As State Of Emergency Ends, So Does Utility Shut-Off Protection

LONG ISLAND, NY — With New York's coronavirus state of emergency set to expire Thursday and not be renewed, customers faced with unpaid electric bills will also lose protections against service shut-offs that have been in place since March, 2020.

But according to PSEG Long Island, there are options: "Throughout the pandemic, PSEG Long Island has remained committed to assisting our customers during these difficult times," a statement to Patch from the utility company said.

"If the state of emergency has caused a change in a residential customer’s financial circumstances, they may be entitled to additional protections including non-termination of electric service for non-payment for an additional 180 days after the state of emergency ends, or new or restructured deferred payment agreements with no down payment, late fees or penalties may be available," PSEG Long Island said.

PSEG Long Island's customer service representatives also continue to "proactively reach out" to customers to provide guidance on state and federal programs to help them manage their bills and set up payment agreements to pay what they can, so as not to get too far behind, the statement said.

Residential customers should contact PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025 to confirm a change in their financial circumstances to receive the protections, the statement said.