Product Description

This training covers the broad range of topics that arise when lowincome households are trying to initiate or protect their utility service, as well as pay their non-utility energy bills (oil, propane). Topics include how to start service and protect service from termination, how to restore terminated service, how to get the lowincome discount rate, payment plans and arrearage management programs, funding sources that help pay utility bills, avoiding overpriced energy supply contracts, helping victims of domestic violence and crimes, and advocating for clients at the Department of Public Utilities.

Training materials include Utilities Advocacy for Low-Income Households in Massachusetts. All materials will be available on the National Consumer Law Center website.This training is designed for anyone working in the field and helping low-income clients with their utility problems, including social workers, housing search workers, elder advocates, immigration advocates, domestic violence program staff, community action program staff, and lawyers.

Agenda & Materials

• 12:45pm - 12:50pm

  Welcome and Introduction
• 12:50pm - 1:10pm

  Establishing Utility Service, Basic Rules

  Jenifer Bosco, Esq., National Consumer Law Center Inc (NCLC) , Boston
  
• 1:10pm - 1:35pm

  Utility Consumer Protections

  Jeremiah Battle, Esq., National Consumer Law Center Inc (NCLC) , Boston
  
• 1:35pm - 1:55pm

  Reducing Utility Bills

  Jenifer Bosco, Esq., National Consumer Law Center Inc (NCLC) , Boston
  
• 1:55pm - 2:00pm

  Break
• 2:00pm - 2:15pm

  Paying Utility Bills

  Jenifer Bosco, Esq., National Consumer Law Center Inc (NCLC) , Boston
  
• 2:15pm - 2:40pm

  Competitive Energy Supply - Protecting Consumers

  Panel
  
• 2:40pm - 2:55pm

  Other Utility Issues, Including Water and Telecommunications

  Jeremiah Battle, Esq., National Consumer Law Center Inc (NCLC) , Boston
  
• 2:55pm - 3:15pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Faculty