Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Anti-poverty activist Henry Shelton, head of the George Wiley Center in Pawtucket, is calling on the state Public Utilties Commision to impose a "hardship moratorium" on utility shutoffs for any Rhode Island household in foreclosure or experiencing a job loss. The proposal would require anyone applying for the moratorium to make an "affordable" payment plan for utility service.

Shelton and other associates of the Wiley Center delivered a petition signed by about 80 people to the state Public Utilities Commission on Friday.

Shelton said that with the latest state unemployment figures at 12.1 percent, Rhode Islanders will face increasing difficulty paying utility bills. As of May 31, there were 7,499 utility shutoffs in the state in 2009, with 4,453 of those restored to service.

Cynthia Wilson-Frias, senior legal counsel for the Public Utilities Commission, said once the commission receives a petition, it has 30 days to either deny the proposal in writing or initiate a new rules proceeding, which would involve an opportunity for public comment and a hearing.

David Graves, spokesman for National Grid, the dominant utility in the state, said the company was unaware of the petition. He said National Grid would cooperate with whatever action the Public Utiltiies Commission chooses to take. He said it was premature to comment on the merits of the proposed moratorium on utility shutoffs.

 Tags  Henry Shelton National Grid

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