FYI: If you can’t pay your bills
CHICO » North state residents who have lost hours or their jobs because of the coronavirus can find help in meeting their bills by reaching out to the service provider or through help provided by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decree.
Knowledge of the pandemic is widespread, and has impacted many. Among the best steps is to reach out to the company sending the bill and explain the circumstances if hours have been cut or completely unemployed. Proof will be required.
Most companies have processes or accommodations in place to handle emergency circumstances in which customers can’t pay their bills. What follows are a few.
PG&E
PG&E says it is making changes to billing and service that “ensure the lights stay on and the gas continues to flow” for customers struggling financially.
It will not disconnect services for residents or businesses that can’t pay their bills, and PG&E will waive new-service deposits for residential and small businesses.
Those who reach out to the utility will be able to tap into more flexible payment plans.
Those who struggled before the pandemic can seek assistance if they are low-income and medical baseline customers. PG&E said it will suspend medical baseline removals as well, and those customers will not be asked to re-certify through a doctor or other medical professional for up to one year.
Customers in these situations should call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or can find more information at www. pge.com.
All local offices of PG&E have been closed to the public.
Customers can also take advantage of PG&E’S California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program that gives nearly 1.4 million income- qualified households discounts on their energy bills.
PG&E reports that more than 65,000 eligible customers, who could be saving 20 percent or more on their bills, have not responded to the program.
Customers can get information and apply for the CARE program online at www.pge.com/CARE
There is also the Family Electric Rate Assistance program for income-qualified households with three or more people.
One-time assistance is available through Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, to offset eligible household energy costs, including heating, cooking and home weatherization expenses. Call 2-1-1 for help.
A press release from PG&E indicated that no interruption of power is expected because of the corornavirus crisis.
California Water Service
Cal Water is planning an announcement to its customers next week, according to spokeswoman Yvonne Kingman.
In an email to this publication, she wrote, “For all of our customers, we’re actually planning to go out with an announcement early next week reminding customers that if they are having trouble during this time, to please call us.
“We have payment arrangements and extensions to help. For customers who have lost their jobs, we will work with them one on one.”
Kingman said that Cal Water has suspended all collections activities and disconnections due to nonpayment during this time.
Cal Water will not call customers and ask for payment. If the water service needs to contact customers, it will provide information on available payment methods, which include Western Union pay stations, online through its website and payby-phone automated payment line (1-866-734-0743).
The Chico Customer Center, at 893-6300, or for Oroville customers 533- 4034, can provide information on assistance.
Cal Water also noted that contrary to misinformation being spread, COVID-19 cannot be spread through tap water. Scammers are using that myth to get personal information or money from customers.
South Feather Water and Power
The Oroville-area power and water supplier has closed the office. Payments are being taken on the website and via a drop box at the office.
Call the office at 5334578 to make payments over the phone and/or payment arrangements.
“Our office is working with customers to extend payment deadlines. Please be aware, due to reduced staff and higher call volumes, you may experience long hold times. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope our community stays safe and strong during these difficult times” said a message on southfeather.com.
Mortgage payment and rent
While Gov. Newsom has declared that major financial institutions have agreed to a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments, not every lender has signed on.
According to a press release from the Governor’s Office, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo and nearly 200 statechartered banks, credit unions and loan service companies have agreed. More details about assistance is available at covid19. ca.gov/get-financial-help.
Homeowners should contact their lenders for details.
The Governor’s Office also issued a moratorium on residential evictions for renters who can’t pay because of COVID-19 related hardships. The moratorium went into effect on March 27 and is valid through May 31.
The Governor’s Office recommends immediately contacting the property owner to explain the situation, and if possible, pay a portion of the rent due.
Details are available from the Governor’s Office’s website for coronavirus, covid19.ca.gov.
Credit cards
Most credit companies are encouraging their customers to reach out via phone or online to talk about their bills. Contact points are usually available on the last bill.
Some companies are reducing monthly fees or interest rates, others will allow skipped payments but enforce interest fees.
A few are allowing struggling customers to increase their credit limit in order to make necessary payments.
Customers should make sure the arrangements are clear under reductions or missed payments so they aren’t surprised.
Telecommunications companies
Comcast, PG&E, AT&T are trying to help out customers struggling with a financial impact. Check your bill or contact the company to see how they can help.
Comcast has also suspended its data limit for home internet service through May 13.
General help
A help center website has been set up for government assistance during the COVID-19 crisis in general at www.benefits.gov.