Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WARWICK -- About a dozen people in danger of losing their gas or electricity service carried shutoff notices to the state Public Utilities Commission Monday.

"I have no way of paying anything," said Kevin Leclerc, a jobless tractor-trailer driver in North Providence. Because he can't pay his rent, he's painting his landlord's building, he said. His utility bill? Around $800.

May 1 was the official deadline for customers to make payments on late bills. But utility companies cannot shut off gas or electricity service on a Friday, just before a weekend, said Thomas Kogut, a spokesman for the PUC.

Most of those at the PUC building carried termination notices, with bills ranging from $300 to more than $1,000. All received hearing dates later this week or early next week.

At the informal hearings, customers can work out a payment plan. But some Monday said the utility company wants a large down payment first. Also, many customers can't afford the payback plan offered by the utility, said Henry Shelton, head of the George Wiley Center in Pawtucket.

 Tags  Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission

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