The United Way of Bruce Grey is applauding the Ontario Energy Board for laying out new rules for natural gas companies.
Local United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says, “This is great news,” explaining, “The rules for customer service for natural gas are now the same as electricity.”
Companies are no longer allowed to cut off service on a Friday. Winter gas service disconnections are now banned from November 15th to April 30th.
People also now have 20 days to pay a late bill without an additional late fee added. They used to have 15.
Dobbyn says the hope had been gas companies would follow suit and ban winter cutoffs, but it wasn't a guarantee, “People would come in saying 'I really need your help, they say they're going to disconnect us,'” says Dobbyn adding, “The rules were not there and they absolutely could have.”
Dobbyn says the United Way would then have to go to the company and try to work something out, “If push came to shove they had the ability to disconnect which is why we wanted it enshrined in regulation.”
There are also some electricity rule updates. Customers will have 20 days to pay a late bill.
Dobbyn says for those who need help with their bills, the United Way can connect people to supports, “Anybody who is struggling with their heat, their hydro…whether it's electricity, natural gas furnace oil, propane or if they're running low on cordwood and they haven't already accessed our program call 211. They'll get you connected to all the programs, they're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can tell you all the different supports that are out there.”