North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered all utility companies to keep services on for residents who can't afford to pay their bills due to the pandemic. | Gov. Roy Cooper / Facebook
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered all utility companies to keep services on for residents who can't afford to pay their bills due to the pandemic. | Gov. Roy Cooper / Facebook
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper ordered utility companies to not disconnect customers' services as the coronavirus continues to effects hundreds of thousands of residents' financial and personal health.
State orders aimed at reducing public gatherings and slow the spread of COVID-19 also resulted in many residents losing their jobs and financial stability making it harder to pay for rent, utilities, food or other normal life needs.
Cooper's March 31 order on utility companies requires service to remain active for at least 60 days if the customer cannot pay the bill.
“This action is particularly important since tomorrow is the first of the month, and I know that’s a date many families fear when they can’t make ends meet,” Cooper said in a statement. “These protections will help families stay in their homes and keep vital services like electricity, water, and communications going as we stay at home.”
Cooper said residents will have six months to pay outstanding bills caused by the coronavirus outbreak and has encouraged phone, cable and internet providers to do the same.
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