SC utilities to stop cutting services amid coronavirus fears after McMaster request

South Carolina utilities will stop cutting service to customers with unpaid bills during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The move comes after S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster urged the companies in a March 15 news conference to not disconnect customers for nonpayment during a public health emergency.

Major utilities such as Dominion Energy and Duke Energy have suspended disconnections indefinitely. Santee Cooper followed the governor’s request, vowing to continue service to non-paying customers through April 2. Blue Granite Water Company said it would not shut off water service and that it would restore suspended accounts, according to its website.

The state’s 20 member-owned electric cooperatives also decided on Monday to suspend shutoffs for nonpayment, according to Lou Green, executive vice president of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.

Some local providers, such as the town of Lexington and the city of West Columbia, said they would also follow the governor’s guidance. Lexington customers who have issues with paying service bills should call the town’s utilities customer service line, at 803-359-2434, spokesperson Laurin Barnes said.

The city of Columbia could not immediately be reached about its plans. Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said on March 12 that the city had ceased water shutoffs and was taking steps to restore water service, according to his Twitter. Columbia customers can reach 803-545-3300 with questions or concerns.

This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 2:33 PM.