Personal Finance
Utilities Pause Disconnections Amid Coronavirus Shutdown
Comcast, ComEd and Nicor are among some of the companies that are temporarily stopping service disconnections.
ACROSS ILLINOIS — A number of companies, including Comcast, Nicor, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, have opted to stop service disconnections for utilities for 60 days amid coronavirus concerns. The companies are also waiving late fees and opening available Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them as restaurant staff, school employees and other workers face temporary unemployment due to school and restaurant closures.
ComEd
ComEd announced it is not disconnecting service for nonpayment and waiving new late fees through at least May 1.
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Nicor also announced that it will not disconnect service through May 1 for non-payment "the evolving landscape surrounding the new coronavirus (COVID-19) may cause financial hardship for customers impacted by employment changes or business slowdown."
Water Payments
Aurora is one of the towns stopping water disconnections for nonpayment. This will allow residents to be able to access water to wash their hands to help prevent coronavirus.
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Phone Companies
Phone companies throughout the U.S. have also agreed not to suspend service for 60 days as part of the "Keep America Connected Pledge" through the FCC.
If you are worker impacted by the coronavirus closures, click the link to see what additional services are available to help those affected.
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