September 9, 2020 – The Illinois Commerce Commission sent a letter to large state-regulated utilities requesting they extend the moratorium on residential customer disconnections for non-payment until March 31, 2021, due to concerns with steady infection rates of coronavirus and with cold weather on the way. The letter was signed by all five Commissioners and noted that the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported over 250,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 30 Illinois counties are currently at warning level.
The letter acknowledged that many utilities may now disconnect non-paying customers, and it requested that utilities voluntarily extend the moratorium on residential customer disconnections to align with the winter heating rules. Every year, the state imposes a moratorium during winter for gas and electric services. The moratorium begins December 1st and ends on March 31st.
Last week, it was announced that Niocr Gas, Northshore/Peoples Gas, Illinois American Water, Aqua Illinois, and Utility Services of Illinois all agreed to extend the moratorium until September 30, 2020. Ameren Illinois and ComEd agreed to extend through September 10, 2020.
The commission is asking residents who are currently struggling to pay utility bills to call their utility company and ask for assistance. Deferred payment is available to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and low-income customers.
