As COVD-19 continues to make its way into Sault Ste. Marie and impact the community, many local organizations have been swift to step up to protect local residents, including PUC Services Inc.
PUC has taken decisive steps to ensure the safety of its customers and the community, launching a crisis response plan focused on new internal guidelines and financial resources for customers.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and following the guidance of local, provincial and national public health authorities,” says PUC President and CEO, Rob Brewer. “We recognize the impact and stress that COVID-19 is causing in people’s lives.”
PUC has a developed and implemented a comprehensive plan in response to COVID-19 that continues to evolve with the circumstances and needs of its customers. At the heart of this plan is ensuring that PUC’s operations and infrastructure are supported.
“As this pandemic evolves, our goals will remain the same – providing reliable and affordable electricity, water and wastewater services while protecting the safety of our employees and community members.”
To date, PUC Services Inc. has taken proactive measures to help local residents and businesses navigate the challenges created by COVID-19. “We understand that there are people who are unable to work because of self-isolation, illness, or temporary layoff,” says Brewer. “PUC has put programs in place to help our customers get through this difficult time.”
These programs include:
Emergency relief on electricity rates. PUC advocated for Government-mandated changes to time-of-use electricity rates (TOU). As of March 24, households, farms and small business temporarily pay off-peak rates 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Extending the suspension of electricity disconnections to July 31, 2020, so customers don’t have to worry about being without electricity during this time.
Flexibility in payment plans, credit terms and more for residential and business customers.
Access to financial assistance programs to help PUC customers manage electricity costs. Programs include:
- The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), which enables eligible low-income customers to receive a fixed monthly credit on their electricity bills.
- The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), which provides emergency financial relief to eligible low-income customers to avoid having their service disconnected.
- The AffordAbility Fund to assist electricity customers who do not qualify for low-income conservation programs.
PUC has also acted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of the public, its employees and their families. “We are strictly following the guidance of health authorities,” says Brewer. “In addition to cancelling all business travel and taking measures to practice safe physical distancing, we have restricted access to all PUC buildings and are encouraging customers to sign up for E-Billing.”
PUC also asks the public to maintain physical distancing with employees in the field and stay at least five metres away from any crews or workers.
“PUC thanks our healthcare workers, first responders, and all who are putting themselves at risk to provide essential services to our community,” says Brewer. “Together, we will get through this.”
For more information or assistance, contact PUC’s Customer Care team at [email protected] or 705-759-6522 during business hours and 705-759-6555 after hours or for emergencies.