Georgia Power suspends disconnections in COVID-19 outbreak. What we know about other utilities
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia continues to rise, some utility providers and local governments have begun to reassure residents about utility connections and their internet access. If you have questions about your utility provider, or information about disconnection announcements, email cslinkard@macon.com.
Electricity
Georgia Power announced Friday the company would temporarily suspend residential power disconnections for 30 days, beginning March 14. After 30 days, the company will reevaluate the “policy and time frame.”
Georgia Power also assured customers in a press release that the company had plans in place to “continue providing safe and reliable energy” to customers.
Water & Gas
Atlanta Gas Light announced on March 14 it was voluntarily suspending service disconnections for nonpayment for seven days “as the company assesses the best path for moving forward for its customers.” The announcement applies to both residential and commercial customers.
“We understand that now more than ever our services play a critical role in our communities,” said Bryan Batson, president of Atlanta Gas Light. “We stand with the Georgia Public Service Commission in our commitment to ensuring that every family and company in our community has the fuel they need to continue heating their homes, cooking their food, taking warm showers and running their businesses.”
Macon Water Authority has not announced any changes to its current disconnection policies.
Internet
Several internet service providers, including AT&T and Cox, have agreed to postpone service terminations for 60 days for residential and small business customers who can’t pay their internet bill due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some companies, like AT&T, have also announced they’re waiving usage caps for customers who don’t have unlimited data.
This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 1:57 PM.
