July 20, 2020
Dear Commissioners Valcq, Nowak, and Huebner:
As the COVID-19 crisis intensifies with cases rising across the state, and in the midst of summer heat, many Wisconsin residents are facing a dire situation with the ending of the utility shutoff moratorium scheduled for later this week.
Sierra Club appreciates the Public Service Commission for issuing the moratorium on utility disconnections in March, and we acknowledge that when the PSC decided in early June to lift the moratorium, that Wisconsin appeared to be re-opening. However, the last several weeks have reversed course from where we had all hoped our state was headed, and thus warrants your reconsideration and the extension of the moratorium. As Wisconsin reckons with a COVID resurgence, growing unemployment, heat advisories, and more families prepare for virtual learning and working from home for the foreseeable future; the need for Wisconsin residents to have certainty in their utility connections for so many essential services and appliances also increases.
Wisconsin residents are now in more risky and precarious positions – both economically and health-wise – as the impacts of community spread and lost income compound. We're concerned that many residents who are out of work or households that are down an income for the last three months will be in a position of having to choose between paying their rent, putting food on the table, or paying their utility bills.
While vulnerable Wisconsin residents having their electricity disconnected is unjust at any time, it is particularly dangerous as COVID cases increase across the state and economic impacts intensify. We share your concerns that this pandemic has laid even more bare the disparities that are occurring in our state, and the inequitable price low-income communities and communities of color are paying. We understand and appreciate the current focus of the PSC and other stakeholders on ensuring financial assistance is available and accessible to Wisconsin residents, and on utility-specific disconnection plans. We also find that the present state of the COVID pandemic in Wisconsin warrants an extension of the moratorium.
We recognize that the Commission, like all of us, is navigating uncertain times, and that changing circumstances and new information about COVID presents unprecedented challenges to making and implementing plans. With much respect for the work you are doing and for the responsibility you hold, we ask you to consider extending the moratorium in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.
Thank you for your care and concern for the people of Wisconsin during this crisis. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Ward, Chapter Director