A state ban on utility shutoffs, designed to help residents
during the COVID-19 pandemic, is expiring Saturday at midnight.
Those who do not qualify can sign up for a COVID-19 payment program until Feb. 19, 2021.
The problem is most people don't know about the options and
those who do either can’t make the payments or they simply don’t.
Because of that, Eversource warned that without a statewide ban it could potentially move forward with disconnections down the line. The company stressed that disconnections would be a last resort and that it wants to work with customers
"We are prepared to move forward with those
disconnections if the moratorium is not extended,” says Penny Conner,
Eversource’s chief customer officer.
State regulators are asking utilities to voluntarily ban
shutoffs. A voluntary ban keeps them from passing their losses on to everybody
else.
To sign up for protection programs:Eversource - 800-286-2828
United Illuminating: 800-722-5584
Connecticut Natural Gas: 860-727-3000
Southern Connecticut Gas: 800-659-8299
State Attorney General William Tong released the following
statement in favor of extending the moratorium:
“COVID-19 cases are spiking in Connecticut and this
pandemic is not over. The Office of the Attorney General continues to believe
extending the moratorium is the best course of action. People need electricity,
heat and water to stay home safely right now. Families are still struggling.
Payment plans are no doubt helpful to many, but they do not protect against
shut-off for Connecticut's most vulnerable families.”