New York Gas, Utility Companies Help Unpaid Federal Workers

NEW YORK, NY — With a winter storm coming, federal employees unpaid during the partial government shutdown won't have to worry about having their power cut in New York.

The New York State Public Service Commission announced Thursday that New York’s major electric and gas utilities are implementing special collection practices for customers furloughed and those working without pay due to the federal government shutdown, a release said.

Utilities including PSEG Long Island, National Grid, Consolidated Edison, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, New York State Electric and Gas, Rochester Electric and Gas, and National Fuel Gas have teamed up to help federal employees enduring financial hardships that might make it difficult to pay their energy bills during the shutdown.

The utilities have all agreed to keep services in place for the duration of the shutdown and until workers get paid, the release said.

“The federal government shutdown is already taking a serious toll on many government workers and their families,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “I want to thank New York’s utilities for their prompt response and sensitivity to the growing hardships these families are facing. Their actions will help ensure that New York’s federal government workers will not have to worry about keeping their homes warm and their lights on.”

The major utilities are providing the help on a voluntary basis, so families won't forced to choose between heating their homes and their other vital needs, the release said.

Some key measures, depending on the company, could include the suspension or waiving of late payment fees; extending or deferring payment due dates; and crafting deferred payment agreements tailored to each affected customer’s financial circumstances.

The goal is to avoid loss of vital services and potential lowering of customers' credit ratings because of circumstances beyond their control, the release said.

Affected federal government employees are encouraged to reach out to their utility’s credit department or customer service departments if they are unable to pay their bills — the utilities may place a collection suspend on accounts, suspend collection calls and disconnect notices; and waive late fees, the release said.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.