{"id":3095,"date":"2017-05-04T08:54:39","date_gmt":"2017-05-04T12:54:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wawa-news.com\/?p=3095"},"modified":"2017-05-04T06:55:31","modified_gmt":"2017-05-04T10:55:31","slug":"ban-on-winter-disconnections-ends-may-1-help-available-for-consumers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wawa-news.com\/index.php\/2017\/05\/04\/ban-on-winter-disconnections-ends-may-1-help-available-for-consumers\/","title":{"rendered":"Ban on winter disconnections ends May 1, Help available for consumers"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 4, 2017 @ 08:54<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A temporary moratorium that prevented utility companies from disconnecting Ontario electricity customers during the cold winter months was lifted on May 1.<\/p>\n

But the end of the ban, issued by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) in February, doesn\u2019t mean consumers whose electricity service accounts are in arrears will automatically have their power turned off this spring.<\/p>\n

“We expect utilities to make every effort to help consumers, at risk of disconnection, stay connected,\u201d said Brian Hewson, Vice President, Consumer Protection and Industry Performance. \u201cThere are a number of rules in place to protect consumers and we want consumers to be aware of these rules, their rights and how to get help if they need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The OEB issued a letter to all Ontario electricity utilities in January reminding them of the rules they\u2019re required to follow regarding disconnecting and reconnecting a service. The letter came prior to the OEB\u2019s announcement of a disconnection ban.<\/p>\n

At the time, Hewson told utilities he expects they \u201cwill ensure that the rules on disconnections and reconnections are strictly followed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Utilities are expected to ensure customers facing disconnection are, among other measures, given the necessary minimum advance notice and offered repayment options. \u201cCustomers cannot be disconnected if they agree to a repayment arrangement and follow that arrangement,\u201d Hewson said.<\/p>\n

Utilities must also make an effort to contact the customer by phone or in person at least 48 hours before the date of disconnection and are required to reconnect within two business days of receiving a payment or entering the customer into a repayment arrangement.<\/p>\n

Low-income customers may be eligible for special rules including the right to request equalized billing and a longer repayment plan. Utilities must also suspend a disconnection process for 21 days once it\u2019s been advised that a customer may be eligible for emergency financial assistance.<\/p>\n

The OEB recently announced support for lower-income electricity consumers will increase by 50 per cent and more consumers will be eligible for assistance under changes to the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), which also take effect May 1.<\/p>\n

The OESP increase translates to an additional $180 to $300 per year for households in monthly, on-bill OESP credits, depending on their size and annual income.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ontario Energy Board (OEB) designed and implemented the OESP to help protect vulnerable consumers and provide support for those who need it most,\u201d says Rosemarie Leclair, OEB Chair and CEO. \u201cWe encourage customers who want to find out more to contact us, their utility or an OESP intake agency to see if they qualify for assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Consumers already in the program will automatically receive a credit adjustment. Others can check to see if they are eligible for assistance under the new program at OntarioElectricitysSupport.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More information on the OEB\u2019s disconnection rules is available at www.oeb.ca\/consumer-protection<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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TIPS FOR STAYING CONNECTED <\/strong><\/p>\n

The OEB offers the following tips for consumers who are at risk of being disconnected.<\/p>\n

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Check The Service Rules <\/strong>\u2013 The OEB has rules in place to protect you as a residential consumer and ensure all electricity customers across the province are treated fairly when it comes to customer service.\u00a0Utilities have to follow special rules that give qualifying low-income households even more protection, such as waiving security deposits and allowing longer payment times under arrears payment plans. More information on the OEB\u2019s disconnection rules is available at www.oeb.ca\/consumer-protection<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get Help Paying Your Bill <\/strong>\u2013 If you are behind on your electricity bills, your utility has to give you an opportunity to go on an arrears payment plan. The payment plan gives you extra time to pay your overdue bills. Contact your utility to learn more.<\/p>\n

Apply For Additional Support <\/strong>\u2013 The OEB has support programs in place to help you in an emergency, or on an ongoing basis.<\/p>\n