March 17th, 2020 by Guest Contributor
The article is Live and being updated on the The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) website and on the SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy website.
The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) is tracking which utilities are suspending disconnections during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as regulators that are mandating suspensions. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is re-posting on our site to spread information about utility shutoffs further.
This post is regularly updated by the Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) here. As they update their post, SACE will do the same. We are sharing their post on our platform to get out the message of shutoffs to a wider audience. While SACE’s work is generally limited to the Southeast, this list covers service territories across the US.
Updated: March 16, 18:30 PT
Updated: March 15, 20:10 PT
Updated: March 15, 10:25 PT
Updated: March 14, 12:15 PT
If you have information to add, please fill out our survey here.
Many utilities that sell electricity and gas around the United States are suspending disconnections of customers who do not pay their bills during the coronavirus crisis, or are being ordered to suspend disconnections by regulators or other government officials.
— Energy & Policy Inst (@EnergyandPolicy) March 14, 2020
Other utilities are saying that they will not suspend disconnections, or are making commitments that appear to be more limited in scope.
The Energy and Policy Institute (EPI) is collecting data based on published reports about which utilities are suspending disconnections, and which public utility commissions or other governmental bodies are ordering suspensions. EPI reached out on Friday, March 13, to about two dozen large utility companies directly to ask whether they would be suspending disconnections.
We will be updating the tables below this text with more results on a rolling basis.
Regulatory and Government Action
Government bodies have ordered disconnection suspensions statewide in Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio and Wisconsin. Illinois and West Virginia regulators are “urging” utilities to suspend disconnections, and the Governor of South Carolina is “request[ing] that all regulated utilities and cooperatives … do not suspend or disconnect essential services.”
Cities that are taking action to suspend disconnections include Austin, Minneapolis (for its water utility), Seattle, and Tallahassee, plus many others.
Utility Action
Many investor-owned utility companies have suspended disconnections, including Ameren, American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Evergy, FirstEnergy, Georgia Power, NV Energy, PECO, PG&E, Southern California Edison, Xcel Energy and others.
Other utilities have not suspended disconnections, or are not stating clearly how broadly they are applying customer relief policies:
– [UPDATE, 3/16: Salt River Project and Southwest Gas have since announced that they are suspending disconnections.] In Arizona, while electric utilities Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power have said that they would suspend disconnections, the Salt River Project, a government agency which sells electricity, has said that it is not suspending disconnections. Instead, Salt River Project will “make every effort to work with our customers to avoid disconnections,” the Phoenix New Times reported. Southwest Gas, an investor-owned gas utility in the state, also offered only to “work with” customers facing financial hardship, “whatever the reason,” according to a spokesperson.
– [UPDATE, 3/15: Entergy published a statement on Saturday, March 14 updating its policy and saying that it was “temporarily suspending customer disconnects for the next 30 days as we continue to monitor the situation and may extend the period if necessary.”] In Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans is regulated by the City of New Orleans, not the state. Entergy New Orleans officials would not immediately commit to suspending disconnections when asked by members of the New Orleans City Council on Thursday, according to The Lens. Later that day, Entergy New Orleans sent a letter to council members saying that the company would “temporarily halt customer disconnects for the next 30 days if nonpayment is the result of the COVID-19 virus.” The company did not offer any detail about what a customer would have to do to prove that “nonpayment is the result of the COVID-19 virus.”
– [UPDATE, 3/16, 3:30 PT: Late on the afternoon of 3/16, FPL stated that “For now, we also are suspending disconnections at least through the end of March.” ]
– In Florida, Florida Power & Light sent customers an email on Friday advising customers having trouble paying their bills to look to federal, state, and local resources, with no comments on disconnection policies. FPL directed customers to FPL.com/help.
One anonymous respondent to EPI’s survey wrote on March 15 that their power is scheduled to be shut off today, on March 16, and wrote that FPL declined to extend the deadline further when the customer asked. EPI has not verified that account, but sent the comment to FPL for comment earlier this morning. EPI has asked FPL for a comment about service disconnections since last Friday; FPL has not responded.
– In Michigan, Consumers Energy told EPI that it is suspending shutoffs only for certain customer classes:
“We are suspending shutoffs for non-pay for low-income and senior customers beginning March 16, 2020 through April 5, 2020,” said Director of Media Relations Katie Carey. “Senior citizens and qualified low-income customers already enrolled in our Winter Protection Program have already had their end dates extended through April 30, 2020, without any additional actions required on their part.”
Deadline Detroit is reporting a similar policy from DTE Energy.
– NRG Energy, with service territory across multiple states, issued a statement saying that it extended its “ongoing support to those who may need us,” but offered no comments on updates to its disconnection policies. NRG directed customers to visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s website.
– Alabama Power has not responded to queries from EPI, and has issued a statement about its response to the crisis without mentioning anything about disconnection suspensions, despite its sister company Georgia Power announcing a suspension. The advocacy organization GASP (Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution) is calling upon Alabama Power to suspend disconnections until at least May 1 and to waive late payment charges.
Further results are below. If you know information contained here is inaccurate or dated, or if you work for a utility with information not included here, please email us at press@energyandpolicy.org.
This list is generally focused on electric and gas utilities. Food & Water Watch is keeping track of water disconnection suspensions here.
Regulators or government bodies that have ordered disconnections suspended:
LIVE: Suspended disconnects amid COVID-19 : Regulators or government bodies that ordered disconnections suspended
Jurisdiction | Suspending disconnections? | Source | Notes | ||
City of Austin, TX | Yes | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-austin-utilities-not-disconnecting-for-non-payment/269-96947fa7-1916-4884-a933-904715d90bd4 | |||
City of Denton, TX | Yes | https://www.cityofdentonnews.com/post/mayor-issues-declaration-of-local-disaster-for-covid-19 | |||
City of Minneapolis, MN | Yes | https://twitter.com/MayorFrey/status/1238497348931727366 | |||
City of Piedmont, AL | Yes | https://twitter.com/BurkhalterEddie/status/1238102719895867393 | |||
City of Seattle, WA | Yes | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/seattle-will-keep-customers-lights-water-on-during-coronavirus-emergency-defer-taxes-for-small-businesses/ | The utilities policy will apply to residential and commercial Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water and Seattle City Light electricity customers. | ||
City of Statesboro, GA | Yes | https://www.wjcl.com/article/mayor-statesboro-to-suspend-utility-disconnections-due-to-coronavirus/31474137 | |||
Connecticut | Yes | https://portal.ct.gov/PURA/Press-Releases/2020/Cease-Residential-Shut-offs-During-COVID-19-Outbreak | |||
Illinois Commerce Commission | Unclear | https://icc.illinois.gov/downloads/public/May%2013%202020%20ICC%20PR%20-%20COVID-19%20-%20Halt%20Utility%20Disconnects.pdf | The ICC is “urging” investor-owned utilities “to take immediate steps to cease disconnections for non-payment, and to suspend the imposition of late payment fees or penalties, until May 1.” | ||
Iowa | Yes | https://www.exploreokoboji.com/news/news-stories/iub-issues-emergency-order-extending-utility-winter-moratorium-period-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/ | The extended moratorium period will continue until May 1st, 2020. All IOUs, coops, and munis | ||
Kansas State Corporation Commission | Yes | https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200316105259.pdf?Id=88d5541d-695f-4b27-ae43-2ce44d20a94f | All public utilities subject to its jurisdiction to suspend disconnect service for non-payment until April 15, 2020. | ||
Louisiana Public Service Commission | Yes | http://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/_docs/_General/Covid-19%20executive%20order.pdf | |||
Maine Public Service Commission | Yes | https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=puc-pressreleases&id=2225265&v=article08 | “directed that all electric transmission and distribution utilities, natural gas utilities, water utilities, and telephone Providers of Last Resort (POLR) service not engage in any disconnection activity until further notice.” | ||
Maryland | Yes | https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Executive-Order-Prohibit-Termination-of-Residential.pdf | Via executive order by Governor. Covers all utilities (electric, gas, water, telecoms); prohibits billing or collection of late fees; until termination of State of Emergency or revised date, but not earlier than May 1. | ||
Massachusetts | Yes | https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-shutoff-moratorium-eversource-and-national-grid/download | |||
Mississippi Public Service Commission | Yes | https://twitter.com/BrandonPresley/status/1239256471403147264 | All water, electric, sewer and natural gas shutoffs for sixty days. Urges municipal utilities (out of jurisdiction) to follow suit. | ||
New Jersey | Yes | https://twitter.com/GovMurphy/status/1238535584907497472 | |||
New York | Yes | https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2020/03/13/new-jersey-new-york-suspending-utility-shut-offs-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-1266923 | Utilities in New York have voluntarily agreed to this measure, according to the governor’s office. No order from the Public Service Commission is expected. | ||
Ohio (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) | Yes | https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/DocumentRecord.aspx?DocID=f3a5d5ff-6a2a-4556-8e00-c0b9d648e5c9 | Commission directs all public utilities under its jurisdiction to review their service disconnection policies, practices, and tariff provisions and to promptly seek any necessary approval to suspend otherwise applicable requirements | ||
Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission | Yes | http://www.puc.pa.gov/about_puc/press_releases.aspx?ShowPR=4326 | Emergency order prohibiting electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam utility terminations | ||
South Carolina | Unclear | https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/newsroom/2020-03-14%20Gov.%20McMaster%20to%20ORS%20Dir.%20Edwards%20re%20Utility%20Suspension.pdf | Request that all regulated utilities and cooperatives serving the State of South Carolina—including those not currently under the jurisdiction of ORS— do not suspend or disconnect essential services | ||
Virginia State Corporation Commission | Yes | http://www.scc.virginia.gov/newsrel/r_noshutoff_20.pdf | “The Commission orders each jurisdictional electric, gas, water or sewer utility identified in the attachment to this Order to suspend disconnection of service to any customer, pending further orders of the Commission. The Commission further SUSPENDS, pending further orders, any and all provisions of tariffs on file that prevent or condition the disconnection of service by such utility. This suspension is effective for sixty (60) days from [March 16.]“ | ||
West Virginia | Unclear | https://twitter.com/caitycoyne/status/1238561384012660737?s=20 | PSC is urging all utilities to suspend disconnections | ||
Wisconsin Public Service Commission | Yes | http://apps.psc.wi.gov/vs2017/NewsReleases/default.aspx | |||
Latest Update: March 16, 10:39 PT
Utilities that have suspended disconnections:
LIVE: Suspended disconnects amid COVID-19 : Utilities that have suspended disconnections
Jurisdiction | Suspending disconnections? | Source | Notes | State | |
AES Corporation (Indianapolis Power & Light; Dayton Power & Light) | Yes | https://www.iplpower.com/About_IPL/Newsroom/2020/Indianapolis_Power___Light_Company_defers_disconnection_for_non-payment/ | AES Corp.’s two electric utilities, Dayton Power & Light and Indianapolis Power & Light, suspended disconnections for 30 days. Both recommend “all customers do their best to maintain utility bill payments, as you will be responsible to pay all charges associated with your usage during this period.” | IN, OH | |
Ameren | Yes | https://www.ameren.com/account/customer-service/covid-19 | IL, MO | ||
American Electric Power | Yes | https://wcyb.com/news/local/american-electric-power-temporarily-suspends-non-payment-disconnections | AR, IN, KY, LA, MI, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, WV | ||
Arizona Public Service | Yes | https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/aps-phoenix-water-suspend-customer-shutoffs-over-coronavirus-11456701 | “for immediate future” | AZ | |
Atlantic City Electric (Exelon company) | Yes | https://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/News/Pages/AtlanticCityElectricTakingStepstoSupportCustomersDuringCoronavirusPandemic.aspx?sf231480027=1 | NJ | ||
Austin Energy | Yes | https://twitter.com/AustinEnergyGM/status/1238507097001799681 | TX | ||
Avista | Yes | No public statement yet, but confirmed by EPI for Washington customers. | WA | ||
BGE | Yes | https://www.bge.com/SafetyCommunity/Safety/Pages/coronavirus.aspx | BGE is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges at least until May 1 | MD | |
Black Hills Energy | Yes | https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety/response-covid-19-your-safety-our-top-priority | AR, CO, IA, KS, MT, NE, SD, WY | ||
Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation | Yes | NC | |||
Cascade Natural Gas | Yes | https://www.cngc.com/in-the-community/covid-19-response/ | OR, WA | ||
CenterPoint Energy | Yes | https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/corporate/about-us/news/1320 | The company has temporarily suspended natural gas service disconnections for nonpayment. For customers in southwest Indiana, this includes the temporary suspension of electric service disconnections. | AR, IN, LA, MN, MI, OH, OK, TX | |
Central Electric Membership Corporation | Yes | https://cemcpower.com/ | “For the next two weeks, we will not be conducting any disconnects. We will also be waiving all late payment fees” | NC | |
Central Maine Power | Yes, for residential customers. | https://www.cmpco.com/wps/portal/cmp/networksfooter/ourcompany/!ut/p/z1/xVJrT8IwFP01-9i0o5PHR1xgSBjIY7L1yzJqBzWsHV0B9dd7MfGFIsaY2CbNbXpv77nnHMxwjJnKdnKZWalVtoZ7wuopdcNOz_PJsBl6LTL26CAKghvSvXDx_GPCaNqnkOB1Zj03oG6_gdlP6smJ1Sbn6m8ww4wrW9oVTnhRZkuT6q3hGkL14JD3seKpEvsKAjiN1oVDarAdwoWyJlujIpNKoFLvhUFWIyM2W1FZJO6tUBUQgnSO9lJZeL6VFddKCW6R2a5FdYBRcnmLk0aL8NYiq6G8xTnyPEHQQtQ9xHOau3VapxfNxSF77odpMBhdtgepPxrOOvEMJw7xw-t2MEmHryI4pKs1dHTIaGv8l1GGz3Mcs_-ZHvY9uf1v6b2mB_1rJvTDJUyX2RWSKtc4fiM1f8YGONi5n44SvjDKObAJDNs40SJwuxTPd1LscaS0KcC6099JMo46E-j0F-r0zhEMAgHB8m6zYW1wsQZn3Vsc_6eNyyKKiiYtUPw4yKdXKOnvwny1Xj4BhY2gPw!!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?current=true&urile=wcm%3Apath%3A%2FCMPAGR_OurCompany%2FOurCompany%2FNC_News%2FNewsRoom%2F2020%2FCentral-Maine-Power-to-Request-Extension-of-Winter-Disconnect-Rules | CMP will submit a request to the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to extend the protections afforded residential customers during the winter disconnection period from April 15 to May 15. | ME | |
Chattanooga Gas | Yes, though currently only for seven days. | https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2020/mar/14/chattanooga-gas-suspends-service-disconnections/518210/ | Chattanooga Gas Company has temporarily suspended service disconnections for seven days | TN | |
Citizens Energy | Yes | https://www.theindychannel.com/coronavirus/2-central-indiana-utilities-suspending-disconnections-due-to-coronavirus | IN | ||
City Light, Electric and Water (Springfield, IL) | Yes | Emailed press release. | For electric and water. This will stay in effect until May 1, 2020, where at such time it will be re-evaluated. | IL | |
City of Cleveland, OH | Yes | https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2020/03/13/city-of-cleveland-to-halt-water-and-power-shutoffs-restore-connections | OH | ||
City of Columbus | Yes | https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus-officials-to-provide-update-on-citys-preparedness-for-covid-19/ | City of Columbus water and electric | OH | |
City of Detroit Water | Yes | https://detroitmi.gov/departments/customer-care/water-and-sewerage-department/coronavirus-covid-19-water-restart-plan | Also turning water back on to disconnected households. | MI | |
City of Tallahassee | Yes | https://www.talgov.com/publicsafety/covid-19.aspx | Suspension of service shutoffs for 60 days. | FL | |
Cleco Power | Yes | https://www.cleco.com/home | Temporarily suspending service disconnects and late fees on customer accounts effective today until further notice. |
LA | |
Colorado Springs Utilities | Yes | CO | |||
ComEd | Yes | https://www.comed.com/News/Pages/NewsReleases/2020-03-13.aspx | We’re suspending disconnects for customers unable to pay their bills and waiving new late payments charges through at least May 1st. | IL | |
ConEd | Yes | Screenshot of email to customers shared with EPI. | NY | ||
Consumers Energy | Yes, for some customer classes only. | https://www.consumersenergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/2020/03/16/12/36/consumers-energy-to-suspend-shutoffs-for-seniors-low-income-customers-in-wake-of-covid-19 | MI | ||
CPS Energy | Yes | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-councilman-mayor-ask-city-utilities-15123576.php | TX | ||
Delmarva Power | Yes | https://www.delmarva.com/News/Pages/DelmarvaPowerTakingStepstoSupportCustomersDuringCoronavirusPandemic.aspx | DE | ||
Dominion Energy (all subsidiaries) | Yes | https://www.dominionenergy.com/company/coronavirus | ID, NC, OH, SC, UT, VA, WV, WY | ||
DTE Energy | Yes, for some customer classes only. | https://skrift.meltwater.io/site/5e12ac481b7bea03e16a9079/article/5e6d6e44fc89fc0014b8b4b1 | Suspending shutoffs for non-payment for those customers who are low income eligible, effective immediately through April 5, 2020. Customers who are impacted by COVID-19 — those with a sudden loss of income or medical condition — as well as our vulnerable senior citizens, are encouraged to contact us at 1.800.477.4747 to determine eligibility for our payment assistance program. |
||
Duke Energy (all subsidiaries) | Yes | https://twitter.com/DukeEnergy/status/1238529972043743233 | NC, FL, IN, KY, OH, SC, TN | ||
Emera Maine | Yes | https://www.emeramaine.com/about-us/news-and-press-releases/news-detail/?id=7393 | “Halting disconnection of service to residential and business customers for nonpayment…[c]easing the application of late fees to overdue accounts.” | ME | |
Entergy | Yes | https://www.entergynewsroom.com/article/responding-coronavirus/ | AR, LA, MS, TX | ||
Evansville Water and Sewer Utility | Yes | https://www.courierpress.com/story/news/2020/03/13/evansville-water-sewer-utility-temporarily-halts-utility-shut-offs-coronavirus-threat/5043763002/ | Estimates about 350 customers will need their services restored and hopes to have it finished by next week | IN | |
Evergy | Yes | https://twitter.com/evergypower/status/1238586099615895553 | KS, MO | ||
Eversource (MA) | Yes | Email to EPI | MA | ||
FirstEnergy Corp. (Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison, Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power, Jersey Central Power & Light, Mon Power, Potomac Edison) | Yes | https://twitter.com/firstenergycorp/status/1238509251485732866?s=20 | OH, PA, NJ, WV, MD, NY | ||
Florida Power & Light | Yes | https://www.fpl.com/coronavirus.html | For now, we also are suspending disconnections at least through the end of March. | FL | |
Georgia Power | Yes | https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgia-power-assures-customers-safe-and-reliable-service-will-continue-during-covid-19-pandemic-301023227.html | Next 30 days, beginning 3/14. | GA | |
GRU (city of Gainesville, FL) | Yes | https://www.facebook.com/gru4u/posts/2706874276028865?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARASyfyMc_qURKpftpdbhuH2SLYn1E9XYPHh9mvPcjZTZsroHnEejamYWBcSlXSUqmlQpqa7LaRXztHra-Q05LTaxaI04ZDBlAQyT0kJ_WxWtrdTCZCP0dANNfqDJI0xCkFejkXpBuqxc9VAgPrAmEc2E-FdFLFdxk921qrBO7wGKfSHWRaGT8zM1NPKhaD_-9ENGulfs03a9AnY33NQX4PPwrzN3oIP6ClLxCLrkesjBi_MuFBjou8wOd0r_SH4aIGgStzePm2c7XuqHat6BHUv7zR1ZYcNlcHFE1Sccuk-csrOlPzercRIzULfIOcKq1eJ3D4OvCad4VBAcaw0ug&__tn__=-R | FL | ||
Huntsville Utilities | Yes | Direct email with EPI | AL | ||
Illinois American Water | Yes | https://www.newstrib.com/2020/03/14/ameren-illinois-american-water-put-hold-on-shutoffs-during-coronavirus-outbreak/ad2byf3/ | Also restoring existing disconnections | IL | |
JEA | Yes | https://twitter.com/newsfromjea/status/1238608482749894659?s=21 | Updated policy after initially saying they would not suspend. | FL | |
Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation | Yes | “suspending the disconnection of electric service for non-payment until April 15, 2020. Additionally, in an effort to lessen the economic impact to our members, we will also waive late payment fees during this same time.” | NC | ||
Kissimmee Utility Authority | Yes | https://kua.com/news/kua-halts-disconnections-during-coronavirus/ | Therefore, we have temporarily suspended service disconnections until March 31, and will reevaluate the policy and timeframe as the situation develops. | FL | |
Knoxville Utilities Board | Yes | https://twitter.com/knoxkub/status/1238947562230550529?s=21 | TN | ||
Lakeland Electric | Yes | FL | |||
Liberties Utilities | Yes | https://california.libertyutilities.com/compton/commercial/safety/covid-19-statement.html | This temporary suspension, through at least May 1, 2020, includes residential and business customers. | AR, CA, KS, MO, NH, OK | |
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power | Yes | https://www.ladwpnews.com/a-message-from-ladwp-regarding-power-water-service-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/ | “We have also deferred disconnections for non-payment through the remainder of March at this time.” | CA | |
Memphis Light Gas and Water | Yes | http://www.mlgw.com/images/content/files/pdf/COVID-19_01.pdf | TN | ||
Meridian Township (water) | Yes | https://www.meridian.mi.us/Home/Components/News/News/4478/16 | MI | ||
Minnesota Power (ALLETE) | Yes | https://www.mnpower.com/CustomerService/Covid19 | Customers who are currently disconnected can call to request their power turned back on. | MN | |
Montana-Dakota Utilities | Yes, though scope is unclear. | https://www.montana-dakota.com/in-the-community/covid-19-response/ | Montana-Dakota Utilities is implementing a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payments related to hardships incurred from COVID-19. | MT, ND, SD, WY | |
National Grid | Yes | https://www.uticaod.com/news/20200313/natgrid-temporarily-suspends-collections-related-activities | NY, MA, RI | ||
Nicor Gas Company (Northern Illinois) | Yes | https://www.nicorgas.com/company/press-room/nicor-gas-provides-energy-assistance-resources.html | Nicor Gas voluntarily has suspended service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately for both residential and commercial customers through May 1. | IL | |
NIPSCO | Yes | https://www.nipsco.com/our- company/news-room/news- article/nipsco-to-suspend- shutoffs-for-non-payment-during-covid-19-pandemic-IN |
IN | ||
Northwestern Energy | Yes | https://www.krtv.com/news/state/montana-and-regional-news/northwestern-energy-announces-they-will-suspend-service-disconnections | In effect until further notice. | MT, NE, SD | |
NV Energy | Yes | https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/nv-energy-offers-payment-support-suspends-disconnections-for-non-payment/ | NV | ||
NW Natural | Yes | https://www.nwnatural.com | WA | ||
OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric) | Yes | https://twitter.com/OGandE/status/1238937451328163847?s=20 | 30 day suspension. | AR, OK | |
Omaha Public Power District | Yes | https://www.wowt.com/content/news/MUD-wont-shutoff-water-for-non-payment-over-coronavirus-568750651.html | NE | ||
Orange & Rockland and Rockland Electric Company | Yes | https://www.oru.com/en/about-orange-rockland/media/news/2020/2020031301/orange-and-rockland-and-rockland-electric-co-suspend-service-shutoffs | NY, NJ | ||
OUC (Orlando) | Yes | https://www.ouc.com/coronavirus-monitoring | “Until further notice.” | FL | |
OWASA (water, Orange County NC) | Yes | https://www.owasa.org/owasa-temporarily-suspends-disconnects-in-response-to-covid-19/ | NC | ||
Pacific Power | Yes | https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/news-releases/pacific-power-to-suspend-disconnections-in-response-to-covid-19.html | OR, WA, CA | ||
Pacific Power | Yes | https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/health_fitness/coronavirus/pacific-power-will-keep-customers-connected-through-coronavirus-pandemic/article_3abcf1cd-6206-5f16-ad8c-9cfbe77726a6.html#utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social | OR, WA, CA | ||
PECO | Yes | https://www.peco.com/News/Pages/Press%20Releases/PECOExpandsAssistanceProgramstoSupportAllCustomersDuringCoronavirusPandemic031320.aspx | Suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges through at least May 1, 2020 | PA | |
People’s Gas (Chicago) | Yes | https://twitter.com/peoplesgaschi/status/1239295280412950528?s=21 | IL | ||
PEPCO | Yes | https://www.pepco.com/SafetyCommunity/Safety/Pages/coronavirus.aspx | We are suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment fees through at least May 1. | DC | |
PG&E | Yes | https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/pge-suspends-power-shutoffs-for-nonpayment-during-pandemic/2253667/ | CA | ||
Philadelphia Gas Works | Yes | https://whyy.org/articles/coronavirus-prompts-peco-and-other-utility-providers-to-suspend-shut-offs/ | PA | ||
Philadelphia Water Dept. | Yes | https://whyy.org/articles/coronavirus-prompts-peco-and-other-utility-providers-to-suspend-shut-offs/ | The Philadelphia Water Department has suspended shut-offs for the next 60 days. | PA | |
Planters Electric Membership Corporation | Yes | GA | |||
Portland General Electric | Yes | https://www.portlandgeneral.com/our-company/news-room/covid-19 | OR | ||
PPL Companies (LG&E, KU and ODP) | Yes | https://pplweb.mediaroom.com/news-releases?item=137608 | “The utilities, until May 1, will suspend disconnects for residential customers who may have difficulty paying their bill and waive new late fees incurred during this time.” | KY | |
PSE&G (NJ) | Yes | https://nj.pseg.com/newsroom/newsrelease138 | NJ | ||
Puget Sound Energy | Yes | https://www.utc.wa.gov/aboutUs/Pages/Covid19.aspx | Also suspended accrual of late fees. | WA | |
Rocky Mountain Power | Yes | https://www.rockymountainpower.net/about/newsroom/news-releases/rocky-mountain-power-will-not-disconnect-customers-in-response-to-covid-19.html | UT, WY, ID | ||
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) | Yes | https://www.kcra.com/article/smud-no-power-shutoffs-for-nonpayment-covid-19-outbreak/31475340 | CA | ||
Salt River Project | Yes | https://blog.srpnet.com/safety-message-to-our-customers/ | AZ | ||
San Diego Gas and Electric Company | Yes | http://www.sdgenews.com/article/sdge-suspends-service-disconnections-nonpayment-part-its-coronavirus-response | “The disconnection moratorium will remain in place until further notice … SDG&E will also waive late payment fees for business customers whose finances have been hit hard by the coronavirus.” | CA | |
Santee Cooper | Yes | https://twitter.com/santeecooper/status/1238556485531156484?s=20 | No shutoffs through at least 4/2/20 | SC | |
Snohomish PUD | Yes | https://www.heraldnet.com/news/pud-wont-shut-off-power-for-late-bills-due-to-virus-impact/ | WA | ||
Southern California Edison | Yes | https://twitter.com/SCE/status/1238323569031024646 | CA | ||
Southern California Gas | Yes, (appears to be for residential customers only.) | https://www.socalgas.com/coronavirus | “Waiving late payment fee” for small business customers. | CA | |
Southwest Gas | Yes | https://twitter.com/SWGas/status/1238603372116226053 | AZ | ||
Superior Water Light & Power (ALLETE) | Yes | https://twitter.com/CUB_MN/status/1239564694039465986 | Customers who are currently disconnected can call to request their power turned back on | WI | |
Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation | Yes | https://www.syemc.com/ | NC | ||
TECO (Tampa Electric Co.) | Yes | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/teco-suspends-disconnection-for-nonpayments/67-5750b97f-822d-4d37-b5c5-19bbc5971161 | FL | ||
Tennessee American Water | Yes | https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2020/mar/14/chattanooga-gas-suspends-service-disconnections/518210/ | Tennessee American Water will begin the restoration of service to previously shut-off customers. | TN | |
Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation |
Yes |
“Disconnects have been temporarily suspended through at least March 31…[h]owever, a 5% late fee will apply.” |
NC | ||
Tucson Electric Power | Yes | https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/aps-phoenix-water-suspend-customer-shutoffs-over-coronavirus-11456701 | AZ | ||
Unitil | Yes | https://unitil.com/our-community/covid-19-response-plan | “All residential and commercial service disconnections have been suspended indefinitely.” | MA, ME, NH | |
Victory Electric Cooperative |
Yes |
Victory Electric is suspending electric disconnect procedures for non-payment until further notice. |
KS | ||
Virginia Association of Electric Cooperatives | Yes | Direct communication to EPI from the Association of Electric Cooperatives in Richmond. | Virginia’s Electric Cooperatives recognize the hardships that the public health crisis imposes on our member-owners. Out of concern for our member-owners and their communities, the thirteen Electric Cooperatives in the Commonwealth are waiving service disconnects and penalty fees for our residential member-owners at this time and continuing to work with our business, commercial, and industrial member-owners to mitigate the impact of the state of emergency until further notice. | VA | |
Xcel Energy | Yes | https://twitter.com/xcelenergy/status/1239353186017849346 | CO, MN, MI, ND, NM, SD, TX, WI |
Utilities that have not clearly suspended disconnections, or have not responded to requests for comment:
LIVE: Suspended disconnects amid COVID-19 : Utilities that have not clearly suspended, or have not responded
Jurisdiction | Suspending disconnections? | Source | Notes | State | |
Alabama Power | No | https://twitter.com/alabamapower/status/1238995838120144896 | No reply to query from EPI | AL | |
Gulf Power | Unclear | No reply to query from EPI yet | FL | ||
Idaho Power | Unclear | https://www.idahopower.com/outages-safety/safety/our-covid-19-response/ | ID, OR | ||
Lansing Board of Water & Light | Yes, but water only, not electricity. | https://www.lbwl.com/outage-center/covid-19-update | Appears to only cover water, not electricity. | MI | |
Mississippi Power | Unclear | No reply to query from EPI yet | MS | ||
NRG | No | https://twitter.com/nrgenergy/status/1238604888445267968?s=20 | CT, DE, DC, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, OH, PA | ||
Southern Company | Unclear | No reply to query from EPI yet. | “No information at this time” and directed EPI to contact the operating companies (GA, AL, MS) independently. | GA, AL, MS | |
Southern Company Gas | No | https://investor.southerncompany.com/information-for-investors/latest-news/latest-news-releases/press-release-details/2020/Southern-Company-Gas-Assures-Customers-Safe-and-Reliable-Service-Will-Continue-During-COVID-19-Pandemic/default.aspx | IL, GA, VA, TN |
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