Cites Increase in Economic Hardship Cases In Requesting One-Month Extension to June 1
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has written to the chief executives of Connecticut electric and gas companies requesting that they voluntarily extend the “no-shutoff” winter moratorium for delinquent customers from May 1 to June 1 because of the extended financial hardships families are facing in this recession.
“More and more ratepayers are falling behind, many because they have lost their jobs in this poor economy,” Governor Rell wrote. “It is my hope that you will continue to work with them to develop an acceptable payment plan. Your flexibility and willingness to give them even one more month could be a tremendous help for those families struggling to pay all their bills.”
The Governor said utilities are seeing the effects of the recession over the last year. As an example, Connecticut Light & Power, the state’s largest utility company, has 164,000 ratepayers, or 14 percent of its customers, behind 60 days or more in their bills, compared to 108,000 last year. Yankee Gas has 37,000 customers delinquent 60 days or more.
Under state law, utilities are prohibited from shutting off power and heat to delinquent customers from November 1 to May 1. Customers with financial hardship can work out payment plans with the utilities to settle their bills. Governor Rell pointed out that since November 1, the national economy has worsened and is affecting Connecticut on a number of levels.
“Our unemployment in Connecticut is at levels not seen for decades, the turmoil on Wall Street has eroded savings and retirement accounts and many families trying to stave off foreclosure,” the Governor wrote. “Our citizens have weathered the winter, but their financial hardships linger.”
The Governor said and extended moratorium would also give eligible ratepayers more time to apply for state energy assistance programs through their local Community Action Agencies. For more information on energy assistance, call the statewide information line 2-1-1.
