TACOMA, Wash. — After two years, Tacoma Public Utilities is ending its shutoff moratorium.
Mayor Victoria Woodards said the moratorium will last until March 31, giving customers enough time to secure assistance and access resources, helping them to get past due balances down and apply for any payment assistance.
“This additional time is intended to give residents enough notice to make a plan to take care of outstanding balances, including access to programs and resources that may help,” said Woodards. “We want to get these customers onto a payment plan right away and connect them with resources to catch them up on their payments so that no one loses service, especially the more financially vulnerable in our community.”
Once the moratorium ends, past-due accounts will be placed on an interest-free, 24-month installment plan.
The utility said nearly $30 million in unpaid bills have accumulated since the start of the pandemic and 27,000 customers have past due balances.
While there will be an installment plan at the moratorium, the utility said customers “must stay current on new usage charges while paying off past due balances to prevent disconnection.”
“We need TPU customers to take action now,” said Steve Hatcher, manager of Customer Services. “Our team is here to help with a flexible, hands-on approach, and our goal is for all TPU customers to keep their services.”
The utility said it will work with customers who have past due balances, helping them to identify available assistance programs and provide options for a payment plan.
Tens of millions of dollars remain as there are several relief funds and utility assistance programs still available, but customers must apply.
For more information about the programs, click here.
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