Puget Sound Energy will ramp up collection efforts for $140M in overdue bills

Thousands of low-income families could have gas and electric service cut off because of renewed efforts by Puget Sound Energy to get customers to pay their long overdue bills, anti-poverty advocates warn.

State regulators agreed last month to allow PSE to resume credit and collection practices paused since the pandemic as it works to recover more than $140 million owed from tens of thousands of customers.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission order prescribes steps the state’s largest investor-owned utility must take to let customers know what payment management programs are available, and refer them to nonprofit Community Action Agencies for assistance.

If a customer fails to take action within 30 days, PSE may place them on a phased debt collection plan, known as dunning, under the order. Disconnections for non-payment are limited to those who owe more than $250 and are more than 90 days overdue.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/06/04/puget-sound-energy-will-ramp-up-collection-efforts-for-140m-in-overdue-bills/