This is a time unlike any other, and circumstances are changing rapidly each day. Here at Clark Public Utilities we are committed to keeping the lights on for all customers and remain available for customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 360-992-3000, mailbox@clarkpud.com or at clarkpublicutilities.com.
The full impact of social distancing measures and the potential spread of COVID-19 remains unknown but many customers are experiencing financial hardship as they work to maintain health and safety. Clark Public Utilities employees are following all public health guidelines and have made changes to protect our staff’s ability to maintain service and continue to provide customer service. To help alleviate worry and ensure customers have the vital services needed in the coming days and week the utility has:
• Stopped service disconnections: All customers have power and water and there will be no disconnections for lack of payment during this time of social distancing. Only vacant property will be disconnected, and only by the property owner’s request to ensure safety.
• Limited field work: Clark Public Utilities employees and utility contractors are limiting work to outage restoration and work necessary to continue providing service. That includes safety-related work on the electric and water systems, and meter work not requiring customer contact. Field employees will follow public health recommendations for distancing and sanitizing.
• In-person customer service, including drive-thrus, are closed. Customer Service remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week over the phone and at our website.
• Expanded assistance programs: Adjusted eligibility requirements will allow more customers to qualify. Any customer experiencing financial crisis should call for assistance options or to make payment arrangements.
• Paperless billing and online account management: We ask customers who are able to continue paying monthly utility bills do so. Currently, paper bills are being processed, and mailed payments are being applied to accounts. However, we request customers transition to online payments through MyAccount or call 360-992-3000 to pay by phone, if possible. Signing up for paperless billing via MyAccount on our website is easy, and a customer service representative can help over the phone at any time.
As a community we’re facing a quickly changing situation. Clark Public Utilities will continue to make all necessary adjustments to keep both customers and employees safe and healthy. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we move through these uncertain times and continue to make decisions based on public health guidance.
We’re working hard to prevent service interruptions, but power outages are always possible. When they occur, report them by calling 360-992-8000 or using the outage reporting tool on clarkpublicutilities.com.
We’re taking steps to protect the health of employees who are critical to preserving utility services, along with our other first responders doing vital work in our communities. Please do not all 911 for power outages unless there is a fire, injury or immediate danger. Just stay far away from the pole and powerline and call the utility. When our line crews arrive, please observe social distancing practices and do not approach employees so they can continue to do this critical work.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
