While there has been a lot of discussion and exploration of arrears or debt management programs, these programs are still relatively unavailable for utility customers. In fact, a review of the most recent American Gas Association/Edison Electric Institute Data Source reveals only 10 utilities offer arrears management programs (AMPs). This trend may be changing. Charles Harak, senior attorney for the National Consumer Law Center, is a nationally recognized low-income advocate, and author of the report "Helping Low-Income Utility Customers Manage Overdue Bills Through Arrears Management Programs" published in September 2013. Harak later noted that there has been a "noticeable increase in requests by utilities and others for more information on AMP programs since we issued our AMP report in 2013. The Maine Legislature in 2014 adopted a law requiring its public service commission to adopt an AMP. As information about their success becomes available, more utilities and regulators are interested in exploring AMPs for their customers. The reason for the interest is that arrears management programs can provide a win-win solution for customers, utilities and regulatory agencies."
展开▼
