Choice PSC Adopts 7-Day Termination Moratorium

Citing unhealthy air quality and conditions due to Canadian wildfires, and direction from the state that residents should stay indoors with air conditioning in light of such conditions, the Maryland PSC, as an, "emergency action incidental to its supervisory authority to ensure the public interest and to consider public safety pursuant to PUA §§ 2-112 and 2-113," temporarily ordered a moratorium on electric service disconnections related to nonpayment of bills

The moratorium will begin immediately (on July 17) and continue for seven days

The moratorium notably is not stated to be limited to residential customers or residential service.

While residential POR has ended in Maryland, non-residential POR, whose uncollectibles may be impacted by any shut-off moratorium, remains in place

The PSC noted that, "The Maryland Department of Health ('MDH') echoed this concern, stating that beginning today, air quality is expected to reach Code Red (unhealthy) throughout much of Maryland and Code Purple (very unhealthy) in Western Maryland.2 Governor Moore advised that Marylanders take precautionary measures, and that at-risk populations, including people with respiratory problems or heart conditions, 'stay indoors and keep your windows closed to keep yourself safe.' Consistent with its Air Quality Action Guide, MDH further advised that air conditioning can improve air quality indoors".