December 1st marked the beginning of the winter moratorium on utility termination for low-income households served by regulated public utilities. From December 1st through March 31st, low-income households (those with household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line – or 150% of Federal Poverty Line for Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) customers) who are customers of utilities regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) cannot have their electricity or gas service turned off for non-payment unless the utility receives permission from the Public Utility Commission do to so. There are exceptions to this rule. For instance, a utility may still terminate a low-income household’s service during this time if there is suspected fraud, tampering with meters, or other public safety concerns.
It is important to note that the winter moratorium is NOT a winter reconnection. This means that households entering this period without service will continue to go without service until resolved. Also, the winter moratorium only applies to clients who are serve
d by utilities regulated by the PUC. Low-income households who receive service from municipal, cooperative, or rural electric utilities can still be terminated during this period.
During this period, your legal aid and human service providers will likely continue to see households who are shut off or have been denied service. Remember that LIHEAP is open and can assist many of these households. This year, eligible households are entitled to a $500 crisis grant and a cash grant of at least $200 and as much as $1000 depending on household income, heating region, and main heating source. In addition to LIHEAP, all of the regulated utilities have universal service programs designed to help customers. Check out the PA Utility Law Project 2016 LIHEAP Manual for more information on the program.
The LIHEAP season is scheduled to end on March 31st, which coincides with the end of the winter moratorium. Households protected by the moratorium should be sure to apply for cash grants to assist with their heating costs as soon as possible, and before LIHEAP closes.
Contact PULP if you have additional questions about the Winter Moratorium.