Utilities, Telecom Companies Offering Assistance Programs to Customers Affected by Coronavirus - Noozhawk

Several telecommunication and utility companies are offering payment plans and assistance programs to help customers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The California Public Utilities Commission and utilities under its jurisdiction are supporting communities and working to help struggling consumers manage their energy usage and bills. Click here for a complete list of utilities and services.

The 211 information line is Santa Barbara County's main telephone line for COVID-19 information and resources. The free helpline can connect callers to resources and resources for utility payment assistance. 

Here’s a roundup of support for those in need during the coronavirus outbreak emergency.

» Santa Barbara: Those struggling to pay their utility bill can contact the city’s utility billing office at 805.564.5343 to discuss an alternative payment plan.

“It’s imperative you make contact with the city rather than not paying your utility bill,” a statement said. “Utility billing staff are experienced in working with customers to evaluate options, like payment plans or connecting customers to resources to reduce future bill impacts, such as water conservation programs or trash service changes.”

For more information about bill payment options, visit santabarbaraca.gov/utilitybilling. 

» Solvang: The city will not be assessing late fees on utility bills due in March, and water will not be shut off for nonpayment during the declared state of emergency.

“We have deferred payment plans and amortization plans available for those who need them at no additional cost to them,” a statement said. 

To make alternative payment arrangements, call 805.688.5575 or email [email protected]. Click here for more information.

» Santa Maria: Santa Maria is waiving delinquent utility billing fees that occur because of the effects of COVID-19, is not turning off the water for nonpayment, and is providing payment arrangements.

For more information, call the city’s utilities billing division at 805.925.0951 x2217 (English) or x2218 (Spanish). Click here for more information.

» Lompoc: Customers having trouble paying their bill can call the city for information on utility payment assistance and rebate programs.

For billing questions, call 805.875.8250 or 805.875.8253. Click here for more information.

» Southern California Edison: The electricity supply company is “temporarily suspending service disconnections for nonpayment and waiving late fees” by request. SCE also has a reduced energy rate for qualifying customers and businesses.

For questions about a payment extension or arrangement, call the SCE contact center at 800.655.4555. For more information, visit sce.com. 

» PG&E: The gas and electric company is offering payment plan options, as well as suspending disconnections for nonpayment for all residential and small-business customers and will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, visit pge.com. 

» Southern California Gas Co.: If a household income has recently changed, customers may qualify for 20 percent off their natural gas bill. The natural gas company also is waiving late payment fees for small-business customers. For more information, visit socalgas.com. 

» Verizon: The telecommunications company said, "If you are experiencing hardship because of COVID-19 and cannot pay your bill in full, we will not charge you a late fee or terminate your service through June 30."

To qualify, consumers must submit a hardship form. For more information, visit verizonwireless.com.

» T-Mobile: The company is temporarily waiving late fees as well as suspend and restore fees for those affected by COVID-19.

"If you are experiencing hardship as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to make a payment or your account becomes past due (including your rate plan costs, handset repayments and device protection payments), contact us and we can help," the T-Mobile website says.

For more information, visit t-mobile.com.  

» AT&T: The company is offering assistance for postpaid wireless, Internet and home phone services, and its website says, “If you’re experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19, let us know.” For more information, visit att.com.

» Cox Communication: The Promise to Pay program with extension options “will limit late payment reminders or give you more time to pay without worrying about interruption to your Cox services.” The cable and telecommunications company also is suspending data-overage fees and simplifying access to low-cost service, among other relief.

For more information, visit cox.com.

» Spectrum: Through June 30, Spectrum will not terminate service for residential or small-business customers who are unable to pay because of economic circumstances related to COVID-19. Through June 30, the telecommunications company also will waive late fees that small-business or residential customers accumulate because of economic circumstances related to COVID-19, and allow WiFi hotspots for public use.

For more information, visit spectrum.com.

— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

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