OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) -- The city of Oakland Monday urged Pacific Gas & Electric and the East Bay Municipal Water District to delay cutting off services to foreclosed properties for four months.
The request comes less than a week after eight people living in a foreclosed Redwood City property nearly died from carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from an in-house generator.
"It's an obvious fact. If you cut off the water and heat, it's a health and safety problem for a family," said Oakland City Attorney John Russo.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports
"We are seeing an increase in shutoffs and an increase in customers who are having a little more trouble paying their bills," said David Eisenhauer of PG&E. Both the utility and the water district have agreed to comply with the city's request.
Russo said the city is not "looking for a handout" for residents, but rather attempting to give tenants enough time to determine who their landlord is and what options they may have.
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