SOUTHEAST N.C. — The new coronavirus and subsequent illness caused by it, Covid-19, has plenty of people concerned (and for good reason) but one thing many people won’t need to worry about is getting their power or water cut off due to nonpayment.
With the Governor issuing an executive order forbidding large gatherings and public officials calling for residents to practice social distancing, those who work in the service industry and hourly employees could face significant hardships. If stores are forced to close early or close in general, employees will naturally be out of work.
It is important to note that while many utility providers across the region are suspending disconnections due to nonpayments, users are still responsible for the product used.
Power
Duke Energy
Duke Energy released a brief statement for its customer’s regarding nonpayments and disconnections.
“Since many customers may be facing unusual financial hardships as a result of COVID-19, we are suspending disconnections for nonpayment effective immediately. This applies to all home and business accounts in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina,” the power provider wrote in a statement.
Brunswick Electric
The Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation has also suspended all disconnects as of Sunday.
“Disconnects have been suspended for Prepaid accounts effective March 15, 2020. Please remember that you will be responsible for the power used and we encourage you to purchase power as you can to avoid having a negative balance. Purchases can be made via the SmartHub app, by calling the automated payment line at (866) 934-6830, at one of the eleven Bill Payment Terminals throughout our service territory, or office locations, with drive-through service only. All negative amounts will be charged back to the account to be paid at 50/50 when this suspension is lifted. We will attempt to inform all prepaid members a week prior to returning to normal operation,” according to BEMC’s Facebook page.
Water
CFPUA
In New Hanover County, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) has also suspended any disconnects to water service for customers.
“One of the most important safeguards for our community to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is hand-washing,” Executive Director Jim Flechtner said. “This small step ensures all of our customers have access to water during this time to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.”
For now, the suspension is set to be reassessed in 30 days and another update will be provided at that time.
“Customers who already may have been disconnected and wish to be reconnected during this period can call Customer Service at 910-332-6550 to arrange for service to be restored. It is important to note that charges will continue to accrue on all active accounts,” according to CFPUA.
H2GO
H2GO released the following statement effective Sunday, March 15.
“As concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to increase in our community, Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO has temporarily suspended service disconnections in an effort to protect the health and welfare of the customers and community they serve, effective immediately.
We hope this step will better protect the health and welfare of our customers and our community and also will help to reduce some of the anxiety surrounding this pandemic,” said H2GO Chairman Ron Jenkins. “We firmly believe that small actions such as this will go a long way towards ensuring all of our customers stay safe and healthy throughout this crucial time, especially since hand washing is one of the most important steps to take in the prevention of the spreading of COVID-19
This suspension of disconnections will be reevaluated at the next regularly scheduled board meeting, with any pending revisions reliant upon conditions surrounding COVID-19 at that time. While customers will not be disconnected for non-payment, charges and late penalties will continue to be assessed to customer accounts.”
Internet and phone
ATT
ATT, the provider of internet and wireless services has also made a similar annoucment.
“Consistent with FCC Chairman Pai’s ‘Keep Americans Connected Pledge’ announced today and concerns raised by members of Congress, which we share, AT&T is proud to support our customers by pledging that, for the next 60 days, we will:
- Not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
- Waive any late payment fees that any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer may incur because of economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Keep our public Wi-Fi hotspots open for any American who needs them.
“The coronavirus pandemic is causing many hardships. If you find yourself in financial trouble and unable to pay your bill, we’re here to help you. Please contact us at 800-288-2020 for AT&T broadband, residential wireless or small business services and 611 from your AT&T device for wireless,” the release states.
Spectrum
Charter Spectrum has also committed to helping out during the time of Covid-19, however, no statement has been made regarding the disconnection of services for nonpayment.
According to Charter Spectrum, “To ease the strain in this challenging time, beginning Monday, March 16, Charter commits to the following for 60 days:
- Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
- Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely. Charter will continue to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, high speed broadband program to eligible low-income households delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.
- Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across our footprint for public use.
- Spectrum does not have data caps or hidden fees.”
