Long Island Utilities Won't Shut Off Services During Coronavirus

NORTHPORT, NY — New York State announced a mandate on Friday to help protect residents from economic impact during the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the order during a news conference.

“No utility can turn off service if a person cannot pay their bill as a result of responding to this virus situation.”

Even before the announcement was made, some utility companies had already pledged to customers that they won't shut off services during the health crisis over COVID-19. Concerns over customers being forced to not work or work less hours and not be able to afford heat or electric spurred the measures.

PSEG Long Island announced the new policy Friday morning:

“As always, our priority is the safety and well-being of our customers, employees and the communities we serve, and our thoughts are with those experiencing difficulty as a result," the company stated.

The policy runs through the end of April, and any needed extensions will be determined then.

All the major Long Island companies voluntarily agreed to the measure, according to Cuomo's office. National Grid and Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) also sent out alerts to customers echoing that customers do not have to worry about collections-related shut off for the time being.

"As a result, National Grid is temporarily suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, to lessen any financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic may have on our customers. These policies are effective immediately and will be in place through the end of April. We will evaluate their continued need at that time. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers," National Grid sent in an email to customers Saturday morning.

Tim Motz, Director of Communications for SCWA, told Patch that non-emergency visits requiring in home visits will be suspended for the time being for the safety of the public and their workers.

"There is no danger of transmitting [COVID-19] through the water," he reiterated, "and there will be no disruption of water service."