Press Releases
05/29/2020
PURA Announces Extension of Shut-Off Moratorium for Business Customers; Residential Shut-Off Moratorium Continues
With the moratoriums in place, customers should be hyper-vigilant of potential scams
Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced today the extension of the non-residential customer shut-off moratorium through July 1, 2020. The separate shut-off moratorium for residential customers remains in place for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency declared by Governor Lamont. Both moratoriums apply to customers of all electric, natural gas and water utilities regulated by PURA, and prohibit service terminations except in instances of public safety.
In addition, PURA continues to warn customers of a recent uptick in utility-related scams. Customers should always use caution when receiving any solicitation pertaining to their utility bill and are encouraged to call their utility company directly with questions or concerns. Connecticut’s regulated electric, natural gas and water public utility companies are currently not terminating service due to nonpayment for as long as the emergency shut-off moratoriums remain in place.
“We encourage customers to be extra vigilant for the duration of the pandemic given the emergence of several sophisticated scams as of late. Demands for immediate payment at the risk of service termination are simply false. Instead, PURA has directed our utilities to provide flexible payment arrangements to any customer that asks for assistance during these unprecedented times. PURA urges customers to contact their utilities directly to check the validity of any messaging that is received or to request assistance with their utility bills,” said PURA chairman Marissa P. Gillett.
More information about PURA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis is available here or by referencing Docket Number 20-03-15. Members of the public with questions regarding these matters can contact the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority at 1-800-382-4586. oratoriums applyto customers of allelectric, natural gas anRegulatory Authority at 1-800-382-4586.
Contact
Taren O'Connor
Director of Legislation, Regulation and Communication
860-827-2689
Taren.Oconnor@ct.gov