HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/16/2021 - STAFF REPORT: UTILITY BILL DELINQUENCIES1March 16, 2021Utility Delinquencies and Uncollected RevenueLisa Rosintoski, Customer Connections Deputy DirectorSTAFF REPORT
Disconnects• Resume May 3• Communications included in disconnect notice:• We are here to partner, contact utilities• Financial assistance programs• Payment arrangements2
Outreach Since COVID-19 BeganMarch 2020• Stopped utility disconnects and notices for non-payment per Governor's moratoriumJune/July 2020• Sent letter #1 and #2 to eligible accounts offering resources for assistance• Governor's moratorium on disconnects lifted• Governor’s moratorium on late fees and reconnection fees still in place3September 2020• Council approves CARES Act funding distribution
Outreach Since COVID-19 BeganDecember 2020• Deadline for $550,000 CARES funding• Disconnect notices revised• Additional financial assistance considered4October 2020• Sent CARES postcard #1 and letter #3 offering resources for assistance and advising resumption of disconnectsNovember 2020• Sent CARES postcard #2• Emails and phone calls advising disconnects to resume• Council agrees to resume disconnects• Disconnect notices resume• Payment arrangements reinstated
Outreach Since COVID-19 BeganJanuary 2021• Additional $30,000 of CARES funding applied to applicants that applied by 12/28 deadline• Additional financial assistance being consideredFebruary 2021• City Council receives monthly update• Recommend resuming disconnects 5/3March 2021• Energy Board presentation• City Council presentation 5
Uncollected Revenue6
2020 – YTD Total Financial Assistance7$119,397 $86,751 $323,591 $44,727 $547,647$28,262 $0$100,000$200,000$300,000$400,000$500,000$600,0002018 2019 2020 2021 ytdPAFCARESTOTAL = $900,000+
Potential Financial Assistance8Platte River Power Authority Gift $468,941City Council will be considering an appropriationEnergy Outreach Colorado (La Familia, Catholic Charities, Discover Goodwill)$2.5MStateFunds for utility one time assistance through the Payment Assistance Fund, $1k per fuel source, no LEAP requirement at this time, customer needs to have an electric account, dollars need to be spent by 6/3/21Neighbor to Neighbor(working with other nonprofits, more details to come) $10.7MLarimer CountyFunds for rent and utility assistance were provided to Larimer County, dollars need to be spent by the end of 2021, distribution expected to begin mid-MarchAmerican Rescue Plan UnknownFederalBiden’s recent stimulus package, City allocation and purpose unknown currently
What Are Other Utilities Doing?Resumed Disconnects • City of Loveland – August 2020• City of Fountain – June 2020• Colorado Springs Utilities –October 2020• Xcel Energy• Black Hills Energy Have Not Resumed Disconnects• City of Longmont9
QuestionsRecommendation to resume non-payment disconnects May 310