Utilities Continues as Usual, With Minor Adjustments

(Envato Elements)

Clovis utilities and PG&E are making some changes to accommodate those who may be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The City of Clovis will rebate all convenience fees for utility payments made online or over the phone.

The city is temporarily stopping water shutoffs during the crisis and says water services are functioning as normal.

Sewage removal is also operating as normal, but the city is asking residents to refrain from flushing sanitizing wipe and paper towels, as they can clog your pipes and damage the city’s sewage system.

Residential commercial trash pick-up is continuing as usual, according to the city. The community clean-up program will continue to operate as scheduled.

PG&E is modifying payment services for customers impacted by the crisis. The company is waiving security deposits, suspending service disconnections for non-payments and implementing “flexible” payment plan options.

PG&E also said it would provide additional support for low-income and medical baseline customers.

“We recognize that this is a rapidly changing situation and an uncertain time for many of our customers. Our most important responsibility is the health and safety of our customers and employees. We also want to provide some relief from the stress and financial challenges many are facing during this worldwide, public health crisis. We understand that many of our customers may experience a personal financial strain due to the slowdown in the economy related to the pandemic,” Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President Laurie Giammona said in a statement.

In addition, the company closed all customer service offices to protect the health of its workers. The company said it will find “alternate means” to conduct transactions and provide customer service. Customers can still pay bill by phone, online, through mail, or through PG&E’s neighborhood payment centers.

The utility company does not expect the COVID-19 crisis to disrupt electric and gas services.

Ron Camacho was born and raised in Clovis. He attended Clovis High School and graduated from CSU Fresno in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and Journalism. Before joining the Roundup, Ron wrote for Pollstar Magazine and the Sanger Herald. He has a deep appreciation for the arts and is a lover of music, cinema and storytelling. When he’s not busy looking for his next story, Ron enjoys taking weekend expeditions to the beach or mountains to practice landscape photography.