Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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District of Columbia
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 3, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in the District of Columbia, we recommend that you visit D.C.'s COVID-19 Recovery Resources or Food Resources.
Description of Program and Relief
Temporary Prohibition on Disconnection of Utilities
As part of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, the D.C. Council has prohibited the providers of natural gas, electricity, and water from disconnecting services for non-payment during a public health emergency and for 15 days thereafter.
The D.C. Council has also prohibited telecommunications service providers from disconnecting, suspending, or degrading telecommunications service for non-payment of a bill, any fees for service or equipment, and other charges, or noncompliance with a deferred payment agreement during a public health emergency and for 15 days thereafter.
However, customers will still be billed as usual for these utilities. The D.C. Public Service Commission recommends that you continue to pay utility bills as usual if you are able to do so. For customers having trouble paying their utility bills, it is important to contact your utilities as soon as possible. The utility companies have indicated that they will provide payment arrangements and other assistance. For help figuring out what assistance may be available to you, call the D.C. Public Service Commission’s Office of Consumer Services at (202) 626-5120.
DC Water announced on May 12, 2020 that funds have been authorized to provide emergency relief to D.C. residents struggling with unpaid DC Water bills during the public health emergency and for 105 days thereafter. DC Water residential customers can apply to the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) for assistance from the fund established for the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) to help pay all or part of an outstanding water-bill balance and for ongoing monthly discounts. DOEE will review and approve the assistance requests and DC Water will apply those credits to the customer’s bill. D.C. Residents can apply for assistance by submitting copies or pictures of the following to DOEE:
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Recent DC Water bill
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Recent proof of income (pay stub, social security statement, etc.) or proof of termination or unemployment
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Government-issued photo identification (license, passport, etc.)
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Complete and signed CRIAC Residential Relief application, available here.
Government or Lead Agency
Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia and DC Water
Dates Available
These prohibitions on disconnecting utilities apply during the period of time for which the Mayor has declared a public health emergency and for 15 days thereafter.
Assistance with DC Water bills is available during the public health emergency and for 105 days thereafter.
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
These prohibitions on disconnecting services apply to all purchasers of electricity for end-use in the District of Columbia; all purchasers of natural gas from companies operating in the District of Columbia; all owners or occupants of premises furnished with water by the District of Columbia; and all entities that provide telecommunications services in the District of Columbia.
Assistance with DC Water bills is available to DC Water residential customers.
See above for additional eligibility requirements.
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
N/A
Contact for More Information
List of Additional Information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.