**ATTENTION**
A MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE’S COUNSEL TO RESIDENTIAL UTILITY CONSUMERS
NEW: The moratorium on utility shut-offs has been extended by order of the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). Utilities cannot send turn-off notices until October 1, 2020, or later. Utility service turn-off cannot happen until November 15, 2020. These rules apply to natural gas, electric, phone (landline) and private water companies. See [Commission Order] and OPC Alert for details. The Governor's moratorium order has not been extended.
OPC filed a June 26, 2020 [Petition] asking the PSC to adopt a moratorium during the State of Emergency and statewide utility rules on deferred payment plans, and filed extensive [Comments] in support of the Petition. After a hearing, the PSC adopted rules for a temporary moratorium and statewide deferred payment plans.
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
- NEW ALERT on PSC Temporary moratorium and deferred payment plans
- 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
Stay safe.
Paula Carmody
People’s Counsel