Town Issues Payment Warning As COVID-19 Utility Deferments End

MOORESVILLE, NC — North Carolina's statewide executive order that provides a short term reprieve from utility disconnection during the COVID-19 pandemic will soon expire, which means residents who have deferred payments will soon be faced with catching up, the Town of Mooresville said Friday.

In late March, Gov. Roy Cooper issued a consumer protection executive order that initially prevented utility shut off for nonpayment for 60 days and directed utility companies to give customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills without interest. It also encourages the delay of evictions and for banks to not charge overdraft fees.

Cooper extended that order on May 30, which ordered utilities to give customers at least six months to pay overdue bills that became due from March 31 to July 29, 2020.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: Gov. Cooper Signs Order Prohibiting Utility Shut-Off

In Mooresville, more than 1,200 residents have deferred payment for their water and sewer accounts, the town said Friday.

“It is important for customers with deferred payments to understand that moving forward, they must follow an agreed-upon repayment plan on a monthly basis until the balance is paid in full,” Deborah Hockett, chief finance officer for the Town of Mooresville, said in a statement. “The Town cannot forgive the debts, nor can we make additional extensions.”

The end of deferments means that customers who have pushed back payments must start paying their current bill plus the deferred amount beginning with their September bill in order to avoid disconnection.

Utility customers who have deferred payments will receive a letter from the town next week outlining a repayment agreement for charges, the town said.

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