Utilities can be shut off despite heat
As Connecticut suffers through its second extended heatwave this summer, it is worth noting the state does not have a moratorium on warm weather utility shutoffs like the one that exists during the winter heating season.
Among all weather-related hazards, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths, according to the federal website Ready.gov. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 1,300 people die each year nationally due to extremely hot weather.
Connecticut typically averages one heat-related death per year, according to a Nov. 2020 report presented to the Governor's Council on Climate Change. Deaths related to extremely cold temperatures are far more common in Connecticut, according a 2020 State Health Assessment report on climate and health.
Of the 73 cold-related deaths that occurred in the state between 2014 and 2018, exposure to excessive natural cold or hypothermia was listed as the primary cause of death in 47 percent of those cases, according to the report.
Connecticut has a statutory shut-off moratorium for the period of November 1 to May 1, according to Joe Cooper, a spokesman for the state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
The moratorium is applicable to hardship customers of electric natural gas companies, Cooper said. To qualify for shut off protection, he said households need to apply through their local gas/electricity utility provider.
“We suspect the moratorium has been around for decades, but it's not exactly clear when it was put in place,” he said. “PURA is not aware of any shut-off moratorium during extreme heat conditions.”
State Senator Norman Neddleman, D-Essex, is co-chairman of the Connecticut legislature's energy and technology committee, said he is open to considering legislation that would prohibit the shut off electric service during periods of extreme heat.
Needleman, who is up for re-election in November, said while “you can't have no shut-off rules in places 12 months a year, having some sort of rule in place for extreme heat period in July and August is something we could consider.”
“Given how the climate is changing, it's definitely something worth considering in an effort to adapt to the changes,” he said. “It's certainly something worth testing the waters on when the legislature reconvenes next year.”
Mitch Gross, a spokesman for Eversource Energy, said the company has “voluntarily suspended residential disconnections during this current heatwave.”
“Non-hardship customers who are behind in their payments will be eligible for shutoff once the heatwave breaks,” he said. “Hardship customers are currently protected from disconnection. ”Gross said all customers, regardless of their financial situation, are eligible for one of Eversource's various payment programs.
“Being on a plan and making the agreed-upon payments protects customers from disconnection,” he said. “We urge customers who are having difficulty paying their bill to contact us at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource online so we can get them signed up for one of our programs to help them manage their bill and protect them from disconnection once shutoffs do resume.”
Gage Frank, a spokesman for The United Illuminating Co., urged customers who need help paying their electric bill to visit the Orange-based utility's web site to see what payment options are available.