Late, termination notices will go out; deposits will be due
As allowed by West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) General Order No. 262.5, beginning July 1, Morgantown Utility Board will “restart” normal customer billing processes related to overdue amounts, late payment fees, new service fees and service disconnections for nonpayment.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, on March 16 MUB announced a number of special temporary policies designed to aid its customers during the stay at home period. These policies included suspension of late charges and termination of service for nonpayment, as well as the reconnection of water service for all customers who had been recently terminated for amounts past due. This action was also taken for the purpose of protecting public health in the face of COVID-19.
Now, pursuant to the PSC’s “restart” order, MUB is reimplementing certain policies to transition back to normal billing practices. The goal is to do this in the least impactful way possible for customers.
MUB’s “restart” plan includes the following:
- Normal late fees will be applied only to bills issued after July 1, 2020. That means that no late fees will be applied for any unpaid amounts accumulated between March and July 1.
- Late payment notices and termination of service notices will resume July 1. Notices will be issued beginning July 1, and terminations will resume 20 days after the issuance of the notice. You can review the process by visiting https://mub.org/covid19.
- Understanding that some members of our community face severe financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 event, MUB is offering a deferred payment plan (DPP). This plan requires an immediate payment of 20% of the amount due, with the remainder of the balance spread out over time. To learn more visit https://mub.org/covid19.
- Customers whose service was reconnected without providing a deposit, will be required to pay the deposit amount. However, this amount can be spread out if needed. Deposit amounts vary based on the rates which apply where the customer resides.
While MUB is restarting its normal billing practices, it is mindful that some customers may have been more negatively impacted by the pandemic than others. Therefore, MUB is committed to working closely with customers to ensure that its normal billing practices are fairly applied.
Anyone requiring an in-person meeting with MUB staff or with questions can contact MUB via phone at 304-292-8443 or by sending an email to mubmail@mub.org. All in-person meetings are by appointment only, and subject to COVID-19 screening.
