Resident calls their city’s reminder about its utility shutoff policy a ‘threat to public safety’

This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.

During the public comment period of the July 3 Helper City Council meeting, resident Anna Evans addressed the council regarding what was described as “the threat that was issued to the citizens of Helper City on this month’s utility bill.”

“Attention Helper Residents: Due to the warmer temperatures, utility shutoffs are once again active. Please make sure to have payment arrangements made by the 15th of each month to avoid shut off. Attempts to make arrangements after the 15th will not be accepted. A $50 reconnection fee will also be required in addition to the bill payment,” read the notice.

“This is a shakedown and a threat to public safety,” said Evans of the statement. “City personnel and elected officials are hired and elected to serve the community of Helper, not make threatening demands. A five-day window for shut off during the hottest summer on record is dangerous and outrageous, especially with our large population of seniors and people with disabilities.”

Evans went on to cite from the Utah Division of Public Utilities’ customer rights and responsibilities page. The rights established by the DPU state that utility companies will:

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