The Kansas Corporation Commission has extended the emergency order suspending utility disconnects until May 15, according to a news release today.
The action was taken at a meeting this morning because of the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the KCC.
The action is expected to offer relief to persons experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 virus. The previous order, issued March 16, was set to expire April 15.
The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction.
“The difficulties associated with COVID-19 are far from over. As Kansans continue to face both health and financial challenges, it is critical that they have continued access to utility services in their homes to ensure public safety,” Commission Chair Susan Duffy said in a news release.
This includes some gas companies and telephone companies that serve Wyandotte County.
The Board of Public Utilities is not under the KCC. The BPU announced on March 13 it was temporarily suspending utility cutoffs. There was no end time announced to the suspension in March. The BPU encouraged people who could not pay their bills to call 913-573-9145 to set up payment arrangements.