The
PUCO moratorium on electric and natural gas disconnections
expires on March 18, 2008. Once the moratorium expires,
regulated electric and natural gas companies will proceed
with billing and disconnection procedures as outlined in
PUCO rules. Customers are encouraged to take proactive steps
now to ensure that their service is not interrupted.
What is the moratorium?
The PUCO issued a 90-day moratorium
on the disconnection of
residential electric and natural gas services on Dec. 19,
2007. The moratorium applies only to residential customers
whose household income is at or below 175 percent of the
federal poverty guidelines. The moratorium is not a
forgiveness of the utility bill. The customer is ultimately
responsible for payment of the entire amount owed on the
electric or natural gas bill,
including late fees that may accrue.
What happens when
the moratorium expires?
On March 18, 2008 the moratorium will expire and electric
and natural gas utility companies will proceed with billing
and disconnection procedures as outlined in the PUCO rules.
Customers who have received a notice of disconnection from
their electric or natural gas utility company prior to March
18, 2008 may have their service disconnected beginning March
19, 2008 unless the customer takes action to pay the amount
in default before the moratorium expires.