DH’s role as a technical assistance provider in the DOH Community-Driven Outreach (CDO) Initiative concluded on 5/31/2024.
For more information, visit WA Portal or contact DOH at communityinvestmentsandengagement@doh.wa.gov.

Utility Moratorium Update

September 23, 2021

Dear Community Partners,

The COVID-19 utility moratorium is set to end Thursday, September 30, 2021. State leaders and utility operators estimate over half a million households may have overdue bills that could result in their services being shut off.

We have compiled a list of resources, assistance options and volunteer opportunities below:

Resources

Assistance Options

Options your community members can ask their utility operators about:

  • Payment plans: Most utilities are able to set up payment plans over several months for customers to pay past-due balances.
  • Financial assistance: Some utilities are able to offset a portion of a customer’s past-due balance and reduce the amount owed.
  • Federal assistance: Low-income households might qualify for federal energy and water assistance programs.
    • These programs are called LIHEAP (low-income heating and energy assistance program) and LIHWAP (low-income household water assistance program).
    • Utility operators can advise customers on how to contact local organizations that manage applications for these programs on behalf of the Department of Commerce.
  • WA Utility & Transportation Commission – COVID-19 Utility Assistance
  • COVID-19 Rent Assistance and Housing information
  • Drinking Water Customer Assistance Programs
    • This page has links to guidance and resources for Customer Assistance Programs, including requirements under the Governor’s COVID-19 proclamations.
  • Washington  211
    • Washington 211 offers a variety of resources statewide (financial assistance, housing, transportation, etc.).

Volunteer Opportunity on behalf of Department of Commerce

  • The Department of Commerce is looking for trusted community messengers (local faith leaders, community-based organizations and community leaders) to participate in public-facing videos for the COVID-19 utility campaign.  
  • For questions, concerns and/or interest in this opportunity, Please contact Zac Murphy, Digital Communications Manager, zac.murphy@commerce.wa.gov