Governor Suspends Utility Rules to Pave Way for Additional Consumer Protections |
News |
Written by GOV Press Wisconsin |
Monday, 23 March 2020 10:08 |
Evers wants to make sure folks don’t have to choose between keeping their utilities on and paying for other essentials. MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers issued Emergency Order #11 on Sunday, suspending several utility-related administrative rules, paving the way for the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) to temporarily order further consumer protections amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. The order can be found here. “It is critically important to give people flexibility during this emergency, when paychecks might be disrupted, to keep the lights and heat on and water flowing,” said Gov. Evers. “We’re making sure that folks don’t have to make the critical choice between keeping their utilities on and paying for other essentials.” Immediately following the governor’s emergency order, PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq directed regulated utilities in the state to take the following actions for the duration of the emergency:
“I want to thank the governor for his prompt action on this and our utility providers for their continued efforts to keep our homes and businesses supplied with light, heat, and water,” said Chairperson Valcq. “This is a difficult time for many. We’re asking that those who are able to pay their utility bills, please continue to do so. For those who can’t, today’s order allows them to remain connected.” Previously, the PSC directed utilities to cease disconnecting residential service for nonpayment until the state public health emergency had been lifted. Additionally, utilities were required to make reasonable attempts to reconnect service to an occupied dwelling that had been disconnected. |
Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 10:24 |