As of today, North Carolina’s executive order banning shutoffs on delinquent utility accounts is set to end July 29. The order was put in place to help those burdened with financial hardships prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Roanoke Electric Co-op is urging member-owners with outstanding balances to begin making arrangements now to bring their accounts current. The co-op is tentatively set to resume disconnections on delinquent accounts on Aug. 15, 2020.
“We recognize that things came to a halt because of the pandemic, and some of our member-owners may still be facing financial difficulties,” said Kirby Jordan, the co-op’s vice-president of member services, marketing and public relations. “We want to assure them that we are here to help and will work with them to develop a payment plan.”
If you are having financial difficulty, please call us as soon as possible to discuss reasonable payment arrangements to pay off any accumulated arrearages. You can reach us 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday-Friday at 252-209-2236. For the opportunity to choose a payment option, please contact the co-op before July 24, 2020.
“Member-owners with past due balances who do not contact us by July 24 will will automatically be set up in a six-month payment plan to settle the debt,” said Jordan.
Member-owners can also access their account information and make payments on the co-op’s website (roanokeelectric.com) or mobile app.
Families still facing financial hardships are encouraged to reach out the local Department of Social Services, now for additional support and to learn more about the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Funding will be available until funds run out. Applicants are no longer required to provide a disconnect notice when applying for CIP. A final notice or past due utility bill can be used.
The State’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program will not be available until December of 2020 or January of 2021.