DES MOINES ― Iowans can get relief from many utility bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate recommends that consumers pay what they can to avoid problems in the future, however.
The Iowa Utilities Board issued an emergency order on March 27 approving a moratorium on disconnections of electric and natural gas utility service, and investor-owned water utilities, during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The moratorium will allow customers to retain these utility services during the emergency even if they cannot pay all of their utility bills.
“Customers who are able to pay should pay their utility bills, or even just a portion. That will prevent large unpaid balances and reduce the potential for service disconnection once the public health emergency has passed,” said Consumer Advocate Jennifer Easler.
Customers experiencing financial difficulty should contact their utility service provider to explore payment options, assistance programs, and low-cost steps to conserve energy and water. The Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) application period for heating assistance has been extended to May 31.
The disconnection moratorium applies to customers served by Iowa American Water Co. Easler and Attorney General Tom Miller join the Iowa Utilities Board in strongly encouraging all water utilities ― including rural, municipal, and cooperative ― to suspend disconnecting any customers until the public health emergency ends.
“Water disconnections during this pandemic are unacceptable,” Miller and Easler said. “Personal hygiene is a critical part of limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Customers with utility issues or questions may submit a complaint online at https://iub.iowa.gov/utility-complaints-or-inquiries, or contact the IUB Customer Service Department by telephone at 877.565.4450 or 515.725.7321 and by email at customer@iub.iowa.gov.
I don’t know why anybody has to pay these bills at all. Little loan later on. We are forward to not be able to work and the government gives us a measly $1,200. That’s barely over one month’s rent. Are we supposed to pay car insurance other utilities, buy groceries and other necessities. And then those that can’t afford to pay it should and those who can’t afford it don’t? Why should the haves have to pay for the have nots? If these landlords and utilities want their money than the government should pay them directly. How about that instead of giving us a measly stimulant package. I also don’t think you should have to pay for your mortgages and other loans. I think the balance should still be there but I think the interest should be frozen on the principal and no down payments until people are back to work.
It’s just like these wireless telephone companies that are giving extra data to people. but the people that are already paying for unlimited data aren’t getting any extra. Once again the people that are paying for the maximum plan are now paying for other people. I think these wireless companies should then lower for the time being the unlimited plan to the first-tier plan of the minimum data.
No one says you have to accept the money. If you don’t want it just return it. But a ungrateful p.o.s. like you will keep the money and then bitch about it.
Alliant energy can do better. They are constantly in a state of raising rates. They’re just another collection racket nickel and diming people. Can’t evict. Can’t cut off power due to no pay either. If people don’t spend, the massive cash piles the rich have keep dwindling. If we keep this up then by the fall the rich will be thinned out considerable. A perfect reset to an economy in need of fresh ideas. Like integrity.
I agree. What gives Alliant the right to give away money we have paid to grants worth million? If they have that much extra cut the rates.