Chelan PUD will not disconnect late payers

WENATCHEE – Chelan County PUD is taking more steps to help customer-owners manage financial and social impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. General Manager Steve Wright announced Thursday that there will be no power, water or sewer service disconnects and that late payment fees also will be waived until further notice.

Chelan PUD’s first priority is to keep delivering essential utility services, Wright said. That effort supports the work by other community leaders and public health experts to protect the community and help lower the risks faced by all.

Specific steps include:

· Offering options to customer-owners who need help paying their utility bill. Most important is for customers to call Chelan PUD as soon as possible to work out arrangements. PUD staff is available weekdays during business hours by phone at (509) 661-8002 and email at customerhelp@chelanpud.org. (PUD offices closed to the public March 13 to protect customers and staff.)

· Emphasizing social distancing by offering drop box, phone and online bill payment. Customers can leave payments in drop boxes by the front doors at our offices and in the back parking lot at the Wenatchee headquarters. You can pay your PUD bill by phone at (509) 661-8729 or pay it online by going to chelanpud.org under “My PUD Services” on the home page choose “pay my bill” to follow the instructions to pay online. That’s also the place to go paperless by signing up to get your PUD bill by email with our Powerpay program.

       Tips for helping customers stay comfortable at home during times of social distancing by:

        • During the day, open your curtains and let the sunshine in. It will warm up your house and hopefully boost your spirits, too.

        • Run your furnace fan to increase airflow and bring in more fresh air.

        • If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust your settings, since you may be at home more than usual.

        • Don’t let energy use add to your worries. Early-spring temperatures are mild and shouldn’t tax your heating system. But you can always find tips to keep your electric bill in check at ConservationMakesCents.org

       • Be aware that you are likely to get even more scam calls during uncertain times like these. If you get a call from someone demanding you send payment immediately or your power will be shut off – hang up! Then call us at (509) 663-8121 to report it and check your account. (After hours you can call the 24/7 outage line at 877-783-8123. As the situation evolves, we will respond. Please stay in touch with us at chelanpud.org, find us on Facebook.com/ChelanPUD and follow us on Twitter @ChelanPUD