A moratorium on utility shutoffs for unpaid bills that went into effect in March in New Jersey is set to expire on Thursday. The moratorium, which utility companies voluntarily agreed to, has helped thousands of homes and businesses keep their lights on as they were crushed from the economic crisis precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The moratorium was originally intended to last only until August but was extended until October 15th due to the severe impact of coronavirus on New Jersey’s households and small businesses.

With the economic rebound still taking shape and many still struggling, Governor Murphy has come under pressure to extend the moratorium until the end of the year. The governor indicated on Friday that he would do so, but nothing has yet been announced.