Customers who have difficulty paying their bills have resources available, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) said.
Every major electric and natural gas utility PUC oversees offers Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs). These programs assist qualifying customers in paying their bills by providing a discounted rate. Assistance is based on gross household income and household size.
“If you’ve had a reduction in family income because of the coronavirus emergency or other financial problems, it’s possible that you qualify for CAP to help reduce your monthly utility bill – even if you’ve never been part of a CAP program before,” PUC Chairwoman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille said.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides eligible customers with financial assistance to cover heating-related utilities.
In addition, utility companies can offer customers payment plans, budgeted billing, and hardship loans. These loans are supported by the utilities and donations from utility customers, non-profit organizations, and charities.
PUC also urges customers who have difficulty paying telephone and internet access bills to contact their telephone company or wireless services provider about Lifeline. The federal financial support program assists eligible low-income consumers in paying those bills.
PUC consumer-educator team and its partners offer numerous presentations, educational topics, and programs virtually and/or through teleconferencing.