2-1-1 in your area to find out about any payment assistance programs to help with the amount owed. Unfortunately, scams targeting utility customers increase during times of uncertainty; we urge you to call us first at 1-800-655-4555 before taking any action, or if you are suspicious about any COVID-19-related emails or calls you receive from people claiming to be with SCE.We will never call you or email you to demand payment and threaten to disconnect your service if payment isn't . Millions of U.S. residents behind on bills are at risk of having their electricity, heat and ability to stir up a hot meal cut off on December 22 by private utility companies, just a day after the solstice heralds the colder states' descent into true winter's chill. What if my service provider is threatening to shut off my utilities anyway? . If someone claims to be from Con Edison, call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) and check the employee's name and ID. Our mission at EnergyCentral is to help global power industry professionals work better. As New Yorkers are staying at home to protect themselves and their families, the need for water, gas, electric, and telecommunications services are even more critical than ever. Rochester, Minnesota, Transmission Trading Specialist (Hybrid) Republicans have introduced several bills aimed at bolstering the fossil fuel industry, seemingly at all costs. ", A PSEG spokeswoman said the bold-face note is only there for technical reasons, and users should instead refer to a message in smaller type above it. Given the background of a collapsing stock and equity market, all of which matters to the utilities, we have to be careful about blanket moratoriums [on shutoffs] in New York, Berkley said. But he noted that not everyone will have trouble paying their utility bills if theyre under quarantine. Energy Central contributors share their experience and insights for the benefit of other Members (like you). Con Edison crews and contractors will observe, . Customers can also find great energy savings tips on the Con Edison. Battery Energy Storage Systems Will Make the City Greener and Theyre a Lot Safer Than E-Bike Batteries, If youre eligible for HEAP but behind on bills, you can apply for, And if youre at risk of having your heat shut off: more than $90 million is available through, For those not eligible for HEAP, theres the. Representatives can help you get on plan to pay in installments or defer payment to avoid service disruptions. While there is no precedent for a statewide, comprehensive utility debt cancellation program, New York has a reputation for leading on energy and climate. Ms. Rivera, a single mother of two who lives in Brooklyn, owes Con Edison more than $3,300. power are not interrupted during the Covid-19 Pandemic. But for residential utility customers and families, this is an impossible task if their water is shut off for non-payment of a water bill. City of Santa Clara But producing high-quality, independent work is not cost-free we rely heavily on your support. Another avenue would be for members of Congress to insert a shut-off ban in the next round of coronavirus stimulus. "Promises made not to cut off essential communications service during this time need to be kept," said one FCC commissioner. IE 11 is not supported. These utility services are vital during this current emergency and, indeed, in everyday life, and their availability should not depend on who can afford them. Andrew Cuomo during a press conference Friday. In 2019, the state passed the most ambitious state-level climate legislation in the country, requiring its electricity sector to be emissions free by 2040. State Disclosures, Senior Attorney, Safe Water Initiative, People & Communities Program. She made a down payment of $150 and agreed to pay monthly installments of $10 for the next 27 years. All rights reserved. Electric, natural gas, steam, landline telephones, internet, and both public and private water services. The Number of Rent-Stabilized Apartments Registered in Ridgewood Plummeted. Paralegal - Consumer Unit After finding work as a receptionist in November, Ms. Rivera, 35, got help from the Public Utility Law Project in arranging an unusual payoff term. It's an effort to ease financial impacts to . Please show them your appreciation by leaving a comment, 'liking' this post, or following this Member. The Texas Public Utility Commission voted Thursday to ban utilities from cutting off power and water services to Texans who have lost jobs and income during the COVID-19 crisis for at least the . 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. Pennsylvania utilities have cut off service to 116,000 customers for nonpayment since the state lifted a moratorium on shutoffs on April 1 after a staggering number of unpaid bills piled up during the coronavirus pandemic. Suspensions based on safety concerns such as gas leaks will continue, and the company encourages customers to pay their bills online. Con Edison crews will only enter your home or business for emergencies, safety reasons and upon your request for critical issues, including turning on service. Organizers Push for Stronger Covid-19 Utility Shut-Off Protections as Winter Nears Thirty-three states have either let their Covid-19 utility moratoriums expire or never passed them at all. Start a Post Learn more about posting on Energy Central . Utility Bills Piled Up During the Pandemic. Wisconsin did something similar: In 2019, the state legislature passed a bill that prevents utility companies from shutting off electricity or heat from Nov. 1 to April 15. There are some additional protections against water shutoffs through June 2022. The company has invested $1.3 billion in its electric-delivery systems to keep service reliable this summer and added new technologies to build a clean energy future. Available data from other states and projections for New York State specifically, suggest that millions of New Yorkers are likely already behind on their utility bills, accumulating substantial arrears that would subject them to shutoff at their utilitys discretion without guaranteed protections from the state. Here's a list of the internet providers offering limited, no-cost internet services during the outbreak. If you have an issue with your utility and would like to file a complaint, please contact the Consumer Affairs Branch via phone at 1-800-649-7570 or via email at consumer-affairs@cpuc.ca.gov. At the top of the bill, in large bold letters, is a notice that reads, "THIS IS A FINAL TERMINATION NOTICE. 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. What if I can still afford my utility bills?

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