Today, the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, announced measures to help electricity customers deal with the financial impact of COVID-19.
This is an unprecedented time for the province and the Provincial Government recognizes that many people are facing challenges. To help, residential and general service customers including businesses and other organizations whose rates are based on Holyrood fuel costs, will receive a one-time credit on their bills as early as July. This credit is expected to vary based on customers’ usage and is made possible due to fuel savings at the Holyrood Thermal Generating Facility.
Rather than spread these forecast fuel savings monthly over the next year in the usual manner, government will request that the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities adopt a policy so that a credit will be disbursed immediately up-front to help people and businesses now when they need it most. The Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities will determine the details of this initiative, including the amount and timing of the credit.
As well, for customers who require flexible bill payments, government is providing up to $2.5 million to waive the interest on overdue accounts for residential and general service customers throughout the province. This includes residents, businesses and other organizations that are struggling as a result of COVID-19 and will be for a period of 15 months commencing June 1, 2020. Customers will be required to continue to make agreed upon monthly payments to their accounts.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power have already established COVID-19 policies to ensure that residential and business customers having challenges paying their bills will not be disconnected at this time and options for flexible bill payments are available to help keep their accounts in good standing.
Customers who find themselves in a difficult financial situation may call Newfoundland Power at 1-800-663-2802 or Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro at 1-888-737-1296 to discuss options regarding flexible payment arrangements.
For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19. For general inquiries related to available government services, please email covid19info@gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, ratepayers are facing considerable challenges and many are unable to work, which is creating financial hardship. During this stressful time, we want to provide some relief on customers’ electricity bills. Both the one-time credit, and the interest relief measures are just the latest steps this government is taking to help ease the stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“During these unprecedented times, many people and businesses in our province are struggling financially. Through financial measures for ratepayers – including the one-time credit, interest relief, no-disconnection policy, and flexible bill payment options – government, in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power, is doing everything possible to ensure residents are protected during this pandemic.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Natural Resources
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Media Contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca
Lisa Lawlor
Natural Resources
709-631-8155
lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca