State Regulated Utility Moratorium
Extended through Winter 2021 for Eligible Customers
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[October 26, 2020]
On Monday, the Illinois Commerce Commission
announced the moratorium on disconnections has voluntarily been
extended by several state regulated utilities through the Winter
2021 for eligible low-income residential customers, and those who
self-report to utilities that they are experiencing financial or
COVID-19 hardship. Previously, several of the utilities had
voluntarily agreed to extend the moratorium on shutoffs for
residential customers until September 30, 2020.
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At the request of the ICC, the following utilities
have committed to extending the moratorium on utility disconnections
for low-income (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program qualified)
residential customers and those financially impacted by COVID-19
until March 31, 2021: Ameren Illinois, Aqua Illinois, Illinois
American Water, Commonwealth Edison, Peoples Gas and North Shore
Gas, and Utility Services of Illinois. MidAmerican will voluntarily
extend the moratorium on disconnections for Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program qualified residential customers through March 31,
2021 and is further considering additional options to help their
customers during this unprecedented time. Additionally, Nicor Gas
and Liberty Utilities have agreed to extend the moratorium on
disconnections for all residential customers until March 31, 2021.
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“Illinois citizens are facing extraordinary challenges due to the
pandemic. Low income families and those impacted by COVID-19 should
not have to fear losing basic services like electricity, heat, or
fresh water,” said Chairman Carrie K. Zalewski. “The voluntary
actions by these utilities will provide our most vulnerable citizens
with some peace of mind, especially as cold weather approaches. We
appreciate the utility companies for their responsiveness and
action.”
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The ICC reminds customers to call the utility company
if you have missed bill payments or you are struggling to pay your
bill. No documentation or written proof is necessary, but you must
make the phone call and verbalize your difficulty. This action will
ensure a continuation of utility service. Deferred payment
arrangements are also available for both residential and small
business customers needing help managing their utility bill
obligation during these difficult times.
On June 18, 2020, the Commission approved landmark COVID-19 utility
relief agreements in Docket No. 20-0309, which were the product of
negotiations between thirteen utility companies and numerous
consumer advocate groups and parties. In addition to extending the
moratoriums on disconnections and late payment fees, the agreements
provided historic consumer protections involving utility credit and
collection practices, deferred payment agreements, temporary waivers
of reconnection fees and new deposit requirements.
More details on the Stipulations, each utility’s commitments and
compliance reports are available on the Commission website in the
ICC Docket 20-0309. To learn more about the Commission’s response to
COVID-19, please visit:
www.icc.illinois.gov/home/covid-19.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |