Liberty Utilities won’t shut off customer power during COVID-19 concern Local News Posted: Mar 14, 2020 / 07:09 PM CDT / Updated: Mar 14, 2020 / 07:13 PM CDT You are still responsible for paying for the utility services that you use, even during a moratorium on shut-offs. Although most residential customers are protected from electric and gas shut-offs until July 1, 2021, your utility may offer a payment plan, arrearage forgiveness, or payment assistance programs that will help you avoid accumulating large balances on your bills during the moratorium. You can also go to. In addition to LIHEAP, investor-owned electric and gas utility customers who qualify as income eligible are eligible to receive a low-income discount rate on their bill and to participate in AMP. You are still responsible for paying your utility or municipality bill during and after the moratorium period. If you get your electricity or gas from a competitive supplier, you can contact your supplier to negotiate a lower rate. Please see below for more information about applying to LIHEAP. Gov. 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; and (3) arrearage management programs (AMPs) for investor-owned electric and gas utility customers. It is important, however, not to fall behind on your bills. The AGO issued a 2018 report and 2019 update, and 2021 update that found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply. provides more detailed household income information. This page, Frequently Asked Questions about Electric and Gas Utilities during COVID-19, is, Frequently Asked Questions about Electric and Gas Utilities during COVID-19, If you are a residential customer, your electric or gas service will not be shut off if you receive electric or gas service from an investor-owned utility, such as Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, or Berkshire Gas. Utilities in Wisconsin will once again be able to shut off services for customers who fail to pay their bills. The program is now accepting applications. Small business customers may also qualify for payment plans that include arrearage forgiveness. The decision means that utilities will not be able to shut off water, power or heat during the winter months. If you do not qualify for a low-income program, contact your electric or gas utility to learn about flexible payment plans. Due to the pandemic, the current moratorium on residential electric and gas shut-offs has been extended through July 1, 2021. The actions are in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 economic crisis. Electricity and Gas are essential services—that’s why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it. Utilities also offer another way to stay on top of your bills called budget billing. Please see below for more information about applying to LIHEAP. Mass.gov® is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You can also file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or by calling our hotline at 617-727-8400. If you are a customer of a municipal utility, call your municipal utility immediately to ask about any assistance programs that may be available. For customers of investor-owned electric and gas utilities, payment plans can also help avoid shut-off once the moratorium ends on July 1, 2021. Visit, Eastern Mass: 866-861-6225 Western Mass: 877-963-2632. for an energy efficiency audit. This chart from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). On Oct. 15, the commission ordered investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington to continue a moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment until July 31, 2021. to find more information about your local community action agency and eligibility. Paying what you can will help avoid large balances and shut-off once the moratorium ends. ... utilities can disconnect customers' water service at any time of … Call your electric or gas utility immediately to enroll. 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). coronavirus — State regulators on Tuesday extended protections against utility cutoffs for people who can’t pay through April 30, 2021. For more information, please go here. Baker Ripley's Utility Assistance Program: You can apply for up to $3,200 in utility assistance.. Also, some natural gas providers have voluntarily halted natural gas shutoffs due to COVID-19. To learn about these payment programs, please contact your utility. The move comes after S.C. Gov. 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. Of unpaid bills monthly utility bills over time you will have to make rent or mortgage payments until December,! 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