PA’s winter termination moratorium has ended. Here’s how you can get power bill help

West Penn Power has resources ready for customers who are behind on payments as the winter moratorium on shut offs and late fees ends Friday.

Shut offs will start Monday for those who’ve gone through the previous termination proceedings, Todd Meyers, a spokesman for West Penn, said.

“We don’t want to terminate anybody, what we want to do is help these customers if they’re behind,” Meyers said. “We want them to understand that there’s a lot of money out there through the different programs.”

West Penn Power customers can look up programs online or call a representative to find help or create a payment plan.

The moratorium for all low- to middle-income residential customers in Pennsylvania ran from November to April. The power company said it is working to end the stigma of being behind on utility payments, releasing a video of employees talking about their own experiences with financial hardship.

If a customer does have their power shut off due to unpaid bills, it can be turned on as soon as a payment is made or a payment plan agreement is reached, Meyer said.

Providing information about these resources is important as the coronavirus pandemic has created economic uncertainty for many people.

“There’s a lot of customers out there who never had problems with their bills before the pandemic,” Meyer said. “They may have been unemployed, they may be underemployed now, but there’s many customers out there who may be embarrassed or afraid. They don’t even know that these options are out there.”

The first step for those behind on bills is to contact the utility company or local programs that provide assistance as soon as possible.

Faith Ryan, director for Centre County’s office of adult services, said processing utility assistance information takes time and many community members are looking for help.

“It is always our suggestion that you reach out if you know that you need help and don’t wait,” Ryan said. “If you know that you’re behind and you receive a termination letter, it’s better to reach out as soon as possible.”

Those needing help with rent or utility payments can receive assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Centre Helps also has a 24-hour hotline at 814-237-5855 for those in need of financial assistance.

The West Penn Power customer service line is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 800-545-7741.