Co-ops Offer Resources for COVID‑19 Hardships

An overview of important resources for electric cooperative members and small business owners in need of assistance due to COVID-19 is now available on ncelectriccooperatives.com/covid.

The site includes information on support programs available in North Carolina, including energy, utility and childcare assistance. A “Cooperatives Care” section of the site also details cooperative initiatives throughout the state that aid COVID-19 response.

"We recognize that this is an extremely challenging time for many cooperative members, and we will continue to provide a wide range of assistance and resources to the people and communities we serve"

“As locally based power providers, electric cooperatives have the flexibility to work closely with members to develop tailored efforts to reduce financial burden,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, chief operating officer and senior vice president of Association Services for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “We recognize that this is an extremely challenging time for many cooperative members, and we will continue to provide a wide range of assistance and resources to the people and communities we serve.”

Cooperatives across the state continue to work with members to address specific needs through payment plans, special billing programs and other measures. Members experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to reach out to their electric cooperative directly regarding their individual circumstances.