RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Dominion Energy says it won’t start cutting off power to people behind on their electric bills. State regulators in Virginia recently said that utilities may now do so.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Tuesday that the company said its aim is to help customers trying to cope financially during the coronavirus pandemic.
The State Corporation Commission had ordered a freeze in March on disconnections. But it expired at midnight Monday because the commission said that a moratorium isn’t sustainable in the long term.
Meanwhile, the Virginia General Assembly is considering requiring utilities to develop emergency repayment plans for bills that weren’t paid.
“Dominion Energy supports the General Assembly’s proposed approach to extending the moratorium on disconnects and will NOT disconnect any Virginia customers for non-payment while waiting for the General Assembly’s final actions to take effect,” the company said in a statement.
Dominion is giving customers up to 12 months to pay down unpaid charges. No minimum payment is required.
The utility said it has also expanded assistance and eligibility for its bill assistance program.
The company has delivered $116.6 million worth of electricity to customers who haven’t been able to pay their bills, according to a survey from the State Corporation Commission.
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