INDIANAPOLIS — Citizens Energy Group announced Monday it will reconnect utilities for customers whose service had been turned off for non-payment.
Citizens president and CEO Jeffrey Harrison said customers should call the utility company immediately due to the importance of hand washing and hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During this serious public health emergency, Citizens is working to do everything it can to help customers in need," Harrison said.
According to a news release from Citizens, customers whose utilities were turned off for non-payment should call the company at 317-924-3311 to have their service reconnected.
"Citizens will accept whatever payment customers can make to reconnect their service and will use assistance from various sources to help with the outstanding balances until those funds are depleted," the news release read. "Because of the nature of this crisis, preference for reconnection will be given to water and wastewater customers first, then natural gas customers."
Last week, Citizens suspended utility disconnections during the pandemic, following an executive order issued last week by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. Citizens previously suspended disconnections through April 15 prior to Holcomb's order.
"It may take some time to turn services back on, but Citizens employees will work as safely and quickly as possible," the news release read. "For the safety of our customers and employees, Citizens asks that customers not approach our employees while they are performing this work. We request that customers follow social distancing recommendations issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that call for maintaining a 6-foot distance between people."
Customers can visit Citizens' website to utilize self-service functions, and the news release said people who would like to provide financial assistance to customers in need can donate online through its Warm Heart Warm Home program.
