Utilities in Colorado have been sending out shutoff notices following the end of the $600 federal unemployment benefit and a statewide eviction moratorium.
Energy Outreach Colorado, which works with companies and public agencies to keep people’s power on, is seeing a spike in requests for help reported the Denver Post.
Most utilities in Colorado suspended shutting off power because of non-payment in recognition of the financial upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Many of them also tapped foundation money and collected contributions to help cash-strapped Coloradans. They are encouraging people behind on their bills to contact them to work out a payment plan.
While Gov. Jared Polis on Monday issued a 30-day extension of an executive order that suspends late and reconnection fees for utilities, he didn’t revive the moratorium on shutoffs that ended earlier this summer. Most utilities started sending out notices again in the past few weeks.
Source: Denver Post