Arizona passed a law that prohibits utility companies from cutting off power for missed bills in 2019.
The Arizona-Republic reported that the moratorium ended on Friday.
On Friday, the state announced a $36 million new program to assist families in paying their bills.
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The Arizona Department of Economic Security announced Friday that Arizona will contribute $36 million to families in need of assistance with their utility bills.
Governor Doug Ducey stated that the Arizona Department of Economic Security team continues to innovate and find new ways to help Arizonans overcome financial difficulties. Doug Ducey made the announcement.
The Arizona-Republic reported that the announcement came as a result of a two-year moratorium regarding service cutoffs.
Arizona-Republic reported in June 2019 that a state regulator passed an emergency rule that prevented utilities companies from cutting off service for customers who had not paid their bills. After a 72-year old woman lost her power, the emergency rule was passed.
The pilot program will be implemented with Arizona Public Service Co. and the Salt River Project, UniSource Energy Services (Tucson Electric Power), and Southwest Gas.
Once customers are deemed eligible, the announcement stated that the funds would be applied directly to their accounts.
DES stated that it will also expand the program to other utility programs after this pilot program.
In the announcement, Michael Wisehart, Director of DES, stated that "public-private partnerships such as this are essential to ensuring families get the resources they require." We will be able distribute assistance to customers to keep their lights on and their bills current with the cooperation of utility companies. We are grateful to them for their cooperation in supporting Arizona families."
According to the Arizona-Republic, the funds for this program come from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 202021 which Congress passed last December.
During the pandemic, several programs were implemented by the state, including rental assistance.
Politico reported that a top official from President Joe Biden's Administration warned Ducey earlier this month that federal relief funds worth millions could be at risk because of two anti-mask education programmes.
Ducey launched an August grant program using $163 million of federal funds. It was designed to provide grants to schools that are open during the pandemic, and that also adhere to state laws prohibiting vaccine mandates and masking. A $10 million program was also created to allow families to send their children to private schools that require masks and vaccines.
Adewale Adeyemo, Deputy Treasury Secretary, stated he was concerned that the programs "undermine evidence based efforts to stop COVID-19 spreading." He has given Ducey thirty days to explain how Arizona will "remediate" the issues before facing possible consequences such as losing funding.
