On Sunday, March 15, the Mississippi Public Service Commission issued an Order Temporarily Suspending disconnection of Certain Utility Services. This prevents any public utility in the state from disconnecting utility services of water, sewer, gas and electricity for a period of 60 days from March 15.
What this means
No public utility can turn off any water, sewer, gas or electric service for failure to pay from March 15-May 15.
What this does NOT mean
This order does NOT mean that bills for water, sewer, gas or electricity services will be forgiven during this period.
“We’re going to evaluate this order at our next meeting on April 14 and will continue to look at options that help citizens and their utility providers work together to make the best of the COVID-19 situation,” said Brandon Presley, Mississippi Northern District public service commissioner. “Make no mistake though, these utility bills will have to be paid, but we’re all going to work together to find solutions.”
If you receive a stimulus check, this funding is for exactly these types of expenses. Stimulus funding is intended to help you recover from lost income and keep the needs of your life in place. You need shelter, food, utilities, transportation, medical services. You do not need a swimming pool or a new TV.
If and when you are able, one of the best things we can do is pay our bills. Below is information from some of our utility providers in the region.
“If a customer is struggling for whatever the reason, they may call our call center at 888-286-6700 and explain their situation and request to make payment arrangements over a period of time,” said Michelle Whittle, Operations Manager for Atmos Gas Golden Triangle.
“We do want our members to understand that this is does not mean you will not have to pay your bill. Your billing cycle will remain unchanged and you will continue to receive reminders of amount owed and the due date,” said Brian Clark, CEO and General Manager of 4County Electric Power Association. “We will work with members on payment arrangements as possible.
4-County also offers our Warm Neighbors program which is used to assist members with their electric bill in a one-time, emergency situation. To apply for Warm Neighbors assistance, any 4-County member may contact the Salvation Army Center in Columbus at 662-327-5137.”
“Providing electricity and water to our customers is our most critical mission. The Columbus Utility Board voted a few weeks ago to temporarily suspend late fees and disconnections due to non-payment. However, Columbus Light and Water is asking those that can, to remain current on their existing bills and those that can’t try to pay as much as you reasonably can. In the end, Columbus Light and Water will work with you and your business through this hard time,” said Todd Gale, general manager of Columbus Light and Water.
Our utility providers are ready and willing to help keep the lights on and the fires burning for their customers during this unprecedented time.
It is important for citizens to do what they can, when they can, to support these businesses in return.
The Golden Triangle Development LINK is the primary economic development organization of the region.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.