Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
4/27/2021 - Beginning on May 3, we will resume normal operations and reopen our lobbies for business. As you know, our employees’ and members’ safety is our top priority, and Pee Dee Electric is taking special measures to protect visitors and employees as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
We’re requesting that our members follow the recommended social distancing guidelines within our offices. We ask all visitors to follow instructions as posted on lobby signage, floor markers, and directional signs for your safety and others.
As the pandemic continues, Pee Dee Electric members are encouraged to use the co-op’s drive-thru service or other electronic means of doing business whenever possible to reduce the risk of exposure.
To minimize health risks for members and employees, Pee Dee Electric is following CDC guidelines and taking additional precautions, including:
- Requiring employees and visitors to wear masks, and wash or sanitize hands frequently
- Traffic flow will be directed by enter and exit signage, directional arrows, and floor markings
- Adding social distancing markers to our lobby floors to help keep visitors at least 6 feet apart
- Providing face masks and sanitizing products to our offices and employees
- Enhancing cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout our offices
- Most services can be handled remotely, reducing the need to visit one of our offices.
Members are highly encouraged to conduct co-op business through our website, mobile app, or over the telephone when possible. Our Member Services Department is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached by calling 1-800-992-1626. Members may download the PeeDeePower mobile app from their device’s app store or access our Member Portal on our website — pdemc.com.
3/31/2021 - Beginning April 5th, Pee Dee Electric will be accepting in-person appointments for new service connects and to speak with our energy use advisor. Members must call the office to schedule an appointment and all CDC protocols will be followed. Payment transactions can be made via our mobile app (PeeDeePower), through our automated phone system at 1-800-693-0190, through our member portal at pdemc.com or at our office drive-thru windows.
October 16, 2020 - Governor Cooper announced the launch of the Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) program, which is a new statewide initiative that provides rent and utility assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The HOPE program is an initiative of the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, under the N.C. Department of Public Safety.
AUGUST 25, 2020 - For several weeks, our staff has been reaching out to members with past due balances to explain the options that will be available to them. If you are behind on your bill, we encourage you to contact a member service representative to discuss your payment options or to make a payment.
Beginning September 1, we will begin to move toward normal operating procedures. If you are behind on your bill, here is what that means for you.
· Members with past due balances will have that balance enrolled automatically in a nine-month payment plan.
· Members will be responsible for their current bill plus 1/9 of the past due balance. Your contract amount will show on your September bill.
· Members may choose to move their account to a prepay account, placing the past due amount in debt management.
If you need assistance paying your bill, your county’s local social services office is the best place to start.
Our office lobbies remain closed, but our drive-thru windows are open to serve members who wish to discuss their account in person.
We are here for you. Please contact our office to discuss your account and the best option for you.
JULY 29, 2020 - As of today, July 29th, Governor Cooper’s executive order prohibiting electric utilities from disconnecting members for nonpayment has expired. To continue to ease the burden put on our members by COVID-19, Pee Dee Electric will continue to suspend disconnects for nonpayment until September 1, 2020. Our staff has been busy over the last few weeks, reaching out to members who may have fallen behind on their electric bills. As we begin to resume normal operating procedures, we are committed to working with members to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.
For the safety of members and employees and to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19, we will restrict walk-in traffic in both the Rockingham and Wadesboro offices. Our drive-thru service will remain open at both locations, and you may still speak with a member service representative by calling our office at 1-800-992-1626.
As of March 23, 2020, Pee Dee Electric suspended disconnections for nonpayment and began waiving fees and penalties. On March 31, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 124, which complements the protocols we have put in place. Per the executive order, we will follow this protocol through May 31. We would like to remind members that electric bills are not being waived. The cooperative is allowing additional time to pay bills without accounts being disconnected or charged late fees. Furthermore, any members needing financial assistance will have six months after May 31 to pay outstanding bills without incurring any fees or penalties. View the full executive order here: https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO124-Utilities-Evictions-Financial-Services.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1fceMYAsi_AaveyZSnJEcF029aFxEPnio8_7XWJpla9ElHpRaA_fKKNGI
We are encouraging members to make payments via our mobile app (PeeDeePower), through our automated payment system at 1-800-693-0190, or through our payment portal at pdemc.com.
We are working to remain ahead of the situation and will implement additional procedures if it becomes necessary. At Pee Dee Electric, our goal remains the same, to provide safe and reliable electricity.
We would also like to thank our first responders, medical workers, and many others who are working around the clock to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Contact our office at 1-800-992-1626 with any additional questions or concerns.