Phoenix — Utility companies, including Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Southwest Gas, laid out their plans to serve customers and protect employees during the COVID-19 crisis at Monday’s Special Open Meeting of the Arizona Corporation Commission.
The companies have implemented disconnect moratoriums and there will be no disconnection for electric, gas, telephone, wastewater and water due to unpaid bills during the COVID-19 epidemic. The companies stated that late fees will be waived for late or missed payments during the pandemic. Many of the utilities will offer low-income payment plans and payment options to customers.
Telecommunication companies such as Cox are expanding broadband and increasing bandwidth and connectivity near schools and in libraries. Public WIFI hotspots will also be open for free. This follows the Keep America Connected Pledge, the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband and telecom industry initiative, which is intended to keep customers connected during the pandemic.
The Arizona Corporation Commission encourages customers to call their utility providers with questions or go to the utility’s website instead of physically going to customer service centers or company stores, as some of those locations may be closed. If you have issues dealing satisfactorily with your specific utility, you can contact the Commission’s Consumer Services Section at (602) 542-4251 (Phoenix office), (520) 628-6550 (Tucson office) or 1 (800) 222-7000 (toll free in-state only).
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