April 13, 2020 – As energy companies around the country initiate disconnection moratoriums during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the utilities such as Entergy Texas, will be suspending the disconnection of utilities until further notice. The policy to suspend the disconnections was originally set to expire in 30 days.
Energy companies will work with customers to make payment arrangements and encourage those who are able to pay on their accounts to do so. Allie Payne, spokesperson for Entergy Texas, says customers should not delay in requesting assistance with their energy bills.
Public Utility Commissions allow for PUC-regulated organizations to recover costs due to suspensions following the COVID-19 crisis through rates increases on their entire customers base.
A live list of utilities that have suspended disconnects amid the COVID-19 crisis can be found on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse web site. Policies are changing and evolving differently in each state and for each utility, so staying up to date on the utilities policies is important.
Source: media reports
