Duke Energy To Resume Billing, Disconnections: How To Get Help

CHARLOTTE, NC — In the wake of the end of emergency statewide protections against the disconnection of utilities, Duke Energy says it will soon gradually resume its standard billing of customers, it announced this week. The utility giant said it will continue to waive late fees and would not begin disconnections for nonpayment until October.

Beginning in September, Duke Energy customers who need more time to pay their electric bill balance will be able to set up a flexible payment plan with no down payment, it said.

“Many of our customers are facing unprecedented adversity during this pandemic. We want to be thoughtful and provide extended payment options to avoid power interruptions,” Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, said in a statement. “As financial assistance has become available for qualified customers, we believe now is the right time to share our plans to resume more standard operations. We will, however, continue to help our customers access resources to assist and provide additional information that can help reduce their bills.”

Here's what Duke Energy says customers can expect with the resumption of billing:
"Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress will return to standard billing and payment practices in October, which means customers in arrears will receive notices about their past-due balances and the earliest possible date their service could be interrupted. That change may result in disconnections for nonpayment under regular credit and notice timelines in October for residential and nonresidential customers with delinquent balances who do not request a payment arrangement."

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How To Seek Utility Bill Financial Assistance
For customers experiencing financial hardship, there are financial assistance resources available, Duke Energy said.

• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Crisis Intervention Program — Individuals and families experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis may apply for assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). A face-to-face interview is not required at this time. In addition, disconnect notices are not required at this time. Applicants can present a final notice or past due utility bill and must have a health related or life threatening emergency to potentially be eligible for crisis funds. The application may be found here.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds available through statewide community action agencies.
• Numerous agencies located throughout North Carolina have partnered with Duke Energy to help customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. More information for the partner agencies may be found here.
• Additionally, information about making payment arrangements for Duke Energy utility bills may be found here.

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