Coronavirus prompts an SC electric co-op to return deposits to residential customers
A South Carolina electric company announced on Monday that it will give ratepayers back their electric deposits to help with any financial hardships they may face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees made the unanimous decision on Monday.
In all, security deposits totaling roughly $4.8 million will be credited to nearly 34,000 customer accounts to help keep their lights on. No refunds will be given in cash.
Berkeley Electric CEO Dwayne Cartwight said in a news release that the stimulus will help those facing reduced employment or unemployment during the crisis.
“We want to do everything in our power to help our members and the economy during this difficult time,” he said.
Berkeley Electric is the largest cooperative in the state, serving Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. The electric company also announced on March 14 that it was suspending all disconnections and late fees for nonpayment, though ratepayers are still responsible for paying for the energy they use during that time.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 5:43 PM.