Electric and natural gas utilities will waive fees for late payments, building on last week’s pledge by many electric, natural gas, water and telephone companies to suspend disconnections during the cornonavirus outbreak.

Oregon utility regulators approved new tariffs for Idaho Power and Pacific Power on Tuesday that give the companies the necessary flexibility to waive the payments. Portland General Electric already had that ability.

“The utilities recognized the importance of waiving late fees for their customers during this difficult and continually evolving coronavirus situation,” said Megan Decker, chair of the Public Utility Commission. “The PUC and the utilities have been working together to ensure continued service without fear of disconnects or penalty charges in the event families experience personal hardships during this health crisis.”

The commission urged customers to reach out to their utility providers with any questions about late payment fees and services available during the COVID-19 outbreak. The PUC customer service staff can also answer questions by email at puc.consumers@state.or.us or by phone at 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404.

-- Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger

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