The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) finally made a decision regarding lifting the utility disconnect prohibition for LPSC jurisdictional customers.
Here’s What You Need to Know
The disconnect prohibition will officially be lifted on July 16, 2020. In Louisiana the utility must give customers 5 days notice ahead of a disconnection.
Utilities are required to work with you to provide payment plans, for up to 12 months, or levelized billing options.
Utilities cannot charge late fees or interest on unpaid balances accrued while the disconnection prohibition was in place. They also are prohibited from negative credit reporting on your behalf.
This only applies to LPSC jurisdictional customers. If your light bill comes from Entergy New Orleans, or your municipality (i.e Lafayette Utilities System), this decision does not apply to you.
What You Should Do Next
If you are unable to pay your utility bill, contact your community action partnership agency immediately. You may qualify for federal assistance. Information on how and where to apply, as well as eligibility requirements can be found here.
If you are having a hard time paying your utility bill, contact your utility to ask what options may be available in terms of payment plans or levelized billing, prior to July 16th.
Most importantly, we urge everyone that may need assistance, to act as soon as possible. As the queen of procrastination, especially when it comes to paying bills, I can assure you this is not the time to wait until the last minute.
