Addressing Electricity Debt Accumulated During the COVID-19 Pandemic R.21-02-014

by | Mar 5, 2021 | Energy

In February 2021, the Commission opened this rulemaking to consider whether to establish special relief programs for customers who could not pay their electricity bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the moratorium on service disconnections continues in California until June 30, 2021. The Commission is concerned about when this moratorium ends and the customers who will be faced with large outstanding electricity bills. UCAN also has concerns about customers with large accumulated bills and does not want to see a wave of disconnections that would negatively impact these struggling households even more. UCAN Staff attorney Jason Zeller who has previously worked in the Disconnection and Affordability proceedings, will offer his expert advice and opinion on what the Commission can do to help struggling ratepayers.

Jason Zeller has over thirty years of professional experience in public utility regulation, including experience in all of the industries regulated by the CPUC. Previously he served as an Assistant General Counsel at the Commission for twelve years and was a staff counsel for six years. Jason is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and New York Law School. He also holds a Master’s in Urban Affairs and Policy Analysis from The New School. He is an active member of the California State Bar Association.