COMMISSION ENDS EMERGENCY MORATORIUM ON UTILITY DISCONNECTION ACTIVITIES AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2020
September 15, 2020
Hallowell, Maine - September 15, 2020 The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) ordered the emergency moratorium on utility disconnection that was implemented in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to end November 1, 2020.
Today's ruling allows utilities to recommence normal disconnection activities November 1, 2020, subject to all applicable Commission rules (including limitations during the winter disconnection period for residential customers of electric and natural gas utilities), subject to a 30-day notice requirement. Utilities are required to offer reasonable payment arrangements on arrearages, and the order requires them to waive new late-payment charges when a customer enters a payment arrangement and continue the waiver as long as the customer remains in compliance with that arrangement.
"The Commission weighed the multifaceted interests of customers and utilities in making this decision," said Chairman Philip L. Bartlett II. The emergency moratorium was implemented to assist customers in the early days of the pandemic, when schools and businesses were being shuttered and people were ordered to stay at home. Continuing the blanket moratorium indefinitely would prevent some utility customers from accessing federal CARES Act funds to help them with their bills and could drive up costs for all utility customers over the long term.
For electric and natural gas utilities, the effect of the Commissions ruling is that no residential customer can be disconnected without Commission approval from November 1, 2020 through April 15, 2021. For other utilities, disconnections may occur if utilities follow all Commission rules.
About the Commission The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service and Dig Safe. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chairman, Bruce Williamson and Randall Davis serve as Commissioners.
Learn more about the Commission at www.maine.gov/mpuc
Harry Lanphear, Administrative Director, (207) 287-3831 or email: Harry.Lanphear@Maine.gov
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