As Connecticut suffers its second extended heat wave this summer, it’s worth noting that the state does not have a moratorium on warm-weather utility shutdowns like the one that exists during the winter heating season.
Among all climate-related hazards, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths, according to the federal Ready.gov website. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 1,300 people die each year nationally from extremely hot weather.
Connecticut typically has an average of one heat-related death per year, according to a November 2020 report presented to the Governor’s Council on Climate Change. Deaths related to extremely cold temperatures are much more common in Connecticut, according to a 2020 state health assessment report on climate and health.
Of the 73 cold-related deaths that occurred in the state between 2014 and 2018, exposure to extreme natural cold or hypothermia was listed as the leading cause of death in 47 percent of those cases, according to the report.
Connecticut has a statutory shutdown moratorium for the period from Nov. 1 to May 1, according to Joe Cooper, a spokesman for the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
The moratorium applies to struggling customers of electric natural gas companies, Cooper said. To qualify for shutdown protection, he said households must apply through their local gas/electricity supplier.
“We suspect the moratorium has been around for decades, but it’s not exactly clear when it was put in place,” he said. “PURA is not aware of any closure moratoriums during extreme heat conditions.”
State Sen. Norman Neddleman, D-Essex, who is co-chairman of the Connecticut Legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said he is open to considering legislation that would prohibit the shutdown of electric service during periods of extreme heat.
Needleman, who is running for re-election in November, said that while “you can’t have closure rules in places 12 months out of the year, have some kind of rule for the extreme heat periods in July and August is something I might consider.”
“Given how the climate is changing, it’s certainly worth considering in an effort to adapt to the changes,” he said. “It’s certainly worth testing the waters when the Legislature reconvenes next year.”
Mitch Gross, a spokesman for Eversource Energy, said the company “has voluntarily suspended residential disconnections during this current heat wave.”
“Customers who are not in difficulty and are behind on their payments will be eligible for shutdown once the heat wave ends,” he said. “Difficult customers are currently protected from disconnection.” Gross said all customers, regardless of their financial situation, are eligible for one of Eversource’s various payment programs.
“Being on a plan and making the agreed-upon payments protects customers from disconnection,” he said. “We urge customers who are having difficulty paying their bill to contact us at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource Online so we can enroll them in one of our programs to help them manage their bill and protect them from disconnection once the shutdowns resume.”
Gage Frank, spokesman for The United Illuminating Co., urged customers who need help paying their electric bill to visit the website of the Orange-based utility to see what payment options are available.
luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com