Utility companies extend shut-off dates

(WWLP) - Massachusetts is asking utility companies to extend the winter moratorium on shutting off gas and electric for home heating.

Secretary of State William Galvin is asking that utilities extend the no-shut-off period from March 15th to April 15th because of record setting unemployment and home foreclosures.

The moratorium prevents utilities from leaving residents out in the cold when they can't pay their utilities because of financial hardship.

Jane Sanders with Community Action says her group, which runs the fuel assistance program, is cheering the measure.
They have more people than ever needing the help, two thousand more than last year. "The longer they can go without worrying about a shutoff, the longer we can have to get them the help they need, the better off everyone is," said Sanders.

Right now the state is only asking utilities to extend the date. Secretary of State Galvin says if they don't comply he may attempt to change the law.