Take Action: Contact the Public Service Commission

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We need your advocacy and hope you will take the time to contact the Public Service Commission about the following issue.  

Respectfully,
Sue Niemi, President, League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties

 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

On June 11, the Public Service Commission (PSC) allowed utilities in Wisconsin to start disconnecting power, as of July 25, from people who’ve fallen behind on their payments.

In March the PSC issued a moratorium on such shut-offs, which it did, until July 25, on the assumption that the coronavirus pandemic would be under control by now and that our economy would be better.  Neither is true. The pandemic is back and the unemployment rate stands at 12 percent. Many people simply can’t pay their utilities right now. To allow the utility companies to shut them off will be a disaster.

The impacts are serious.  In our summer heat, the loss of electricity can result in life-threatening situations from the lack of cooling, the inability to power medical equipment to food safety issues due to a lack of refrigeration.  And, when the winter comes, this same population will face the lack of heat, which can have deadly consequences in our counties where the cold and snow is typically more extreme. This is further exacerbated for our most vulnerable populations.  

From an economic perspective, if people lose their internet they may also lose their ability to work or go to school.  It is also likely to have a negative effect on people of color who are already facing a disproportionately negative impact as a result of the pandemic.  

The League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield counties is joining with other nonprofit groups in urging the Public Service Commission to reverse its decision and to extend the moratorium until next April.

We are also urging utilities to have a heart and to not shut off power to people who need it to stay healthy, safe and connected.

Call to Action:  Please contact the Public Service Commission and urge them to reinstate this moratorium.   Email your comments to the PSC Consumer Affairs.