Galvin asks for utilities extension

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) - Secretary of State William Galvin is asking Massachusetts public utilities to extend a winter moratorium on shutting off gas and electric services for home heating.

Galvin said Tuesday that high unemployment and foreclosures have made this winter even more difficult and companies should change the end of the financial hardship moratorium from March 15 to April 15.

The current law forbids gas and electric utilities from shutting off service to residential buildings between Nov. 15 and March 15 if customers fail to pay because of financial hardship.  Galvin, who co-sponsored the legislation that became the 1979 law, says he may attempt to change the law if companies don't agree to the extension.