Wednesday, March 21, 2001

Natural gas discconection moratorium ends The Public Service Commission is urging consumers and natural gas marketers alike to be aware of their responsibilities as the end of the commission's moratorium on natural gas disconnections approaches. The commission adopted an emergency moratorium on shutoffs Jan. 17, lasting until April 1, to help alleviate hardships caused by the increase in natural gas prices and the extremely cold winter temperatures. Consumers must begin now to work out payment arrangements with their gas marketers if they are in danger of being disconnected once the moratorium ends. Consumers are responsible to pay for any gas used. The commission expects marketers to obey all commission rules and regulations when disconnecting natural gas service. This includes proper notice five business days before the proposed date of disconnection. Marketers must attempt to make personal contact with the customer two days before the proposed date of disconnection either in person or by certified mail. The disconnection must be scheduled on a business day when the customer could make a payment to a company representative. What do you think of this story? Click here to send a message to the editor. Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page