Town of Smithfield electric customers are encouraged to contact the customer service department to set up a payment plan for any balances they may have to help prevent them from falling further behind on their utility payments. Governor Roy Cooper recently extended the suspension of utility disconnects through July 29. In Executive Order 142, Cooper reinforced that customers’ bills were not being forgiven. Customers are still responsible for paying for all usage.
While the order extends the disconnection suspension for 60 days, it does not forgive or otherwise waive usage charges between March 31, 2020 and July 29, 2020.
Utility officials have been working with customers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to work out payment plans to prevent accumulating large balances for those impacted financially by the pandemic. First issued on March 31, the governor’s executive orders temporarily suspend residential utility service disconnections and waives penalties, fees, and interest on amounts due during the period. Payments due before March 31 will be subject to disconnection when the order expires.
“It’s important that customers understand what the executive order means for their utility payments and that they contact us as soon as possible with questions about their electric bill or service, and set up a payment plan with us if they are having trouble paying their bills,” said Smithfield Town Manager Mike Scott. “It is in our customers’ best interest to stay current on their account or begin to pay on their account as soon as possible to avoid large balances and possible disconnection later this summer, particularly as we enter warmer months with traditionally higher electric bills. We want to help all customers having difficulty making payments and help ease the financial burden once the order expires.”
“We appreciate all our customers who have remained current or have paid what they are able during this time. We understand the financial hardship the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to many of our customers and we stand ready to help through this difficult time.”
Under the executive order, customers will have a six-month period beginning July 30 to pay off unpaid balances that came due March 31-July 29.
To contact the Town of Smithfield Customer Service Department to set up payment plans, or if you have any other questions, call 919-934-2116, Extension 1105.
