The Sacramento Municipal Utility District says it won't turn off the power for people who haven't paid their bills amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "We made this decision due to the impact that COVID-19 is having on our local communities,” Arlen Orchard, SMUD CEO and general manager, said in a statement. “We want to ensure that our most vulnerable customers have access to power during these times.”The change started March 13 and is slated to last through the end of the month. The utility also said that customers who are currently disconnected because of nonpayment will have their power turned back on. The customers who are behind on their bills will still owe SMUD, they will just not lose service as the city works to slow the spread of the virus. SMUD said it's encouraging customers to contact the utility to make payment arrangements or ask about energy assistance rates and other programs that could be helpful.SMUD has closed all buildings to the public in response to the pandemic. An upcoming Board of Directors meeting has also been canceled. | MORE | COVID-19 in California: The latest numbers and how to keep your family safePacific Gas and Electric also put a moratorium on service shutoffs from nonpayment in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District says it won't turn off the power for people who haven't paid their bills amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"We made this decision due to the impact that COVID-19 is having on our local communities,” Arlen Orchard, SMUD CEO and general manager, said in a statement. “We want to ensure that our most vulnerable customers have access to power during these times.”


The change started March 13 and is slated to last through the end of the month.

The utility also said that customers who are currently disconnected because of nonpayment will have their power turned back on.

The customers who are behind on their bills will still owe SMUD, they will just not lose service as the city works to slow the spread of the virus.

SMUD said it's encouraging customers to contact the utility to make payment arrangements or ask about energy assistance rates and other programs that could be helpful.

SMUD has closed all buildings to the public in response to the pandemic. An upcoming Board of Directors meeting has also been canceled.

| MORE | COVID-19 in California: The latest numbers and how to keep your family safe

Pacific Gas and Electric also put a moratorium on service shutoffs from nonpayment in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

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