SRP extends disconnection moratorium, some late fees to resume
Jul 21, 2020, 4:15 AM | Updated: 8:52 am
(Facebook Photo/SRP)
(Facebook Photo/SRP)
PHOENIX — Salt River Project announced Monday it would be extending its disconnection moratorium until Oct. 1 in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Valley-based utility said it is in the process of developing different payment plans and financial assistance options for affected customers.
SRP began halting disconnections and late payment fees for all customers March 16.
“Further extending our COVID-19 disconnect moratorium was an important decision SRP made in order to help customers develop repayment and bill-assistance solutions that work for their unique situations, and our hope is they will call us sooner rather than later,” Jim Pratt, associate general manager and chief customer executive at SRP, said in a press release.
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SRP added that it will resume late fees Aug. 1 for all customers except those on the utility’s Economy Price Plan.
Those on the EPP plan, which gives a monthly discount to limited-income households, will continue to have late payment fees waived until Oct. 1.
SRP said its customers owe about $31.8 million in past-due balances, which is about triple the average debt accrued this time of year.
“SRP remains sensitive to its customers who are navigating financial challenges from COVID-19’s significant, widespread impact on Arizona households and companies,” Pratt said. “As a public power company, our longstanding approach reinvests revenue into lowering customer prices and SRP has some of the lowest electricity prices in the Southwest.”
