Now that we are several months into the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to take a minute to discuss where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going. Please keep in mind this article was sent to the publisher June 2020 and this is an evolving situation. For the latest on our COVID-19 response, please visit pemc.coop/covid-19.
A quick response
When our area began to feel the impacts of the crisis, Piedmont Electric took swift action to help our members and ensure that the cooperative would continue to be able to deliver the quality service you expect.
Your cooperative suspended disconnections for nonpayment, reconnected those who had been disconnected and waived late fees. We also closed our lobbies to the public, instituted social distancing practices, enabled employees to work from home where possible and increased our cleaning practice in accordance with CDC guidelines to help protect our employees and our members.
Helping with the recovery
As stay at home orders lifted and life began the process of returning to normal, Piedmont Electric started to resume some normal business processes.
Before Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders 124 and 142, Piedmont Electric took several steps to assist those who were impacted by the pandemic and help them catch up on their past due bills. These steps included:
- Applied deposits to past due balances for members.
- Establishing long-term payment arrangements that will allow members to pay their past due balances over six months without fear of being disconnected for the arrangement balance.
- Establishing COVID-19 Relief Fund campaign. At the time of this printing, we are providing more than $40,000 in energy assistance directly to members from the Helping Hand Foundation.
Continuing the recovery into the future
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. We know many members are still feeling the impact of job loss or reduced earnings as a result of the crisis. Your cooperative remains committed to helping these members as they work to get back on their feet.
Piedmont Electric has always been dedicated to helping members manage their energy use. This effort is more important now than ever as many continue to feel these impacts. We recommend all members visit pemc.coop/save-energy-money for more information on our energy-saving programs and services.
Your local co-op remains committed to helping our members now and always.