**ATTENTION**

A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE’S COUNSEL TO RESIDENTIAL UTILITY CONSUMERS

NEW: Governor Hogan extended the moratorium on utility shut offs and late fees to August 1, 2020 (Governor's order).  Please check our resources on proactive steps to address past due bills and available energy assistance now.

NEW: OPC files a Petition with the PSC to address financial impacts of COVID on customer ability to pay utility bills. 

During the State of Emergency, OPC staff have been here working hard for you. The shift to remote work changed the way we work, but it did not change our commitment to advocate on your behalf.  We continue to represent you in rate cases, merger cases, service and reliability matters, energy supplier litigation and on many other utility issues affecting your interest in affordable and reliable service.  We continue to respond promptly to your email and voice mail questions and provide information and assistance. 

As the State of Emergency enters into a new phase, we will continue that work, and focus on the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and your ability to pay utility bills during the crisis afterwards, and how the utilities will handle the transition after the State of Emergency ends. 

CONTACT OPC AT DLInfo_OPC@maryland.gov, or call 410-767-8150 or 800-207-4055 and leave a detailed message. 

STATUS OF PSC CASES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS. Check the PSC Commission website at www.psc.state.md.us if you have a case number, or contact us with your status question.

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED COVID-19 RESOURCES and COVID-19 OPC ADVOCACY SECTIONS ON OUR PUBLICATIONS PAGE

• Individual gas and electric service and bill payment policies.
• Water utility service and payment policies
• Phone and internet services
• Energy Assistance
• Other Resources – and always check out our RESOURCE GUIDES
• How to Negotiate Payment Plans with a Utility
• Utility and Energy Supplier Scams
• Energy Assistance flyers available (one in English/Spanish) available.  Feel free to distribute

IF YOU ARE UNEMPLOYED OR UNDEREMPLOYED AND HAVING TROUBLE WITH BILL PAYMENTS, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR ENERGY BILLS. SEE https://DHS.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs

CHECK OUT OUR FACT SHEETS ON YOUR RIGHTS AS A UTILITY CUSTOMER 

CHECK OUT OUR GAS AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER FACT SHEETS BEFORE  YOU SAY “YES” OR SIGN A CONTRACT

See Maryland website and Federal website websites for up-to-date information on COVID-19.

Stay safe.   

Paula Carmody

People’s Counsel