Entergy assures customers no disconnects for 30 days

Entergy Corp. announced Saturday that in response to the coronavirus outbreak, for at least the next 30 days it will not disconnect service to any customers who are unable to pay their bills.

The utility, which serves about 700,000 customers in Arkansas, announced the policy Saturday in a statement on its website after an inquiry from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Entergy indicated that it may extend the 30-day period “if necessary.”

“Our operations and facilities remain safe, secure and stable, and there is currently no impact on the delivery of energy to our customers,” Entergy said in the statement.

“We are confident our business continuity plan, which is specifically designed for these types of situations, will ensure the reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers’ homes and businesses as we respond appropriately to any potential risks.”

A publicly traded company, Entergy provides electricity to about 2.9 million customers in four Southern states.

The company is also restricting business travel and educating employees on precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

The widening outbreak has rattled the stock market, and economists are warning of layoffs or hiring freezes, which have already begun in some industries. Some residential customers could have difficulty paying their bills if they are unable to go to work.

Utility companies in other states, including Arizona, California, New Jersey and New York, also announced in recent days that they will not disconnect customers who cannot pay their bills.