Palmetto Electric released a statement giving an update on the steps they're taking for employees and customers following the COVID-19 outbreak and severe storms this week.
"The communities served by Palmetto Electric Cooperative have a long history of coming together in times of crisis. The recent coronavirus outbreak and severe weather of Monday, April 13 have been no exception. Palmetto Electric Cooperative remains focused on helping both their employees, as well as their members navigate these difficult situations. “Our thoughts go out to all our employees and members impacted by the devastating storms that swept through our service area on April 13, as well as those who have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak,” said Berl Davis, Palmetto Electric Cooperative’s president and CEO. Because of the hardships that so many members are currently facing, Palmetto Electric made the decision to return all retired Capital Credits early, by the end of April 2020. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Palmetto Electric allocates any revenues that are left over – after expenses – to their member-owners in the form of Capital Credits. Typically, for those members that attend the Annual Meeting, Capital Credits are returned in late spring. For those that don’t attend the Annual Meeting, Capital Credits are issued in December
The safety of the cooperative’s members and employees remains a top priority. In regards to the coronavirus outbreak, Palmetto Electric has adjusted employee work schedules and is working employees from home if possible. The cooperative’s office lobbies will remain CLOSED until at least May 1. The drive-thru will remain open at each office. Palmetto Electric offers several electronic options for members to manage their accounts and make payments.
• MyEnergy Online • MyEnergy Mobile App – manage your account from your phone or tablet! • IVR phone number (automated phone payment at 1-866-445-5551) • Bank Draft/Auto Pay • Payments can be taken at the drive-thru or night drop box at each district office.
The temporary suspension of disconnects for non-payment on ALL accounts, including Advance Pay, has been extended until at least May 1. Late fees on ALL accounts will also be waived. Palmetto Electric encourages all members, including Advance Pay, to continue to make payments, as they are able. All members are still responsible for their electric use.
The Community Rooms located at the Hilton Head, New River and Ridgeland offices will remain CLOSED until at least May 1. Any scheduled events will be cancelled.
Cooperative events, including the Annual Meeting, originally scheduled for May 2, have been postponed. The nominating process for Board elections has also been postponed. The cooperative will notify all members as soon as the Annual Meeting has been rescheduled and the nominating process resumes.
Information regarding a new Annual Meeting date and Board elections will be distributed through multiple media outlets including newspaper, radio, South Carolina Living magazine, social media and online at palmetto.coop.
Palmetto Electric is committed to continue providing you with safe and reliable electric service. Operations crews are working and ready to respond to any outages. Member service representatives are available by phone to assist with account needs, as well as answering any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach us at one of the following numbers.
• Hampton: 803-943-2211 • Ridgeland: 843-726-5551 • New River: 843-208-5551 • Hilton Head: 843-681-5551 • Toll Free: 1-800-922-5551
The cooperative will continue to monitor the outbreak and take steps in accordance with federal, state, and local government agencies including the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to protect the health of our members, employees and community. Please be mindful the dates listed above could be extended. Please follow Palmetto Electric Cooperative on social media and their website, palmetto.coop, for continued updates."
Photo: Getty Images
Source: Palmetto Electric