Rhode Island Energy Proposes Extending Winter Moratorium To Provide Relief

Rhode Island Energy has proposed extending the winter moratorium protection from termination of gas and electric service.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi had called on Rhode Island Energy to provide relief to Rhode Island households impacted by the government shutdown by agreeing to not impose utility shutoffs and through payment holds without interest or penalty.

Related: Rhode Island House Speaker Calls For Break On Energy Bills During Shutdown

Rhode Island Energy President Greg Cornett said in a letter to Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission Clerk Stephanie De La Rosa that the proposal was made in "response" to Shekarchi's request.

"In addition, the Company proposes that active military personnel, federal employees, and
government contractors directly impacted by the current federal government shutdown be
recognized as eligible for a payment hold on their accounts during the pendency of that
shutdown, without the imposition of a penalty and without the threat of service termination," said in the letter.

Related: Rhode Island Ties For 2nd Hardest State To Cover Monthly Bills: Survey

Shekarchi expressed his gratitude to Rhode Island Energy.

“I want to thank Rhode Island Energy for so swiftly launching a program to provide relief for Rhode Island’s federal civil servants who are going without a paycheck while the federal shutdown continues,” Shekarchi, D-Warwick, said in a media release.

Related: Trump Freezes $13.4M In RI Funding To Pressure Democrats To End Shutdown: Report

“Thanks to the swift response from Rhode Island Energy and the Public Utilities Commission, the hardship being felt by these families will not be compounded by the fear of losing access to basic services like heat and electricity,” Shekarchi said.

Related: How Government Shutdown Could Impact Social Security Benefits In Rhode Island

The Public Utilities Commission was to meet Monday to discuss and vote on Rhode Island Energy’s proposal, according to the media release.

"If approved, the program will be effective today, Oct. 27," the release said. "Affected workers will be able to call Rhode Island Energy at 855-743-1101 for instructions on how to apply."

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