New protections in place for winter electricity

    AUGUSTA – Mainers who find it hard to make ends meet have new protections from disconnection of lights and electric heat this winter, said Rep. Patricia Sutherland, D-Chapman and Rep. Richard Cleary, D-Houlton.
     “Maine winters are too cold, especially up here in the County” said Sutherland.  “We want to make sure people have power on these short days in freezing temperatures.”  A number of new measures will help consumers in 2008.
     Current Public Utilities Commission (PUC) rules bar utilities from shutting off power to any customer between Nov. 15 and April 15 without explicit permission from the PUC’s Consumer Protection Division. The PUC will work with customers to find financial assistance to pay electric and gas bills during that period, as well.
     New rules also require a full information packet explaining consumer’s rights and options be mailed or delivered to homes which have lost heat or light service since April 15.
     “This is not debt forgiveness,” said Cleary.  “But it does ensure that Mainers aren’t left in the dark.  It gives them an opportunity to work something out.”
     Letters from the power company, phone calls and in-person attempts at contact are all required before a winter disconnection can take place. At any time a customer can contact the PUC’s Consumer Assistance Division toll free at 1-800-452-4699 to work out a payment schedule with the PUC’s help, and get free help to seek ways of meeting the bills.
     For 2008 these now include:
    · A year-round Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) that provides utility bill discounts or credits to challenged families. The fund currently has $7 million available for assistance.
    · An “Energy Crisis Intervention Program” for eligible families who get disconnection notices and still cannot negotiate or honor an existing payment plan.
    · An “Emergency Assistance” assist from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services when a disconnection is imminent.
    · Eligible customers who rely on life-saving equipment such as oxygen pumps and ventilators at least eight hours a day may qualify for a utility credit to cover the cost of electricity for equipment.
    Customers should contact their utility company first and if not satisfied call the PUC Consumer Assistance Division for free help. 
     Mainers may call the Consumer Assistance Division toll-free at (800) 452-4699.  Reps. Sutherland and Cleary can be reached toll-free in Augusta at (800) 423-2900.