How Utility Companies & Energy Suppliers Are Handling Payments During the COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 16, 2020, Governor Hogan signed an executive order prohibiting the termination of residential services and late fees until at least May 1, 2020. Now that May 1st has passed and the stay-at-home order persists, this executive order has probably left you wondering what this means for paying energy suppliers and utility companies moving forward.

We put together this blog to help you understand what their policies entail right now, during the COVID-19 pandemic and considering Governor Hogan’s executive order. Please note that energy suppliers and utility companies are changing their policies regularly, especially now that the executive order’s May 1st date has passed. We recommend that you check-in with your energy supplier and utility company directly for an up-to-date policy.

If you have any questions regarding energy contracts, negotiations, and payment plans, please contact us at 410-779.9644. Our team at MD Energy Advisors will help you negotiate better energy contracts with suppliers and utility companies.

Energy Suppliers

In general, the energy suppliers in Maryland are offering payment plans to follow Governor Hogan’s executive order. Their policies change regularly, but you will find that your energy supplier is most likely offering deferred payment plans at the least. Some energy suppliers are also offering short-term extensions of due dates for past due bills, while others are waiving late fees altogether.

Utility Companies*

The biggest advantage of on-bill financing programs, like EME, is that you can delay the start of payments for up to 24 months. This effectively means you gain the immediate benefits of energy improvements without the burden of added expenses.

As a bonus, on-bill financing is considered off-balance sheet. Off-balance sheet items will not impact your borrowing limit. As a result, you can close much faster than going through a traditional lender.

BGE

• Offering payment arrangements

• Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

• Waiving late fees

PEPCO MD

• Offering payment arrangements

• Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

• Waiving late fees

PEPCO DC

• Offering payment arrangements

• Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

• Waiving late fees

Potomac Edison

• Offering payment arrangements

• Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

Washington Gas

• Offering payment arrangements

• Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

• Waiving late fees

Delmarva P&L

Offering payment arrangements

Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

Waiving late fees

Maryland Public Service Commission

• Offering payment arrangements

• Moratorium in place for disconnections due to nonpayment

• Waiving late fees

*None are waiving deposits for new hookups

MD Energy Advisors demystifies energy through education, and can help commercial real estate clients increase asset value by anticipating and solving their energy problems. Learn more at www.mdenergyadvisors.com or call us at 410.779.9644.