State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) announced today that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) voted unanimously on Wednesday to stop disconnections, threatening notices and fines amid the COVID-19 crisis. Utilities in Illinois are ceasing electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater utility disconnections during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order also wants utility companies to suspend late payment fees until May 1st, or whenever the virus is considered contained.
“This temporary hold on disconnects is the right thing to do,” commented Rep. Wilhour. “Until we know the full scope of the spread of this virus this emergency order ensures that no one loses power, natural gas or running water where they live.”
In a released statement from the ICC, the Chairman, Carrie Zalewski, she said:
“Life changed seemingly overnight for all Illinois residents due to COVID-19. As regulators, it is our responsibility to balance the interest of the utilities with the needs of consumers. Now is not the time to be cutting off potentially life-saving utility services. Ceasing disconnections and threatening notices, and hefty fines will give residents some much-needed peace of mind during these difficult days. The citizens of Illinois are being asked to take unprecedented steps to curb the spread of this dangerous virus.”
If constituents have questions or concerns they can continue to contact Rep. Wilhour at the district office phone 217-994-9348 or at his online office at repwilhour.com.