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OLYMPIA, Wash. - The state Utilities and Transportation Commission has extended protections for electric and natural gas customers struggling to pay their bills due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A previous order issued last April by Gov. Jay Inslee that prevented investor-owned energy utilities from disconnecting customers was set to expire on April 30, but has been extended to July 31, the state regulatory agency announced Tuesday.
In addition, utilities will continue to waive late fees and deposits through Jan. 27, 2022.
RELATED: Gov. Inslee signs COVID-19 relief spending bill distributing $2.2 billion in federal aid
The order allows utilities to begin sending notices to customers in June, reminding them that disconnections will resume, and supplying information about payment options and customer assistance programs.
As of December 2020, nearly 277,000 of the state’s residential electric and natural gas customers had past due balances totaling $79.1 million, a 65% increase from 2019. Utilities project that this debt will continue to increase in 2021.
RELATED: Live interactive map: Coronavirus cases in Washington state, around the world
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Why cold, flu bugs are at historic lows
Reports of cold and flu are at historic lows and experts say they think it has a lot to do with the pandemic. Dr. Nandita Mani, physician and infectious diseases specialist at University of Washington Medical Center, joined Q13 News to explain.
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