The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission recently took action to extend a moratorium on disconnects for nonpayment until April 30, 2021.  There were other requirements put into place as well.  The extension and other requirements apply to investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities and not Benton PUD. 

Benton PUD commissioners approved an extension to temporarily suspend the following customer billing practices through December 31 for residential and general service rate classes:

• Assessment of the 1% late fee on past due balances
• Disconnects for non-payment
• Urgent Notices regarding past due balances 

The temporary extension is consistent with Governor Jay Inslee’s Ratepayer Assistance and Preservation of Essential Services proclamation (20.23-9).  The proclamation banned energy, water, and telecommunication companies from disconnecting customers due to nonpayment, refusing to reconnect residential customers who were disconnected for nonpayment, and charging late fees or reconnection fees.  The Governor’s proclamation is set to expire October 15, 2020.

As your local nonprofit public power utility, we ask that customers who can pay their monthly bill please continue to do so. This will help us maintain business continuity while providing flexibility to those most impacted by the pandemic. We understand many customers are experiencing financial hardship.  For information about customer support programs available to you go to our COVID-19 Customer Support Program page.  Our Customer Service staff is also available during regular business hours of 8:30 to 5:00, Monday through Friday at 509-582-2175 in Kennewick and 509-786-1841 in Prosser to answer questions and to discuss payment arrangements.