SWEPCO COVID-19 UPDATE #9
7/21/2020
http://www.SWEPCO.com/coronavirus
UPDATE ON SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS:
SWEPCO temporarily suspended service disconnections for non-payment for all customers in March.
- Residential – SWEPCO anticipates the suspension of disconnections for non-payment will end in early August in Louisiana, at the end of August in Texas, and in the near future in Arkansas.
- Nonresidential – Disconnections for nonpayment have resumed for Louisiana and Texas commercial, industrial and other nonresidential customers. Disconnections remain temporarily suspended in Arkansas by regulatory order.
Before a customer is disconnected for non-payment, they will receive multiple notices and the opportunity to enroll in extended payment agreements. SWEPCO urges customers to contact us and make every effort to keep their accounts current during the period when disconnections are suspended.
PAYMENT ASSISTANCE, FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
We understand customers are concerned about their families, businesses and communities due to the impacts of COVID-19. If you are struggling to pay your electric bill, it’s important to reach out to our SWEPCO team now to find a solution.
Taking action now can help keep balances and bills manageable, and your electric service connected.
We’re ready to work with you, with flexible options including payment extensions and extended payment agreements. Please contact us at:
- SWEPCO.com/Assist
- Customer Solutions Center: 1-877-446-7211
- Facebook or Twitter
Business Assistance - We have a team dedicated to helping small business customers apply for federal relief programs and make payment arrangements. Please note that the federal Paycheck Protection Program is now more flexible and has been extended to an Aug. 8 application deadline. Business customers can reach a solutions specialist at 1-888-776-1368 and learn more at AEP.com/SmallBusinessAssistance.
Scams Alert – SWEPCO customers, especially senior citizens, low-income residents and small businesses, may see more scam attempts during the pandemic. If you suspect a scam, you can always call us at the number on your SWEPCO bill to confirm your account’s activity, or visit SWEPCO.com/StopScams.
Save Energy and Money – With families spending more time at home, saving energy and money can help. Visit SWEPCO.com/Save for no-cost and low-cost energy-saving tips and other energy efficiency resources.
OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
SWEPCO understands the critical need for reliable electric service and we are committed to the health and safety of our customers, communities and employees. We have been following our emergency response plans for the pandemic and don’t anticipate COVID-19 will disrupt our ability to provide electric service for our customers.
We have taken significant steps to keep our employees safe and healthy. Our line workers and other employees critical to maintaining service are working in smaller teams, adjusting work schedules, practicing physical distancing, wearing facial coverings when physical distancing is not possible, monitoring themselves for symptoms and taking other prevention measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All employees who can are working from home to help minimize contact for all employees and prevent the spread of the virus.
Help utility crews stay safe and healthy while working to maintain the electric system and restore your power during outages. Please keep at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and SWEPCO field personnel as we all play a crucial role in preventing the spread of coronavirus.