From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Friday, August 19, 2016

WINTER is coming, and this may help you to be better PREPARED

Following the death of a family on the Eastern Shore after their utilities were turned off, the State of Maryland has come up with a new notification process that utilities must follow.

As we strive for a softer more, gentler world, now and then we see something that gives us hope. I read that effective immediately the utility company MUST take a different approach in notifying their customers when preparing to turn off their utilities.

Maryland - Shut-off not allowed from November to March. Another program offered by the Utility Service Protection Program is payment plans for low-income customers that provide shut-off protection to low-income customers year-round. If a household member has a serious medical condition, disconnection of their service will be delayed for 30 additional days. The customer is required to enter into a payment plan for this to take effect. Terminations are suspended for 55 days when people apply for federal government energy assistance plans.

PLEASE take a moment to learn more about how this new process came about and share it with your neighbor. Although you may never need the new process of notification, someone you know will need it.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARYLAND UTILITIES

Data based: yes

Protection Dates: November 1 - March 31

Temperature based: yes

Temperature: Gas and electric companies must check the 72-hour weather forecast before disconnecting a customer for nonpayment. If the temperature is expected to be 32 degrees or lower during the winter protection dates or 95 degrees or higher at any time of the year, the utility cannot turn off the power.

Seasonal Policy: The utility must provide an affidavit to the Commission that disconnect will not endanger the health of any household member.

Other: Utility Service PRoteection Program payment plans for low-income customers provide shut-off protection year-round. If a household member has a serious medication condition, certified by a doctor, disconnection is delayed for 30 additional days. The customer is required to enter into a payment plan. Terminations are suspended for 55 days when people apply for federal energy assistance.

PUC/PSC Contacts: Consumer Line: 410-767-8000 (Baltimore) OR 800492-0474 tty 800-201-7165

Consumer FAQ/Bill of Rights: http://webapp.psc.state.md.us/Intranet/psc/faq_new.cfm

Complaint Form: http://webapp.psc.state.md.us/Intranet/info/complaintfront_new.cfm

Frequently asked question may be answered on this link (copy and paste in address line):

http://webapp.psc.state.md.us/Intranet/psc/faq_new.cfm

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.