Connecticut Bans Utility Shutoffs Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Connecticut officials have banned utilities from shutting off services to customers amid concerns about coronavirus.

The utilities order applies to all electric, natural gas and water companies in the state. The Public Utility Regulatory Authority said it will be in effect during the public health and civil preparedness emergencies declared by Gov. Ned Lamont.

“People need electricity, heat and water to stay home safely right now,” State Attorney General William Tong said.

Metropolitan District

Before the ban was announced. the Metropolitan District (MDC) said it will not initiate any water service shutoffs this season until further notice amid concerns about coronavirus COVID-19.

The company said availability of potable water is critical under these circumstances, and should not be interrupted for any reason.

While water will continue to be provided even for customers delinquent on their bill, individual water meters will continue to record water usage and water bills will continue to be generated and delivered to customers, MDC said. 

To reduce in-person transactions, the MDC would like to remind customers that the online and over the phone payment options, which have been available to customers prior to this crisis, remain accessible through the website or by calling (860) 278-7850 and following the prompts.

The MDC said, In response to developments relating to the coronavirus pandemic, they have coordinated with the Department of Public Health and the CT Department of Environment and Energy Protection that oversee drinking and wastewater activities. 

"MDC’s ability to serve our customers is paramount. Although MDC has a significant number of certified water treatment operators, regulated by the State of CT, we have requested DPH to recertify retired personnel, if necessary, to supplement staff," a news release from MDC said.

MDC has scheduled weekly conference calls with the State Regulatory Authorities to address the dynamic circumstances occurring throughout the State and Country.

Regional Water Authority

Before the ban was announced, the Regional Water Authority said it s halting water service shutoffs due to nonpayment until April 30 amid concerns about coronavirus and said the company is taking “reasonable precautions” in response to the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 - in Connecticut and  remains confident that COVID-19 poses no risk to drinking water.

“Running water and a way to heat that water—through electricity or natural gas— are essential for COVID-19 prevention sanitization.  There are many Connecticut families heeding public health and safety warnings by staying at home in quarantine due to COVID-19 infection, potential exposure to COVID-19, or flu-like symptoms,” Tong said in the petition. “In order to maintain Connecticut’s public health and safety, such families must be able to comfortably stay at home under safe conditions which include running utilities that are essential for hygiene, cleaning, cooking, and climate control.”

“In addition, many families are staying at home — or may be forced to stay at home — due to work and school closures in response to the pandemic virus.  It would be impossible for home schooling in households with no electricity, which raises educational equity issues as students from low-income or otherwise vulnerable families would not have the same at-home learning opportunities without electricity for internet services,” Tong went on to state.

The Regional Water Authority said it is halting water service shutoffs due to nonpayment until April 30, when it will revisit the policy.

“Access to water is critical to the protection of health and safety at all times, but particularly when managing a serious disease outbreak like COVID-19,” Larry Bingaman, President and CEO of the Regional Water Authority said in a statement. “No one should be deprived of access to tap water due to inability to pay during this time of heightened need. The RWA is temporarily ceasing all water service shutoffs as a result of nonpayment until April 30 so that our customers will continue to have access to water for hygiene, consumption and safety during the current pandemic event.”

- RWA Water Treatment Process

The RWA’s regular water treatment processes include disinfecting all water before it reaches customers and the RWA said it is taking steps to help ensure employees remain healthy and available to oversee and manage the company’s water system.

- RWA Request of Customers

The company said the staff at the RWA’s water treatment plants are being encouraged to avoid large gatherings or attending meetings at company headquarters unless it is necessary. This will limit contact with other people, thereby decreasing the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19.

The company is asking that customers not schedule in-home appointments or visit RWA locations if anyone in their household is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, has recently been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 or has traveled to a location identified as high-risk by the CDC.

PURA Directs Utilities to Cease Shutoffs During COVID-19 Outbreak

The announcements about halting shutoffs came just before the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority announced that it issued a ruling that directs all regulated electric, natural gas, and water companies in the state to cease residential service terminations for non-payment as a protective measure during the current public health emergency.

Attorney General William Tong had sought an emergency moratorium a day earlier on electric, natural gas, and water utility shut-offs in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tong's petition seeks to cease all utility service terminations for a 30-day period subject to renewal to ensure all residents can safely remain home during the epidemic.

PURA said its ruling applies to PURA-regulated public service companies and will remain in effect at least for the duration of the Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergency declared by Governor Lamont on March 10.

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