- STATE REPRESENTATIVE MEREDITH STRANG BURGESS -
REMINDS CONSTITUENTS OF 'WINTER DISCONNECT' RULES

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(Augusta, ME 10/25/10) – State Rep. Meredith Strang Burgess (R-Cumberland) wants to remind area residents that different rules apply regarding the disconnection of electric and gas utilities during the winter months. From November 15 through April 15, it is the policy of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) that residential customers should not face disconnection because of their inability to pay the entire amount owed by the due date of a bill.

During this period, customers may set up a Special Payment Arrangement with their utility company. Customers usually qualify for a Special Payment Arrangement if their income does not meet 150% of federal poverty guidelines, if they are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or if they are eligible for Supplemental Security Income.

These arrangements allow the customer to pay less than the full cost of the bill during the winter. The customer then will pay the remainder owed to the utility company from April through October. These arrangements also prohibit the utility company from assessing late payment charges on the amount owed as long as the customer stays current on the Special Payment Arrangement.

If you receive a disconnect notice after November 15, contact your utility company to set up a Special Payment Arrangement. If you have any additional questions regarding this program, contact the MPUC’s Consumer Assistance Hotline at 1-800-452-4699 or 207-287-1597. The MPUC may also be contacted via fax at 207-287-1039 or by e-mail at maine.puc@maine.gov.

 

 

Rep. Strang Burgess is a second-term legislator representing House District 108, which includes Chebeague Island, Cumberland, Long Island and part of North Yarmouth.