CUB Applauds PGE, Pac Power, PWB Disconnect Suspensions Due to COVID-19

Editor’s Update: in response to the COVID-19 crisis, additional utilities serving Oregon customers have joined in enhancing service and/or suspending shutoffs:

• NW Natural has announced that it will not disconnect customers who are unable to make bill payments due to the outbreak. (The announcement can be found on NW Natural’s homepage, and customer service can be reached at 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012.)
• Comcast has announced an expansion and faster connection speeds to its Internet Essentials program. Speeds will increase to 25/3 MBPS and newly connected households will receive 60 days of free service upon signing up. More info and details about how to apply can be found here. Comcast is also planning to suspend disconnections, waive late fees, remove data caps, and is providing free wifi hotspots for at least the next 60 days.
• Oregon utilities are now also waiving late fees in order to ensure continued service without fear of penalty charges. The Oregon Public Utility Commussion (PUC) encourages customers to contact their utility providers with any questions about late fee payments and services provided during the crisis. PUC customer service can also be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by phone at 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404.
• The FCC has launched the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” - participating utilities (which now includes most major telecom providers in Oregon) agree to sustain existing residential/small business service, waive late fees, and make Wi-fi hotspots publicly available for use, at least through May 12. The FCC has also announced rule changes to the federal Lifeline program to help low-income consumers stay connected.

For further updates, we refer readers to this comprehensive State of Oregon website that is tracking utility related COVID-19 responses, including those of consumer owned utilities.

The ongoing fallout of the global COVID-19 pandemic has affected and will continue to affect people across the societal spectrum in myriad and increasingly disruptive ways. From a health perspective, statistics demonstrate that vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and/or immunosuppressed are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the illness. In addition, COVID-19’s spread has already begun to have disastrous effects on the global economy - a trend that is expected to continue. But there is encouraging news: utility service shutoffs are being suspended for customers of Portland General Electric (PGE), Pacific Power, and Portland’s water and wastewater services.

Beyond threats to the global economy, the impacts of the COVID-19 spread and attendant concern that is rippling through our society are impacting the Oregon economy at a local level as well. Our economy is primarily service-driven, meaning that as events are cancelled and people are increasingly hesitant to spend their money at bars, restaurants, and retail outlets, the employees of those establishments will feel the effects in their pocketbooks. While some corporations and organizations may mandate that their employees “work from home”, that is not an option for a bartender, mechanic, sanitation worker, or caregiver.

At CUB, since we represent all Oregon residential ratepayers regardless of their socioeconomic profile, we are sensitive to the economic impacts that these individuals will feel. Regardless of whether an employee can continue to work, paying utility bills is a constant expense for any household. That is why we applaud recent announcements by the Portland-based utility providers PGE, Pacific Power, and the Portland Water Bureau (PWB) that they are suspending customer disconnections during the period of COVID-19 emergency declaration and until further notice.

CUB believes that crises like these can help solidify the resilience and solidarity of Oregonians. Electricity and water are essential to life and the ability to function and participate in modern society. If you or your family are facing economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to reach out to PGE, Pacific Power, and/or PWB to discuss your options. CUB understands that there are other policy options to address the economic challenges posed by COVID-19 that merit consideration by elected and community leaders.

PWB’s customer service line can be reached at 503-823-7770 (more information here). Customers can reach Pacific Power customer service at 888-221-7070 (more contact options on Pacific Power’s website), and PGE’s customer service line can be reached at 800-542-8818 (more contact options on PGE’s website). CUB will update this article with more information if/when more utilities serving Oregon customers make similar announcements.

Please stay safe and healthy out there, and follow the CDC’s tips for protecting yourself and helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in communities.

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