The winter hydro disconnection ban will end May 1, and Greater Sudbury Hydro is urging customers who are behind on paying their electricity bills to be proactive.
“We are concerned some customers may have viewed the winter disconnection ban period as a ‘break’ from paying their hydro bill,” said Wendy Watson, Director of Communications for Greater Sudbury Hydro.
“They might have allowed their balances to creep up over the winter and when the ban ends, may find themselves in really difficult circumstances. We urge customers to be proactive and contact us before they receive a disconnection notice. Call us now, and ask what your options might be.”
Watson says customers should also make sure the utility has up-to-date contact information on file.
“We need to make a ‘reasonable effort’ to contact customers 48 hours before a disconnection, and while we do our best, if we can’t reach you because your contact info is not current, the disconnection will still proceed. Make sure we have the right info," she said.
Watson said the utility routinely works with customers whose accounts are past due to arrange OEB-prescribed payment plans.
“We are in the distribution business, not the disconnection business. We work very hard to avoid disconnections. It’s the absolute last resort. But if customers fail to pay outstanding debts, it’s the only leverage we have,” said Watson.
“We’d much rather work with customers before it gets to that point.”
Customers are being implored to know their rights and responsibilities by reading the Ontario Energy Board’s customer service rules for more details on the payment and disconnection process.
“We really do want to help people avoid disconnection," said Watson. "If you’re having trouble keeping up, call us before you get that final notice.”
