As natural gas prices continue to climb, advocacy groups, including the Alliance for Affordable Energy, are urging the New Orleans City Council to implement a moratorium on electricity and gas disconnections during the winter months. The move aims to provide relief for struggling households facing difficult choices between basic necessities.
Gregory Manning, pastor at Broadmoor Community Church, highlighted the dire situation many residents are facing.
"Every single day I get calls from people who are struggling to pay their utility bills, who are having to make the choice between do I put food on my table or do I keep my power on in my home?" Manning said.
Advocates are pushing for the council to introduce a resolution during its utility committee meeting scheduled for this Wednesday. The resolution would expand protections for vulnerable residents during the colder months.
Currently, New Orleans has a cold-weather ban in place that prevents utility companies from disconnecting services when daytime temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or nighttime temperatures drop below 32 degrees. However, advocates argue that broader measures are necessary to address the financial strain caused by surging energy costs.
With winter approaching and energy bills rising, advocates hope the council will act swiftly to protect residents from losing access to essential services. The proposed moratorium would ensure families can keep their homes warm without sacrificing other critical needs.