Program tackles overdue utility bills
Vermont is offering to help with overdue utility bills brought on by the pandemic.
The afternoon sun breaks through some trees along River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
As states roll out some remaining federal relief money, Vermont is offering to help with overdue utility bills brought on by the pandemic.
This week, Gov. Phil Scott announced $8 million in grant funding to assist Vermonters who face those overdue amounts as a result of economic hardship due to COVID-19. Created by the Department of Public Service, the program uses federal aid appropriated by the Legislature.
“Many Vermonters are struggling to keep up with their basic expenses because of this pandemic, and these grant funds provide necessary relief for those who’ve fallen behind on utility bills,” Scott said in a statement.
The Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program will provide 100% of eligible outstanding arrearages that are more than 60 days overdue for regulated utility customers with delinquent balances who may face disconnection of service if unassisted.
Eligible applicants include residential and nonresidential account holders served by a Vermont electric, natural gas, fixed-line telephone service provider or a private water company.
“The State of Emergency has impacted many Vermonters, including individuals who have lost income and small businesses that have lost revenue,” said Public Service Commissioner June Tierney. “This program will help keep Vermonters’ utilities running as we rebuild and recover together.”
Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2020, and grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until funds are exhausted or by the program’s end date on Dec. 20, 2020, whichever comes first.
For more information about this assistance and to apply, visit the Department of Public Service online or contact the department at psd.consumer@vermont.gov or 1-800-622-4496.
With no sign of additional federal relief, Vermont is left to manage the remaining money from the first federal aid package approved in March. The assistance on overdue utility bills is much needed, as basic expenses continue to be a challenge for many. Hopefully, this program will plug some of those financial gaps and be a useful tool in this recovery. Though the needs appear endless, every effort to help people counts as the state tries to keep moving forward.
— Gareth Henderson