Golden State Today

Financially struggling Californians will not have their power, sewer, water, or communications shut off during the coronavirus state of emergency.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced this decision on March 17, retroactive to March 4. The ruling applies to all utility companies under the jurisdiction of the CPUC. Those companies include PG&E, AT&T, Comcast and the San Jose Water Company. None of these companies are allowed to suspend or disconnect services for customers who cannot pay their bills during the virus outbreak. However, even before the CPUC’s announcement, several companies announced that they were putting shutoff moratoriums in place for customers unable to pay.  

"In these unsettling and unprecedented times, many people are concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their loved ones," said CPUC President Marybel Batjer in an interview with NBC Bay Area. "They should not also have to worry about their essential utility services being shut off for non-payment because they are unable to report to work due to illness, quarantine, or social distancing."

Those who are able to pay their bills should continue to make their payments. Batjer said.

The Empowerment Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to safe, affordable and abundant energy through natural gas, commended the CPUC for taking this action.

“As many Americans have seen their work hours reduced or have been laid off, many will be unable to pay for basic energy services,” said Ian Prior, spokesperson for The Empowerment Alliance. “Fortunately, utility companies around the country are doing the right thing and suspending customer shut offs and resuming service. It’s the kind of patriotic response this country needs, and The Empowerment Alliance applauds their efforts and encourages all others that can to follow suit.”