As the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe people are concerned not only about catching it, but also what happens if they can’t go to work and pay for basic utility services.
Local utility companies will be working with the public to ensure their services will not be cut off.
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative has announced their voluntary suspension of the disconnection of services for nonpayment and late fees as the communities the co-op serves face challenges related to the virus.
The decision will apply to both residential and commercial consumer members.
On March 17 the co-op also closed its offices to members of the public and these precautions will remain in effect until further notice.
Although the offices will be closed, the public will be able to reach the co-op’s employees by phone and email. Personnel will be able to interact with the public and answer questions they might have.
Crews will continue to respond to outages as they occur.
Customers are encouraged to make payments and check their account status through the online billing portal on www.PCEC.coop
Evergy has also provided a temporary moratorium, which includes residential and business customers. The company will not disconnect customers facing possible hardship from coronavirus.
“Evergy provides an essential service,” Chuck Caisley, senior vice president and chief customer officer said in a news release. “Coronavirus is an unprecedented challenge and may result in customers facing unexpected or unusual financial strain.”
Customers who need information about payment options are asked to call Evergy’s customer service. Missouri services areas and Kansas City Metro may reach customer service at 816-471-5275 or toll-free at 888-471-5275. Customer call centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Spire energy has announced that they want to ensure the safety and well being of their employees, customers and communities because they are at the heart of what the company does.
Spire has suspended disconnects and late fees until May 1, 2020 for residential and business customers.
The company’s EVP and COO Steve Lindsay said, “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Spire and we understand the urgency surrounding the coronavirus, Know that we’re following the CDC’s guidance, watching closely as things evolve and working quickly to meet these immediate needs of our employees, customers and communities. If you’ve been impacted by the coronavirus and need help with your natural gas service or bill please call us. We’re here for you.”
Because of social distancing recommendations from health experts surrounding COVID-19, KC Water is encouraging customers to utilize online payment services and other self-service options instead of visiting the customer lobby. The customer lobby will remain open, but in order to protect employees and customers KC Water asks any customer who is not feeling well to postpone their visit.
KC Water will temporarily halt water shut-offs due to non-payment during this time to ensure all customers have access to water in their homes.
“We know that washing hands is an important defense to this virus, so during these challenging times, we want to make sure every customer has access to clean running water,” KC Water Director Terry Leeds said.
Customers can go online at www.kcwater.us to pay their bill, set up a payment arrangement and start or stop service. Payments can also be made over the phone by calling 816-513-1313, option 1. There is a payment drop box available near the entrance at 4800 E. 63rd Street.