To the Board of Directors and CEO of Powell Valley Electric Cooperative

We write to you today out of concern for ourselves and/or other members that may be unable to pay their bills as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Electricity is a critical resource, especially for those who are most vulnerable to the novel virus. Increasingly, member-owners are losing their income as the economic fallout of the pandemic grows more dire.

In an effort to help members and customers, many utilities have suspended shut-offs and developed long-term payment plans to accommodate member needs. In addition, the Virginia State Corporation Commission has prohibited utility disconnections for all investor-owned and cooperative utilities for the next 60 days.

Powell Valley Electric Cooperative is incorporated in the state of Virginia, and we encourage PVEC leadership to follow the direction of the Virginia SCC by suspending shut offs for all member-owners for at least 60 days, and to consider taking this a step further by suspending shut offs for the full duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also ask that PVEC immediately reconnect members who have been disconnected and suspend any late fees or re-connection fees during this time.

Thank you for your quick actions in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and posting them on your website. We appreciate the steps that have been taken to keep members and staff safe outlined in PVEC’s Pandemic Response Plan. Please ensure that all PVEC member-owners have power in this critical time by adding the action items above to your response plan.

Thank you,

PVEC Member Voices