Utilities Extend Disconnect Moratorium Into Next Year

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Ameren and Commonwealth Edison are among the state utilities who have voluntarily agreed to extend a moratorium on residential disconnections until March 31 for both those with low income and those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

City Water Light and Power (CWPL) has not decided how long or even if it will extend its moratorium, which is currently set to expire at the end of the month. However, the utility did say that customers on a payment plan will not be disconnected. Additionally, CWLP, like all utilities in Illinois, does not disconnect service in the winter.

The moratorium provides protection for those who qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program and for those who are struggling financially as a result of the Pandemic.

Protections, though, are not automatic, and anyone who is struggling to pay their utility bill or has missed payments should call their utility and work out a payment plan.

The extensions were announced just days after the Illinois Commerce Commission sent letters to the utilities requesting extensions through March to align with the regular winter heating rules prohibiting disconnects between December and March.

Source: SJR