When the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) extended protections for electric and natural gas customers in late February, we reported it was likely only a matter of time before customer-owned utilities received a similar extension.

Last week, Governor Inslee reissued his emergency proclamation, directing all energy, telecommunications, and water utilities in the state to suspend disconnection of services for nonpayment, unilateral waiving of late fees, working with affected utility customers to establish payment arrangement, and improving access to energy assistance for affected customers.

Like the UTC’s moratorium for disconnections that expires July 31, 2021, the Governor’s proclamation will remain in effect until the termination of the COVID-19 State of Emergency, or at midnight on July 31, whichever arrives first.

The impacts of the pandemic are felt acutely by customer-owned utilities—while a vast majority of utility customers pay what they can as soon as they can, customers that have been most severely impacted by the pandemic continue to accrue significant utility charges. Given that economic impacts of the pandemic are so prolific, the accumulation of delinquent payments causes a dramatic revenue shortfall for publicly owned and operated utilities.

AWC is in regular and frequent communication with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Health, and other impacted utilities to determine a solution for the significant arrearages facing customer-owned utilities. We encourage your city to contact Marian Dacca or Maggie Douglas to share how your city has been impacted by the emergency moratorium, and the financial hardships your utilities face as a result.