Hawaiian Electric extends moratorium on suspension of service disconnections
Hawaiian Electric has extended its moratorium on the suspension of service disconnections for nonpayment through Dec. 31.
The move is in response to the state Public Utilities Commission’s order to extend the moratorium on service disconnections for nonpayment. Hawaiian Electric voluntarily suspended its collection efforts in March to ensure customers’ electric service would not be disrupted while many were staying home. The PUC subsequently ordered all utilities to suspend disconnections and Hawaiian Electric. The commission said that “customers should continue paying their bills to the extent possible during this time, noting that customers will still ultimately be responsible for paying Utility service billings accrued during this suspension.”
Hawaiian Electric urges customers challenged by the financial impact of COVID-19 to seek utility bill assistance from government and nonprofits. It is also encouraging customers to set up a payment arrangement plan. Hawaiian Electric’s special payment arrangement plans are designed to help keep past due balances manageable.
“Regardless of the date of the moratorium, we want to ensure that customers facing financial hardship are able to take advantage of the CARES funding that is set to expire at the end of the year and that we can help them make their payments more manageable,” Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president of customer service, said. “We need to hear from customers in order to help them.”
There are various utility bill assistance programs in place in the state for those who qualify, including The COVID-19 Hardship Fund, which provides up to $2,000 per month for six months for rent, mortgage, or utilities. Also, the Hawaii Emergency Laulima Partnership (H.E.L.P.) Program provides $500 to $1,250 per household up to three times to assist with utilities, mortgage, rent, insurance, or childcare. In addition, the COVID-19 Utility Bill Support program provides $500 Utility (gas, electric, or non-government water) bill assistance for eligible households. Also, additional CARES Act funding is available for households in need of utility payment to help those who qualify.
