In a 2-2 vote, the PUC failed to adopt the motion to end the emergency order which was proposed by Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, the commission’s chair.
“I am concerned that maintaining the moratorium for a time period that is too lengthy may only work to accelerate the accrual of arrears for many utility customers and place them at an increased risk of defaulting and termination in the future where large bills inevitably will become due,” said Brown Dutrieuille.
Vice Chair David Sweet also wanted to see the order come to an end.
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Commissioners Ralph Yanora and John Coleman opposed the motion.
Coleman said one thing is clear.
“These costs are building and they will be bore by the customers not by the utilities, who will most certainly see recovery of the cost of this pandemic. But they will be paid by rate payers which is all of us. And I think we need to be mindful of that and hoping that we as commissioners will demonstrate the leadership necessary to provide the certainty to all of us, as we go forward in this process," Coleman said.
An end date to the moratorium emergency order has yet to be established.