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State Utility Shut-Off Moratorium Ends This Week

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper updates the public on COVID-19 during a press briefing at the Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh, N.C. Image courtesy of NCDPS https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

A state moratorium on shutting off utilities due to non-payment expires this week. Governor Roy Cooper says a new program is coming. 

Back in May, Governor Cooper extended Executive Order 142, which prohibited disconnection, stopped fee and penalty collection, and stretched repayment plans on services like natural gas, water, and electricity.

According to data from the North Carolina Utilities Commission, more than 1.4 million residential and business accounts have not been paid.

Details are scant, but the governor said at a press conference this week that he's working on a plan. 

“I know that many families are concerned about rent and utility payments coming due,” said Gov. Cooper. “So my administration is putting in place an effort to help people with their rent and utility bills. We're putting together a plan using funding from the CARES Act and we'll be announcing this soon.”

State legislators from both chambers turned away House Bill 1200, which included a fund that would have used $20 million in CARES money to create utility grants. It was also written to provide mortgage and rent assistance.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

Eddie Garcia is WFDD’s News Director. He is responsible for planning coverage, editing stories, and leading an award-winning news team as it serves the station’s 32-county listening area. He joined WFDD as an audio production intern in 2007 and went on to hold various roles, including producer, Triad Arts Weekend co-host, reporter, and managing editor. When he’s not working, Eddie enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and watching films.

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