modified or augmented to ensure the availability of well-defined and consistent post-disaster protections in emergency situations. Background and Procedural History Autumn 2017 will be remembered for the terrible wildfires that devastated numerous communities in Northern and Southern California. On October 8, 2017, multiple fires broke out throughout Northern California. In less than 24 hours, more than 18 fires began burning in at least seven counties. By the time the fires were contained two weeks later, more than 200,000 acres of land were devastated and dozens of lives were lost. The fires damaged utility infrastructure providing electricity, communications, water, and gas service to thousands of Californians. On October 9 and 10, 2017, Governor Brown declared states of emergency in the Counties of Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Solano, Sonoma, and Yuba. On October 9, 2017, the Canyon Fire began burning in Southern California, resulting in additional evacuations and damage to utility infrastructure. On October 24, 2017, The Utility Reform Network submitted a letter to the Commissioners and Executive Director requesting that the Commission take actions to assist the wildfire victims, including: (1) Waiver of deposits to establish service and expediting move-ins and move-outs; (2) Suspension of disconnection for non-payment and associated fees; (3) Suspension of deposits to re-establish credit and late fees; (4) Offer payment plans for customers affected by the wildfire disaster who have prior arrearages, or who indicate inability to
modified or augmented to ensure the availability of well-defined and consistent post-disaster protections in emergency situations. Background and Procedural History Autumn 2017 will be remembered for the terrible wildfires that devastated numerous communities in Northern and Southern California. On October 8, 2017, multiple fires broke out throughout Northern California. In less than 24 hours, more than 18 fires began burning in at least seven counties. By the time the fires were contained two weeks later, more than 200,000 acres of land were devastated and dozens of lives were lost. The fires damaged utility infrastructure providing electricity, communications, water, and gas service to thousands of Californians. On October 9 and 10, 2017, Governor Brown declared states of emergency in the Counties of Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Solano, Sonoma, and Yuba. On October 9, 2017, the Canyon Fire began burning in Southern California, resulting in additional evacuations and damage to utility infrastructure. On October 24, 2017, The Utility Reform Network submitted a letter to the Commissioners and Executive Director requesting that the Commission take actions to assist the wildfire victims, including: (1) Waiver of deposits to establish service and expediting move-ins and move-outs; (2) Suspension of disconnection for non-payment and associated fees; (3) Suspension of deposits to re-establish credit and late fees; (4) Offer payment plans for customers affected by the wildfire disaster who have prior arrearages, or who indicate inability to
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