Indiana Commission Extends Payment Arrangements for Customers Affected by Pandemic

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on August 12 issued an order directing  jurisdictional utilities to maintain their policy of offering extended payment arrangements for a minimum of six months to all customers through October 12. The order pertains to the first phase of the commission’s investigation into the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic on ratepayers and utilities.

The agency underscored  that payment plan offers must be indiscriminate and fair towards all arrearages in a single user-plan, citing the turmoil brought on by a public health emergency as the root cause. The move comes as the disconnection moratorium ends on Aug. 14.

Furthermore, the order suspends the collection of late fees and deposits, as well as disconnection/reconnection fees, until the October date, though utility providers may resume charging convenience fees subject to commission approval. Utilities are required to maintain a record of COVID-19 related impacts associated with prohibition of disconnections, utility fee collections, and expanded payment arrangements to seek cost recovery in the future.

Recognizing  that residential customers may have fallen significantly behind on bills and costs, the order seeks to protect them from additional costs. Moreover, the commission commended the utility companies for their steadfast efforts throughout the crisis, praising the launch of several customer assistance programs and services. For example, Indiana 211 is one such initiative, which acts as a centralized database to provide in-state customers with information regarding food, shelter, power, and other necessities.