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Community groups tell PUC more funding, multilingual outreach and flexible payment plans are needed to prevent utility disconnections
Summary
At a PUC Energy Equity virtual meeting, community organizations described how disconnection notices, high reconnection fees and language barriers leave low‑income households vulnerable and urged more funding, longer payment plans, multilingual notices and pilot affordability programs; the PUC said it will procure a local engagement consultant and encouraged public comment.
Community-based organizations at a Public Utilities Commission Energy Equity meeting on disconnections described widespread hardship from utility shutoffs and urged more funding, multilingual notice strategies and more flexible payment options to keep households connected.
"These households are fearful or feel shame that they need to reach out for help," said Jillian Okamoto of Catholic Charities Hawaii, describing clients who delay seeking assistance until they receive a disconnection notice. Jillian outlined program limits — paperwork burdens, capped funds and eligibility screens — and recommended energy‑education in schools, multilingual and multi‑channel notices, extended time for voucher holders and reconsideration of reconnection and deposit practices.
Other presenters gave similar accounts. Robin of the Honolulu Community Action Program said the main prevention tool…
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