Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
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.
The program is officially open for applications at www.nc211.org/hope. Applications are also being accepted over the phone by calling 211; however, they expect call volumes to be high, so applying online is encouraged.
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.