These Columbus-area utilities companies won’t disconnect service amid COVID-19 outbreak
Some area utilities are giving customers a break during the COVID-19 outbreak that’s affecting parts of Georgia, deferring service disconnections for unpaid bills as the crisis continues.
The Columbus Water Works announced Monday that it is suspending all water disconnections for nonpayment until April 13, “to ensure that all members of the Columbus community are able to practice good hygiene, by washing their hands with soap and water, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”
Those experiencing financial issues affecting their bill payment should contact customer service at 706-649-3400 or customerservice@cwwga.org.
The utility as of Tuesday also is closing its lobby to the public at 1421 Veterans Parkway, also through April 13. The drive-through service there will remain open.
Georgia Power also has decided to suspend disconnecting customers for 30 days, starting March 14. The company will re-evaluate the policy “as the situation develops,” it said on its website.
An Alabama Power spokesman said it is dealing with customers’ hardships individually, without yet setting a suspension period for cutoffs, but it does not expect to disconnect anyone whose finances are affected by the disease outbreak. Customers needing help can contact the company through its website at www.alabamapower.com or call 1-800-245-2244.
Liberty Utilities, which provides natural gas to local residents, also is suspending disconnections for unpaid bills.
“This temporary suspension, through at least May 1, 2020, includes residential and business customers,” the company said.
Internet service providers also have pledged to keep customers online.
Contacted Monday, a Charter Communications representative said the company has agreed to abide by the Federal Communications Commission’s “Keep Americans Connected Pledge,” in which Internet service providers defer disconnecting customers for unpaid bills for 60 days.
The providers also pledge to waive any late fees customers “incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic,” and to open Wi-Fi hotspots to anyone who needs one.
According to the FCC, other companies joining in the pledge include AT&T, Comcast, Mediacom, Spring, T-Mobile, Verizon and TracFone Wireless.