Beyond that, state law requires utility companies to notify you at least 35 days before shutting you off. Private electricity companies will be required to send a 10-day "re-notification . Santa Clara, California, Financial Analyst It's also easy to share a link to an article you've liked or an industry resource that you think would be helpful. Our reporting shows that, across the state, almost 1.3 million residential gas and electric customers are 60 or more days behind on their bills. This order does NOT excuse customers from paying their bill. Natural Resources Defense Council 2023 Privacy Policy Texas is barring electricity companies from shutting off service for unpaid bills after storms caused prices to surge. A NYSEG rate hike applied retroactively from April 2020 to 2023, increases average household bills by more than 9 percent. 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. In California, for instance, a statewide arrearage management plan sets aside $1 billion in funding to help with utility debt. Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency, the state Department of Public Works suspended utilities providers from cutting off residents' services due to non-payment as a result of the novel coronavirus. And through the Utility Assistance Program, people who are elderly, blind, disabled, mentally impaired or in other qualifying situations may be eligible for cash grants. Im constantly trying to fight and to dig out of a hole that Im in.. Therefore, in addition to the protections included in this new law, it remains vital to ensure that service is restored promptly to all families, even if they were disconnected before the state of emergency began. Great River Energy The company is offering flexible payment plans that will be protected from service disconnection . All she has to do is pay her current bill on time every month for a year, and her debt to PSE&G will be forgiven. House Democrats included such a moratorium in a $3 trillion pandemic bill . Menlo Park, California, Senior Electrical Estimator Energy justice advocacy groups are also pushing for legislation that would guide a shift from privately owned power generation and distribution capacity to more democratically run, publicly owned systems. We will Your utility bill includes two main charges: the supply charge, for the energy itself, and the delivery charge, which covers the wires, substations and other infrastructure used to transport the energy from the generator to your home. Thats why in New York, dozens of groups are calling on Gov. PSEG and experts say if you are having problems paying your bill and need to take advantage of the state moratorium on shut-offs (and avoid late fees), its best to call the utility to tell them your circumstances, and see if a minimal payment plan can be arranged.