Proposed RI Law Would Prevent Utility Shutoffs During Emergencies

Cranston RI

17 February, 2021

5:44 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — A proposed law would prohibit residents from having their gas, heat or electricity shut off for nonpayment during the coronavirus pandemic or any other declared emergencies in the state. Under the bill, the Public Utilities Commission would be required to issue an order suspending payment requirements throughout the emergency and for 90 after it ends, with no late fees during that time. It would also keep utility companies from allowing nonpayment to affect a customer's credit rating, as well as restore service to anyone who had it cut off during that time. "Rhode Islanders are facing tremendous challenges as this pandemic nears the year mark. Some have been unable to work for months due to illness, job loss or lack of child care," said Rep. David Morales, the bill's sponsor. "Many people who were already living on the edge of poverty have been pushed over, and they don't have options in the middle of the pandemic." Under the current rules, eligible low-income customers are prevented from having their utilities shut off during the yearly winter moratorium, which runs from Nov. 1 to April 15. At this time, no protections are in place in Rhode Island after this date. "Shutting off their essential utilities would add a second public health crisis to the first, leaving families in dangerous, unhealthy living situations," Morales said. "For the sake of both human rights and public health, no one should lose their electricity, water or heat during an emergency like the pandemic we are experiencing now."