As the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) ends the moratorium on utility shut-offs, they have  adopted a series of enhanced consumer protections intended to safeguard families and small businesses who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic – and also established a framework for future discussions about utility assistance and economic recovery.

The PUC press release states, “Moving forward, while still acknowledging that the pandemic and its economic effects have not disappeared, requires a mix of holistic, short-term and long-term solutions to offer customers protections and ensure the payment of bills from customers that are able to pay.”

How you can help protect the vulnerable  — link to webinar from the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania.

The PUC consumer safeguards modify an earlier emergency order suspending all public utility terminations, which was issued by the Commission in mid-March.  This action also requires detailed monthly reporting by utilities and sets in motion a process to explore longer-term solutions to address consumer and economic utility issues in 2021.  The consumer safeguards and monthly reports established in the Motion will remain in effect no later than March 31, 2021, unless the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation is rescinded before that date or the Commission establishes a different timeframe.

Enhanced Consumer Protections

The PUC has adopted new safeguards for “protected customers” – those residential households hardest hit by the economic downturn triggered by COVID-19, along with aid for small businesses:

1. No Terminations for “Protected Customers” – Utilities shall not terminate service for residential customers with incomes within 300% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG), unless otherwise authorized by the Commission. These “protected customers” must apply for all available assistance programs and must request a payment arrangement from the utility, if appropriate.
2. Special Outreach to Customers At-Risk of Termination – Utilities must reach out to individual residential and commercial customers whose unpaid balances put them at-risk of termination after the PUC moratorium is lifted, detailing their options for addressing any overdue balances and a general time range for possible termination. This communication must be sent to customers at least 10 days prior to the traditional 10-day termination notice.
3. Payment Arrangements for Small Businesses – Utilities shall offer a payment arrangement for a period of no less than 18 months to small business customers, as defined by a utility’s tariff.  A small business customer who remains current on its payment arrangement and current bill shall not be terminated.
4. Waiver of Connection/Reconnection Fees – Utilities shall waive all connection, reconnection and deposit fees for protected customers.
5. No Late Payment Charges – Late payment charges are waived for protected customers.
6. Additional Medical Certificates – Two additional medical certificates shall be accepted by utilities for eligible customers who have exhausted the number otherwise available, with an additional seven days for medical professionals to return medical certificates to the utility.
7. Flexible Income Verification – Utilities and the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services can utilize flexible methods to verify customer income for assistance programs, payment plans and qualification as a protected customer – such as over-the-phone or e-mail.

Termination and Collections Can Resume November 9 for Customers Able to Pay

With these enhanced safeguards in place for struggling households and small businesses, the PUC’s emergency moratorium on all other utility terminations will be lifted, effective Nov. 9, 2020.

This applies to all electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and steam utilities subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Additional Monthly Reporting by Public Utilities

This PUC motion directs utilities to provide monthly reports detailing the number of active residential and non-residential accounts that are at-risk of termination and/or have been the subject of other actions.  Reports are initially due on Dec. 15, 2020, with additional reports to be filed on the 15^th of each following month, until March 31, 2021 or as otherwise determined by the Commission.

The monthly reports shall include a separate breakdown of the following information about residential and small commercial accounts:

1. At-Risk Customers – Total number of residential and non-residential accounts at risk of termination at the end of the month and for the same month the year prior.
2. Past-Due Balances –Total aggregate dollars of arrears, broken down by the same account categories, at the end of the month and for the same month the year prior.
3. Terminations – The number of residential and non-residential accounts disconnected for non-payment with dollar amounts owed.

Future Steps – Stakeholder Involvement

Because of the dynamic nature of the pandemic, the Commission will revisit these protections during the first quarter of 2021, based on the trajectory of the pandemic and the status of the economy at that time.  PUC staff will request comments and proposals from interested parties regarding any revisions to the current consumer protections.  Those comments shall be submitted to the Commission by Feb. 16, 2021.

 

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open on November 2, 2020 and is scheduled to close on April 9, 2021. 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.  The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.  Learn more about LIHEAP. 

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website for recent news releases and video of select proceedings.