DPU Manager Philo Shelton encourages community members needing assistance with utility bills to call the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
The coronavirus has ignited a lot of concern and worry. People are anxious not only for their health but also for economic reasons.
Many businesses have closed, and their employees are without work due to the virus, but bills and expenses are still coming in.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) assures its customers that during this Public Health Emergency Order issued by the Governor, County utilities will not be disconnected for non-payment.
DPU Manager Philo Shelton told the Los Alamos Daily Post Friday that during the Board of Public Utilities meeting March 25, the board directed staff not to shut off anyone’s utilities due to inability to pay their utilities bill while the Governor’s lockdown order is in effect.
He said this direction will be practiced at least through April 10, and will most likely be extended through the end of April, according to the President’s most recent “stay at home” order.
Shelton added that this doesn’t mean no one needs to pay their utilities bills.
“We encourage people if they are having a hard time with their bills to call Customer Care Center to make payment arrangements,” he said.
DPU does have a utility assistance program to help customers in need, which is funded by other DPU customers, Shelton said. People can contribute an extra amount of money on their monthly bills to help those who are struggling to pay their utilities.
Shelton said it is expected that this fund will be depleted so he encourages customers who are able to give extra to do so.
Furthermore, anyone who needs assistance should call the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333 or leave an email at CustomerCare@lacnm.us. Leave a message if no one answers right away … DPU is operating on reduced staff, but will return calls as soon as possible.
“We have our Customer Care staff ready to answer questions,” he said.
Additionally, people can visit the COVID-19 information page on the Los Alamos County website. Visit losalamosnm.us and click on the Quick Links image of a doctor at the center of the page.