Utility Issues
Are You Facing a Shutoff of your Gas or Electricity?
For more information on how to combat the utility company and fight for your rights, come to a chapter meeting of the RI Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty.
Also, you can review our helpful resources.
And, if you have received a shutoff notice from the gas or electric company, here’s how you can fight it.
¿ ESTÁ USTED FRENTE A UN CORTE DEL SERVICIO DE GAS O ELECTRICIDAD?
Members of the George Wiley Center, with the support of Senator Montalbano, won an extension of the Winter Moratorium from April 15, 2008 to May 1, 2008.
You may be a “PROTECTED” Customer — that is legally protected from a utility shut-off during the winter moratorium. To find out, call the RI State Energy Office or your local CAP agency to see you are protected by qualifying as a LIHEAP customer. If you received “Heating Assistance” last year in the same town, you should be on the list as a protected customer this year. YOU MUST REAPPLY.
The Spring, Summer and Fall months when the Winter Moratorium in NOT in effect, it is shut-off season. To protect yourself, call us and then take the following steps:
1. Call the company & make a reasonable offer based on what is affordable for your family.
If your offer is refused by the company, go to the next step.
2. Call the Public Utilities Commission & request an informal hearing.
Here's the phone number, (401) 780-9700 and remember, you have a right to this hearing.
You can demand a bilingual hearing officer if you need one.
This should temporarily stop any shutoff. Also, put your request in writing to: Division of Public Utilities, 89 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02888.
After your hearing has been scheduled, go to the next step.
3. Contact us at (401) 728-5555 if there you have any problems in following these steps.
We work together to advocate as a group on common issues. On a very limited basis, we can send an advocate with you or advise you on how to prepare for your informal hearing for an AFFORDABLE ENERGY PAYMENT PLAN. If you are interested in becoming an advocate for others — let us know.
After the informal hearing, if you are not satisfied with your written answer from the Division, go to the next step.
4. Request a second, formal hearing.
Here's the phone number, (401) 941-4500 and remember, until that hearing is held, your service cannot be shut off.