Paris, Tenn.–After seven weeks of operating under modified disconnect policies, the Paris Board of Public Utilities will begin to phase in normal disconnect policies beginning May 19. The resumption of normal policies will take place in two phases. The phases are as follows:
Phase 1- Includes customers who have 60-day past due balance, meaning they have not paid a bill with a disconnect date of April 1 or prior. Phase 1 will also include all commercial accounts. These customers will be required to be current on their bill OR have made payment arrangements with BPU by May 19. Phase 1 customers will have a disconnect date of May 19.
Phase 2- Includes ALL pre-pay customers and all remaining monthly bill customers. These customers will be required to be current on their bill OR have made payment arrangements with BPU by May 26. Phase 2 customers will have a disconnect date of May 26.
The decision to resume disconnects at this time came in response to the state’s phased approach to re-opening businesses. Additionally, BPU took into consideration the scheduled end of the statewide declaration of emergency on May 18 along with the expiration of Public Utility Commission’s order to suspend disconnects.
“Currently, BPU has 565 customers with past due bills for a total of $92,792,” said BPU Business Manager, Charles West. “We do not want to disconnect services for any of our customers and encourage you to contact Customer Service to discuss your situation.”
BPU understands the hardships many in our community face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unable to get current on your account, please contact BPU to discuss your situation. However, to maintain rate stability for all customers, we must work towards recovering the past due amounts.
There are a variety of energy assistance programs and agencies available to help residents of Paris and Henry County. If you need assistance you can find a list of community resources at www.parisbpu.com/resources.
If you need additional information regarding your account or would like to discuss your situation, please contact customer service at 731-642-1322.