State moratorium on utility disconnects ending soon, shut-offs resuming in July

Washington state’s moratorium on utility disconnects is ending and utility companies will resume shut-offs in July.

The original moratorium was put in place by Gov. Jay Inslee in response to customers who are unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was extended several times as the pandemic continued.

The latest resolution, adopted in October, continued the moratorium until July 31, 2021. The Utilities and Transportation Commission has not extended it, meaning disconnects can begin again.

Companies will also have to waive deposits for new customers and late fees through Oct. 27, 2021.

According to the Sierra Club, a quarter of low-income households in the Seattle metro area spend more than 11% of their monthly income on energy bills.

Some companies, including Pacific Power and Northwest Natural Gas, charge a $100 disconnect fee, creating a further burden, according to a release from the Sierra Club.

Cox Media Group