More State Commissions Respond to COVID-19
Responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, Arizona telecom companies “are expanding broadband and increasing bandwidth and connectivity near schools and in libraries,” and making public Wi-Fi hot spots free, per the FCC’s Keep America Connected pledge, the Arizona Corporation Commission said…
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Monday. The ACC held a special open meeting Monday on utilities’ continuity plans. Many utilities said they “implemented disconnect moratoriums and there will be no disconnection for electric, gas, telephone, wastewater and water due to unpaid bills during the COVID-19 epidemic,” the agency said. The Texas Public Utility Commission held an emergency meeting Monday to order staff teleworking and social distancing measures, including suspending agency rules requiring physical interactions and filing hard copies. "Diligent utilization of communications technology can keep us connected as we do what is best for Texans," said Chairman DeAnn Walker. The California Public Utilities Commission asked communications companies Tuesday to halt customer disconnections for nonpayment. The Wyoming Public Service Commission ordered no utility disconnections and adjusted several agency procedures, including allowing all filings to be submitted electronically and suspending some reporting requirements. The PSC won’t allow visitors and will postpone or teleconference meetings. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission closed Las Vegas and Carson City offices per an order by Gov. Steve Sisolak (D). The Michigan Public Service Commission canceled its Wednesday meeting. The Maryland PSC closed its Baltimore office, canceled meetings this and next Wednesday and waived paper filing requirements. Many state commissions are acting to stop disconnections while revising their own procedures (see 2003160035).