Concern for Community is a leading focus of electric cooperatives across Ohio and one of the Seven Cooperative Principles that North Central Electric strives to uphold in its daily operations. As a member-owned cooperative, working with and helping our members during tough times is not new for us. We strive to do what we can, when we can, to ensure the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
We want to reassure members that we are currently holding disconnects on all accounts, and they will remain on hold until the state of emergency in our area is lifted. In addition, we are waiving late fees. We are looking at a re-evaluation on May 1st and urge members to keep their account in good status to avoid disconnection when the hold is removed at the end of the COVID-19 emergency. Please continue to keep track of your energy use and try to continue to pay your balances, if at all possible.
“It’s important we as a not-for-profit electric cooperative do everything in our power to help our members during this trying time. To that end, we have extended the reconnect period through May 1st. Please contact us during this period if you have difficulties paying your bill. We are on your side and always available to help, so let us know how we can do that,” says General Manager Ed VanHoose.
We want to encourage our members to reach out to us if they require extra assistance or wish to talk with a member service representative regarding these developments. We may have other ways we can help. We offer several ways for members to remotely make payments, including the SmartHub app, available at www.ncelec.org, pay by phone, regular mail, or our night drop box located at our office in Attica.
The cooperative’s main focus during this time is safety and continued service for our members while providing the best working environment possible for our employees and slowing the spread of the virus.