covid19 news & resources

State Response Tracker

State Response Tracker

NARUC, NRRI, EEI, and other industry groups have coordinated to provide this tool for tracking state responses to COVID-19. This tracker will be updated regularly as additional information becomes available. Click a document type to review its content.

To have your content included here, please email Elliott Nethercutt.

The table below was updated at 5:15pm on March 30, 2020.

State Date Document Description
Alabama 03-17-2020 Statement "Not a single customer whose income has been affected by this health crisis has had their utility service discontinued..."
Alaska 03-17-2020 Notice Chugach Electric Association, Inc. has notified the Commission that it will not be disconnecting customers.
Alaska 03-20-2020 Announcement The RCA has closed its doors to walk-in visitors to protect your health and of the RCA employees.
Alaska 03-21-2020 Announcement Some utilities have also announced voluntary moratoriums on service disconnections for non-payment, but not all. If you are having difficulty paying your bill on time, please contact your utility provider to request a deferred payment arrangement. Customers experiencing financial difficulty should also contact the Alaska 2-1-1
Alaska 03-23-2020 Announcement RCA is still conducting business and operating as usual. However, with COVID-19 mitigation measures, the RCA has closed its doors to walk-in visitors to protect your health and of the RCA employees.
Arizona 03-13-2020 Docket No. AU00000A-20-0050 Docket to investigate utility response to COVID-19 under the title “Commission Inquiry into Utility Preparedness Plans.”
Arizona 03-24-2020 Press Release Temporarily closing the Docket Control window to the public. Docket will continue to accept e-filings and filings submitted by mail.
Arizona 03-18-2020 Announcement The most recent guidelines issued by state and federal officials regarding the COVID-19 virus indicate that gatherings of 10 or more people should be cancelled. To protect the public and our employees during this crisis, while still fulfilling our statutory obligations to hold Open Meetings, the Commission is issuing the following guidelines for the March 24, 2020 Open Meeting.
Arizona 03-16-2020 Press Release Commissioners heard from various Class A and B utilities and their plans to ensure continuity of service and protection of customers and employees during the COVID-19 crisis.
Arizona 03-12-2020 Docket AU-00000A-20-0050 Commission Inquiry into Utility Preparedness Plans to ensure safe and reliable operations during the COVID-19.
Arkansas 03-23-2020 State Government Website Commission building remains open during normal business hours, 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday, to ensure all essential State services remain available. Utilities are voluntarily suspending disconnections during this time or working to address customer needs.
California 03-20-2020 Press Release (Docket #: R.20-02-008) CPUC Suspends Renewal Requirements for Low Income Energy and Telco Programs to Assist Customers During COVID-19 Epidemic
California 03-16-2020 Press Release CPUC executive director put out a letter to utilities ordering that they halt shut offs as a result of the state of emergency.
California 03-17-2020 Press Release CPUC Ensures Essential Utility Services for Consumers to Assist in COVID-19 Mitigation
California 03-17-2020 Letter Executive Director’s Letter to Energy Companies; some utilities have announced moratoriums on disconnections for non-paying customers.
California 03-17-2020 Letter Executive Director’s Letter to Water Companies; some utilities have announced moratoriums on disconnections for non-paying customers.
California 03-17-2020 Letter Executive Director’s Letter to Communications Companies; some utilities have announced moratoriums on disconnections for non-paying customers.
California 03-16-2020 Executive Order Gov. Newsom asks CPUC to monitor and provide weekly reports
Colorado 03-25-2020 Executive Order (D 2020 017) Ordering Coloradans to stay at home due to the presence of COVID-19 in the state
Colorado 03-23-2020 Announcement Colorado gas and electric utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission have announced that they are temporarily suspending nonpayment disconnections for their customers. Utilities include: Xcel Energy; Black Hills Energy; Atmos Energy; Colorado Natural Gas. Public access to PUC offices will be restricted starting at 1 p.m. Monday, March 23, until further notice.
Colorado 03-20-2020 Announcement The Governor announced that the state will be taking action to provide relief from evictions, foreclosures, and utility shut-offs. The state is also requesting that all public utilities suspend service disconnections for delayed or missed payments from residential and small business consumers.
Colorado 03-18-2020 Press Release DORA releases emergency measures for healthcare professional licensing in response to COVID-19
Connecticut 03-23-2020 Press Release PURA Notice of Third-Party Electric Supplier Targeting Low-Income Households Amid COVID-19 Crisis. Non-Profit and State Officials Remind Customers to Contact their Utilities Directly with Any Questions about their Bill or Service
Connecticut 03-18-2020 Announcement: PURA to Expand Order (Docket - 20-03-15) Expands shut-off moratorium to all non-residential customers of PURA-regulated gas, electric and water utilities through May 1, 2020; grants temporary waiver of financial security deposits and balance reduction payments normally required for reconnection of service through May 1, 2020; Orders PURA-regulated gas, electric and water utilities to track all costs related to the implementation of these emergency measures; and creates forum to consider thoroughly the expansion of existing affordability measures to all customers, such as an increased offering of flexible payment plans and late fee waivers.
Connecticut 03-12-2020 Press Release for Order (Docket – 20-03-15) PURA announced that it issued a ruling directing all regulated electric, natural gas, and water companies in the state to cease residential service terminations for nonpayment as a protective measure during the current public health emergency.
Delaware 03-23-2020 Announcement Flexible deadline for utility annual assessment and fee payments during COVID-19
Delaware 03-13-2020 Declaration Gov. John Carney issued Emergency Declaration that calls for public meetings of public bodies to be held electronically.
District of Columbia 03-27-2020 Press Release Commission launches resource page to assist utility consumers impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
District of Columbia 03-19-2020 Press Release Commission approved lower rates for residential and small commercial consumers receiving electricity through Pepco Standard Office Service (SOS), beginning June 1, 2020.
District of Columbia 03-17-2020 D.C. Act 23-247 The Office worked with the Council of the District of Columbia to craft legislation that prohibits the disconnection of electric, natural gas and water service during a public health emergency and for 15 days thereafter. In addition to the legislation, the Office also encouraged the electric, natural gas and water utilities to offer reasonable payment arrangements once the prohibition on disconnections is lifted. All of the utilities agreed to offer reasonable payment arrangements once the crisis is over.
District of Columbia 03-17-2020 Act
Prohibits the disconnection or termination of gas, electric, or water service during a state of a public health emergency
District of Columbia 03-11-2020 Legislation DC Council passed legislation codifying disconnects. Disconnects cannot take place until 15 days after the emergency declaration by Mayor is lifted.
Florida 03-19-2020 Announcement
The Florida Department of Management Services has restricted public access to the Gerald L. Gunter Building to help minimize COVID-19 exposure, effective until April 19.
Florida 03-19-2020 List of Utilities The PSC is monitoring utility activities and their plans for addressing how COVID-19 will impact operations and their customers. Posted information and resources from Florida’s five investor-owned electric utilities.
Georgia 03-24-2020 List of Utilities Suspending Disconnections Commission has posted a list of the current utilities that have suspended disconnections amid COVID-19.
Georgia 03-13-2020 Announcement Georgia PSC began telecommuting as a way to increase social distancing. Hearing this week will still be held, but they encourage electronic involvement.
Hawaii 03-13-2020 Order Hawaii issued an Order requiring electronic filing in light of issues related to Corona Virus. Similarly, Hawaii canceled a scheduled public input for a water case that was to be held on March 16, 2020.
Idaho 03-18-2020 Order No. 34602 The Public Utilities Commission Office Will Remain Open; Open Meetings and Hearings Will Be Conducted Telephonically/Virtualy
Illinois 03-18-2020 Order (Docket No. 20-0309) Utilities shall be immediately prohibited from shutting off utility service for Illinois residents during this state of emergency. The moratorium should remain in place until May 1, 2020 or until the Governor announces the end of the COVID-19 state of public health emergency, should the state of emergency remain in effect past May 1, 2020.
Illinois 03-18-2020 Press Release ICC Formalizes Order to Stop Utility Disconnections and Late Payment Fees
Illinois 03-18-2020 Emergency Action Emergency Action to Halt ARES/AGS from In-Person, Door-to-Door Solicitations
Illinois 03-13-2020 Action The Illinois Commerce Commission has contacted investor-owned regulated utilities urging them to take steps to cease disconnections for non-payment, and to suspend the imposition of late payment fees or penalties, until May 1, 2020.
Indiana 03-23-2020 Executive Order The Governor signed an executive order requiring residents to stay at home, unless they are engaging in essential activities including: Activities for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and taking care of others.
Indiana 03-19-2020 Executive Order Governor signed an Executive Order today prohibiting the disconnection of essential utility services. The order is in effect for the duration of Indiana's public health emergency. It applies to all electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and broadband service providers.
Indiana 03-06-2020 Press Release Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced an executive order declaring a public health emergency to increase coordination across all levels of government in the state’s response to coronavirus. This is also a step in making Indiana eligible for federal dollars to respond to the outbreak
Indiana 03-12-2020 Announcement Gov. Holcomb announces new steps to protect public from COVID-19; effective March 12th, 2020, travel has been suspended - the state will suspend all non-essential out-of-state and international travel beginning today and for the next 45 days
Indiana 03-16-2020 Announcement Under guidance of the State Personnel Department, state employees will maximize the use of remote work and meet virtually whenever possible while maintaining operations. Non-essential in-person meetings will be limited to 10 persons or less and should meet virtually whenever possible. High-risk individuals should not attend meetings in person State employees over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions are advised to work from home, and agencies should identify work that can be accomplished remotely for those individuals
Indiana 03-17-2020 Article List of Indiana utility agencies that have made changes to their disconnection policies
Iowa 03-27-2020 Press Release with Link to Order On March 27, 2020, the Iowa Utilities Board issued an emergency order regarding the disconnection of electric, natural gas, and water utility customers for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. On March 19, 2020, the IUB urged all utilities to refrain from utility service shutoffs, especially water service and supporting the IDHR action to extend LIHEAP applications to May 31.
Iowa 03-13-2020 Docket No. SPU-2020-0003 Emergency Order that extends moratorium until May 1 and prohibits residential disconnections for non-payment.
Kansas 03-13-2020 Announcement PUC has canceled seminars in accordance with Governor’s emergency declaration re coronavirus.
Kansas 03-16-2020 Order Kansas State Corporation Commission issued an order suspending shut offs until April 15, 2020
Kansas 03-17-2020 Notices Notices relating to COVID-19, the Govenor's Emergency Declaration and subsquent Commission actions
Kentucky 03-24-2020 Electronic Emergency Docket Related to the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Utilities are granted a temporary deviation from the state inspection requirements in 807 KAR 5:006 Section 26(5)
Kentucky 03-17-2020 Order (Case 2020-00085) Specifically, for at least the next 30 days, and until further notice from the Commission, utilities should suspend disconnections due to non-payment and waive the assessment of late payment.
Kentucky 03-16-2020 Press Release PSC Orders Utilities to Halt Disconnections During Coronavirus Emergency
Louisiana 03-24-2020 Executive Order Commission has begun temporarily accepting Electronic Filings.
Louisiana 03-13-2020 Emergency Order Emergency Order stopping utility terminations entered.
Maine 03-18-2020 Announcement The Commission will only be open to Commission staff and contractors. Utility employees and related stakeholders may attend hearings and technical conferences as necessary. Press wishing to attend deliberations or other hearings should contact the Administrative Director. At the expiration of this period, we will reevaluate whether it is safe to lift this restriction.
Maine 03-16-2020 Announcement CMP and the Maine Office of Public Advocate plan to ask the regulatory Maine Public Utilities Commission Monday to extend the winter disconnect period to May 15, and then reevaluate that timeframe if needed, said Catharine Hartnett, spokesperson for CMP.
Maine 03-16-2020 Announcement Commission announcement that no one will lose service during this civil emergency.
Maine 03-15-2020 Proclamation of State of Civil Emergency Governor Mills issues state of emergency
Maryland 03-16-2020 Executive Order Governor Hogan has an Executive Order Prohibiting termination of residential service for duration of Emergency or until May 1 – will be revisited.
Maryland 03-16-2020 Announcement PUC schedule changes.
Maryland 03-05-2020 Article Governorn Hogan issued an idefinite state of emergency
Massachusetts 03-13-2020 Mass. DPU Letter to Utilities No Utility Shutoffs: The Department of Public Utilities told utility companies Friday that it is extending the state’s moratorium on electric and gas service shutoffs for the duration of the state of emergency Gov. Baker declared this week to address the spread of the coronavirus.
Michigan 03-28-2020 Executive Order No. 2020-28 Governor order for water reconnections statewide, establishes fund to help communities comply. Effort will help to ensure at-risk households have access to clean water for hand washing and sanitation through an executive order requiring the reconnection of service to residences that have had water service shut off. A $2-million Water Restart Grant Program will help communities comply with the order.
Michigan 03-24-2020 Executive Order 2020-21 Temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order. EO 2020 –21 directs Michigan residents to remain at home or in their place of residence to the maximum extent feasible effective March 24, 2020 at 12:01 am through April 13, 2020 at 11:59 pm.
Michigan 03-13-2020 Revised Rules Commission revised rules regarding in-person meetings.
Minnesota 03-16-2020 Announcement Suspends all public meetings between March 16-March 27; Note that it does state: suspends orders, rules and regulations that would prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the disaster (this may be interpreted to cover shut offs, but it’s unclear).
Mississippi 03-26-2020 Press Release PSC coordinating with utility providers to suspend online convenience fees. Customers will not be asked to pay a fee when paying their bills online.
Mississippi 03-19-2020 Clarification of Order (Docket 2018-AD-141) Clarification of order temporarily suspending certain utility services; offers additional guidance on electronic filings and other Commission actions.
Mississippi 03-12-2020 Order (Docket 2018-AD-141) On Thursday, March 12, the Mississippi Board entered an order suspending procedural rules and encouraging e-filing.
Mississippi 03-15-2020 Meeting In a special meeting on Sunday, March 15, the Commission voted to temporarily suspend disconnections of certain utility services. The restriction will be in place for 60 days and apply to all water, sewer, electricity and gas services.
Missouri 03-17-2020 List of Providers Established a website that includes contact information for regulated investor-owned utility companies.
Montana 03-20-2020 Notice Notice of future operations at the Montana Public Service Commission.
Nebraska 03-25-2020 Press Release The PSC entered an Order (NUSF-92) that will allow carriers to seek reimbursement for providing service to low-income families as a part of the response to the COVID-19 emergency. The Order makes one-million dollars available through the NUSF Broadband Adoption program to assist carriers in providing low-income subscriber’s access to broadband to facilitate online learning.
Nebraska 03-24-2020 Order Opening Docket and Issuing Emergency Measures Commission office is closed to the public; PSC has moved all of its meetings online. On March 24, the PSC initiated a new docket, PI-234, to address commission and utility response to COVID-19.
Nebraska 03-19-2020 Announcement Issued a list of Carriers doing business in Nebraska that have agreed to take the PSC pledge to- Keep Nebraskans Connected.
Nebraska 03-17-2020 Executive Order 20-03 Executive order to permit state and local governmental boards, commissions, and other public bodies to meet by videoconference, teleconference, or other electronic means through May 31, 2020.
Nevada 03-20-2020 Website with Utility Shutoff Information Released website with list of shutoff information for regulated utilities.
Nevada 03-15-2020 Announcement Consistent with Governor’s Order, PUCN is closed to the public.
New Hampshire 03-23-2020 Commission Temporarily Limits Public Access to Its Offices Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the public will be granted appropriate access to the Commission’s offices from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. only.
New Hampshire 03-20-2020 Announcement PUC cancelled hearings and technical sessions scheduled for March 24 and 25; rescheduled a hearing for April.
New Hampshire 03-17-2020 Order Emergency Order by Governor prohibits utility shut offs.
New Hampshire 03-13-2020 Executive Order Governor Sununu declares state of emergency
New Jersey 03-16-2020 Website reporting New Jersey news Governonr Murphy issues curfew to NJ citizens - to no leave their homes from 8 pm - 5 am. Non-essential businesses can remain open in the day but must close at 8 pm. Essential businesses necessary for public health and welfare remain open past 8 pm.
New Jersey 03-09-2020 Press Release Governor Murphy declares State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency, effective immediately
New Jersey 03-09-2020 Executive Order Declares a state of emergency and public health emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist affected communities responding to and recovering from COVID-19 cases
New Jersey 03-13-2020 Announcement Governor Murphy spoke with BPU and confirmed that utilities have voluntarily and universally suspended shut off orders.
New Jersey 03-13-2020 Press Release New Jersey's public electric and gas utilites have suspended service shutoffs
New Jersey 03-16-2020 Notice List of cancelled Stakeholder meetings as of 3/16/20. New dates TBC.
New Jersey 03-19-2020 Docket No. EO20030254 Institutes a temporary waiver of several of its regulatory requirements designed to allow utilities and other entities subject to the Board’s jurisdiction to focus on providing essential services to the public, while minimizing the health threats caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic by curtailing activities not related to the imminent health and safety of the public.
New Mexico 03-26-2020 Announcement Hearing scheduled for April 1 has been cancelled because of the closure of the PERA Building.
New Mexico 03-20-2020 Announcement Commission suspended all requirements for paper submissions. All filings must be submitted pursuant to the NMPRC’s emergency electronic filing policy.
New Mexico 03-13-2020 Announcement As of March 16, New Mexico PUC will be emergency teleworking.
New Mexico 03-15-2020 Press Release The Governor has closed all state buildings, and all state employees are instructed to Telework except for those necessary at each agency necessary to conduct the business of the state
New Mexico 03-16-2020 Press Release The Governor has issued five executive orders related to the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 11, 2020, Gov. Lujan Grisham declared a statewide public health emergency in Executive Order 2020-004
New York 03-28-2020 Governor Issued Executive Order Governor order that all non-essential workers are directed to work from home, and everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot distance in public.
New York 03-25-2020 Order PSC Chair approves orders suspending rate increases in response to COVID-19. Accordingly, New York American Water (NYAW) will delay implementing the previously approved rate
increase scheduled to take effect April 1 under its existing four-year rate plan.
New York 03-19-2020 Order Commission approves wireless phone company to provide lifeline services; TruConnect will provide discounted voice and internet services to low-income customers
New York 03-16-2020 Article All non-essential employees (regardless of agency) were directed to work from home for two weeks
New York 03-13-2020 Announcement Gov. Cuomo made an announcement prohibiting shut offs during virus situation. No action from PSC is expected.
New York 03-13-2020 Press Release Utilities to Suspend Disconnections for Households Facing Hardships During COVID-19 Outbreak
New York 03-07-2020 Executive Order Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York; in effect until September 2020
North Carolina 03-27-2020 Order (Docket No. M-100, SUB 158) Order suspending requirement for filing paper copies
North Carolina 03-26-2020 Order (Docket No. E-35, SUB 52) Order granting additional termporary waivers of specific service regulations. The Commission finds good cause to order that WCU shall: (1) cease disconnections of its customers based on non-payment of electric bills effective March 20, 2020, (2) waive for both residential and non-residential customers late-payment charges, related delinquent-payment finance charges, and reconnection fees, (3) waive for both residential and non-residential
customers the fees for checks returned due to insufficient funds, (4) waive for both residential and non-residential customers the transaction fees associated with the payment of electric bills by credit card or debit card, and (5) implement the waivers and modifications enumerated herein in subparagraphs (2) through (4) effective March 23, 2020.
North Carolina 03-20-2020 Order (Dockets No. E-7, SUB 1236; E-2, SUB 1228; G-9, SUB 767) Order granting additional temporary waivers of specific provisions of commission rules.
North Carolina 03-19-2020 Order (Docket No. M-100, SUB 158) Order suspending utility disconnections for non-payment, allowing reconnection, and waiving certain fees.
North Carolina 03-18-2020 Order (Docket Nos. E-22, SUB 583; G-5, SUB 617M-100, SUB 158) Order granting temporary waivers of specific providions of Commission rules.
North Carolina 03-16-2020 Announcement Suspends Scheduled Hearings Until April 13, 2020, to Assist in Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
North Dakota 03-19-2020 Announcement Availability of Lifeline Program to help with phone or internet costs.
Ohio 03-20-2020 Announcement of Order Commission issued an order directing Ohio’s electric, natural gas, water & wastewater distribution utilities to suspend any in-person meter reading activities, and any other non-essential work that would create unnecessary social contact.
Ohio 03-12-2020 Docket No. 20-591-AU-UNC Order states that due to the declaration of a state of emergency, the Commission directs all public utilities under its jurisdiction to review their service disconnection policies, practices, and tariff provisions. The Commission also directs all public utilities under its jurisdiction to promptly seek any necessary approval to suspend otherwise applicable requirements that may impose a service continuity hardship on residential and non-residential customers or create unnecessary COVID-19 risks associated with social contact.
Ohio 03-13-2020 Media Release Extends winter reconnect order through May 1, 2020. The Winter Reconnect Order helps Ohioans reconnect or maintain electric and natural gas service during the heating season between Oct. 14, 2019 and May 1, 2020.
Oklahoma 03-16-2020 Notice To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Commission will be implementing remote work for many employees. Commission hearings will continue to occur as scheduled, and we invite you to watch the live stream or listen via conference call. The Commission’s Public Utility Division (PUD) is coordinating a voluntary effort by the state’s utilities
to help Oklahomans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, plans are being developed to help impacted customers who may be facing service disconnection.
Oregon 03-23-2020 Announcement Today Governor Kate Brown signed Executive Order 20-12 -- Stay Home, Save Lives. The PUC is continuing to work remotely to do our part to flatten the curve.
Oregon 03-17-2020 Announcement - Energy Assistance Issued resources to customers regarding shutoffs. Pacific Power, Portland General Electric and Idaho Power will suspend service disconnects and temporarily extend services without late fees to support Oregonians in the face of the outbreak of COVID-19.
Oregon 03-16-2020 Announcement No action yet, but PUC has a website with Coronavirus information
Pennsylvania 03-27-2020 Press Release PUC Recognizes Safe Digging Month, urges homeowners to delay digging projects during COVID-19 emergency declaration.
Pennsylvania 03-26-2020 Press Release PUC Ratifies Recent Emergency Orders Taken to Prevent Utility Service Interruptions, Enhance Public Health & Safety During COVID-19 Pandemic - Commission ratified three Emergency Orders authorized last week by PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille to prevent interruptions to PUC-regulated utility services and enhance ongoing public health and safety measures taken during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Pennsylvania 03-25-2020 Press Release PUC Provides Tips on Telemarketing Sales; Urges Heightened Vigilance for Potential Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic
Pennsylvania 03-13-2020 Order M-2020-3019244 Emergency Order prohibiting termination service during the pendency of the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, unless to ameliorate a safety emergency, or unless otherwise determined by the Commission. Also encourages reconnection, if done safely
Pennsylvania 03-16-2020 Press Release Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Dutrieuille signed an emergency order suspending all door-to-door, in-person and public event sales activities by agents of competitive electric and natural gas suppliers in the Commonwealth’s retail energy markets
Pennsylvania 03-19-2020 Press Release In response to the ongoing threat to public health posed by the COVID-19 virus, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today announced that its upcoming public meeting – scheduled for Thursday, March 26 – will be conducted telephonically.
Pennsylvania 03-20-2020 Press Release PUC Permitting Modifications to Administrative Deadlines, Procedural Rules for the Commission’s Filing and Service Requirements
Rhode Island 03-17-2020 Order (Docket No. 5022) Electric, natural gas, water, and sewer utilities shall immediately cease certain collections activities, as set forth below, including
termination of service for nonpayment. This order shall be in effect through March 31, 2020 for non-residential customer accounts and through April 15, 2020 for residential accounts, subject to further review.
South Carolina 03-18-2020 Dockets Nos. 1997-239-C and 2020-106-A Proceeding to Establish Guidelines for an Intrastate Universal Service Fund and Lifeline Biennial Audit Reports. AND Staff Presents for Commission Consideration Suspending the Disconnection of All Regulated Utility Customers for Non-Payment and All Non-Payment Related Fees during the Current State of Emergency.
South Carolina 03-16-2020 The State - Media Announcement S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a March 15 news conference to not disconnect customers for nonpayment during a public health emergency.
South Carolina 03-13-2020 Announcement Changed an in-person meeting to a virtual one, due to Coronavirus guidance
South Carolina 03-14-2020 Letter Letter from Governor that confirms that SC regulatory staff will communicate disconnection prohibition.
South Dakota 03-16-2020 Announcement PUC is closed through March 27. Commissioners will telework during this period.
Tennessee 03-23-2020 Notice of Voluntary Suspension of Disconnections for Nonpayment Public notice to acknowledge and commend the private investor-owned public utilities that have notified the Commission that it has voluntarily suspended disconnections for nonpayment during the public health emergency, which was declared on March 12, 2020, by Governor Bill Lee as a result of the pandemic outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19: Atmos Energy Corporation; Piedmont Natural Gas Company; Tennessee-American Water Co.; Tennessee Wastewater Systems, Inc.
Tennessee 03-17-2020 Public Notice Supports utilities that are taking additional, voluntary actions to assist customers during this difficult time. Such actions include suspending disconnections for nonpayment; reconnecting recently disconnected customers at no charge; suspending or waiving late fees; offering financial assistance and levelized or budget billing programs.
Texas 03-26-2020 News Release with Link to Order The commissioners voted unanimously to issue orders which will temporarily suspend a series of rules pertaining to the provisions for utility industry participants to disconnect service for non-payment. Order also created the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program, a funding mechanism through which Retail Electric Providers (REPs) may recover a reasonable portion of the cost of providing those uninterrupted services to customers facing financial hardship. REPs in the ERCOT market must suspend late fees and offer deferred payment plans to residential customers in danger of disconnection.
Texas 03-16-2020 Order (Docket No. 50664) Issued order at Docket 50664, suspending certain rules
Texas 03-16-2020 Meeting Announcement Project No. 50664 – Issues Related to the State of Disaster for Coronavirus Disease 2019. Public Utility Commission of Texas is giving notice that it will convene a meeting to address an emergency and urgent public necessity.
Texas 03-16-2020 Press Release Public Utility Commission Orders Adaptations in View of COVID-19
Utah 03-18-2020 N/A All hearings, scheduling conferences, and technical conferences are electronic only until further notice.
Utah 03-18-2020 Order Order on electronic meetings.
Vermont 03-27-2020 Announcement Order expanding temporary moratorium on involuntary utility service disconnection to non-residential ratepayers and certain water companies and establishing additional processes
Vermont 03-26-2020 Order Order waiving two procedural requirements that require close personal contact
Vermont 03-20-2020 Announcement The Public Service Department has prepared a map of public buildings in Vermont where WiFi with access to the internet is publicly available. These sites are accessible at all hours from a parked vehicle on the road or parking lot.
Vermont 03-17-2020 Memorandum Describes changes to the Commission's operations as a result of the state of emergency due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19. The changes are intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont to protect vulnerable Vermonters while still enabling the Commission to fulfill its statutory functions in a timely manner.
Vermont 03-18-2020 Press Release Commission directed the state's regulated utilities to stop any disconnection of residential utility service due to nonpayment of electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications bills. This moratorium on involuntary utility disconnections will last until at least April 30, 2020.
Virginia 03-23-2020 Press Release Governor issues Executive Order Fifty-Three that orders the closure of certain non-essential businesses, bans all gatherings of more than 10 people.
Virginia 03-20-2020 Announcement SCC is directing all Commission business to be through electronic filing, e-mail or telephone. For public health, all in-person visits to SCC are temporarily suspended unless by advanced appointment or scheduled hearings. Drop off of filings is permitted, but processing may be delayed.
Virginia 03-13-2020 PUR-2020-00048 AG Filed an Emergency Petition asking for a halt in utility terminations during pendency of emergency declaration.
Virginia 03-16-2020 Order Order prohibiting disconnect for 60 days.
Washington 03-25-2020 Announcement The UTC building is closed to the public as of Wednesday, March 25 until further notice. Despite this closure, the commission remains operational.
Washington 03-25-2020 Rate Adjustment (Docket Numbers: UE-190334, UG-190335, UE-19022) State regulators fast track $51 million in refunds to keep Avista customer rates steady. Approved a rate increase for Avista Corporation electric and natural gas customers, but fast-tracked a number of customer refunds to hold rates down this year, when many customers are facing economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Washington 03-19-2020 Gov. Inslee's Announcement of relief for utility customers The proclamation provides the UTC with the extended authority to allow utility companies to use existing energy bill assistance funds to help customers who are out of work, or are working significantly reduced hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and need assistance paying their utility bills should reach out directly to their utility companies.
Washington 03-09-2020 Letter Issued a letter on March 9 with information re Coronavirus – no action plan found/ordered moratorium as of yet.
Washington 02-29-2020 Governor Proclamation 20-05 UTC is coordinating with utilities throughout the state to protect the availability and affordability of essential utility services for those economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through a variety of measures, including: suspending disconnection of utilities for nonpayment, waiving late fees, working with affected utility customers to establish payment arrangements, and improving access to energy assistance for affected customers.
West Virginia 03-25-2020 Press Release Commission held a conference call with the major utility companies and various cable and telecommunication companies operating in West Virginia to determine the status of their operations and share best practices in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
West Virginia 03-23-2020 Executive Order 9-20 Governor's order to stay at home; suspend non-essential business.
West Virginia 03-13-2020 Pandemic Guide Effective immediately and until further notice, is urging all utilities to suspend utility service terminations except where necessary as a matter of safety or where requested by the customer.
Wisconsin 03-13-2020 Order Order halts terminations and requiring reconnections through the public health emergency.
Wyoming 03-19-2020 N/A Open meetings in March will be conducted virtually.
Wyoming 03-19-2020 Covid-19 Resources The state has established a COVID-19 resources site.