PSC Lifts Moratorium on Utility Disconnection Effective October 20, 2020
PSC Lifts Moratorium on Utility Disconnection Effective October 20, 2020
Frankfort KY (September 21, 2020)—Today the Public Service Commission (PSC) amended several directives contained in its March 16, 2020 Order issued in response to the COVID-19 state of emergency. With today’s Order, the PSC is requiring a number of different measures aimed at providing long-term protection to vulnerable households in light of the challenging months ahead. In response to the continuing pandemic and the economic hardship wrought on households, the PSC is also calling attention to Kentuckians’ utility bill assistance needs.
The PSC’s March 16 Order directed utilities to temporarily cease disconnections for nonpayment and waive late payment charges. It also urged utilities to offer lenient payment plans for current unpaid balances. The primary intent was to ensure continuity of service so that people had access to safe and clean premises. Today’s modifications to that Order are informed by results of a PSC survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 and the March directives on utilities and their customers, including the impact on the number of customers in arrearage.