PUC extends utility shutoff moratorium through May 31

Thanks to your advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission has extended the current utility shutoff moratorium for another two months, through May 31. It is important to note that this extension is for all utilities EXCEPT wireless telecommunication services. 

This extension is needed as our local economy has yet to see meaningful recovery and upwards of 60,000 residents remain unemployed. Further economic recovery is expected over the next few months as more of the population is vaccinated and travel may be safely reopened, however many households will likely still be struggling to get by.  

In addition to the extension, the Public Utilities Commission is also requiring utilities to: 

• Develop payment plans for customers who have past due payments greater than 60 days

• File quarterly reports with data on utility’s financial condition and a list of measures already in place to assist customers during COVID-19

• Notify all customers by May 1 that disconnection suspension will be lifted June 1

• Waive all late payment fees and interest from March 5, 2020-May 31, 2021

• Submit a report detailing the utilities transition plan upon the reinstatement of shutoffs

This indicates that this will be the last extension issued by the PUC and some payment of unpaid bills will be due starting in June. With the recent federal funds issued, some rent and utility assistance programs may be put back in place. However, given the scope of the debt that is likely, these funds will not be enough to help everyone in need. This means that we will need to double down on our advocacy to utilities that can afford to directly help their customers, like Hawaiian Electric, to step up and use their own private profits. So stay tuned! 

If you have signed the petition but not yet sent an email directly to Hawaiian Electric’s CEO, we encourage you to do so today!