HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved a plan that establishes an array of extended payment plan options to help residential and small business utility customers stay connected to service while gradually paying-down past-due balances.

In a motion offered by Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille at the PUC public meeting, the chair noted many public health and financial factors still impacting consumers, businesses and utilities across the state, including continued COVID-19 infections, unemployment, and substantial past-due balances for utilities — while also recognizing the positive potential of increased vaccinations, the gradual improvement of the economy and millions of dollars in available state and federal assistance for utility customers and others working to overcome the impacts of the pandemic.

In recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission’s March 13 Emergency Order, and the accumulation of customer arrearages, it is appropriate for utilities and the Commission to offer extended repayment terms to residential and small business customers.

The action by the PUC requires all Commission-regulated electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and steam utilities to modify their existing collection policies to provide additional payment plan options for residential and small business customers. With those added protections in-place, the PUC’s utility service termination moratorium is lifted, effective April 1.