Earlier this week, Mississippi’s Public Service Commission, supported by Gov. Tate Reeves’ state of emergency declaration, issued a directive that will prevent utility companies from shutting off services for customers for non-payment of bills for a period of 60 days throughout the state.
On Thursday, the Columbus Light and Water Board of Directors went a step further, announcing it would waive late fees until further notice, something not provided for in the PSC’s directive.
As the nation’s economy slows and more and more workers are laid off or see their work hours reduced, these measures provide customers some peace of mind.
For many, household income may be strained to the point where difficult decisions are required. Without question, sacrifices will have to be made. But in this crisis, no one should be faced with the impossible choice of paying the utility bill or feeding their family or meeting other essential needs.
We applaud the PSC and CL&W for this effort.
Even so, it is important to note not only what this measure provides for, but what it doesn’t provide for.
In Thursday’s announcement declaring public schools to be closed until April 17, Gov. Tate Reeves made a point that is also relevant to the utility’s situation.
“This isn’t a four-week vacation,” Reeves reminded parents and students. He urged students and parents to continue to take the classwork assigned to them seriously.
In the same respect, the “no shutoff” declaration doesn’t mean that customers will not be responsible for their utility bills. Customers remain accountable for those bills. The declaration simply removes a consequence of non-payment.
Our advice: If you can pay your utility bills without sacrificing other necessities, you should do so. Sixty days will pass quickly. Incurring more utility debt will only prolong the strain on the household budget.
Let’s hope most citizens have no need for this “no shutoff” moratorium.
For those who do find themselves in that situation, we urge them to remember that it’s not a debt forgiven, but a debt deferred.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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