As the island prepares to move into Phase 4 on July 1st, BELCO said they “will resume normal disconnection activities for non-payment of bills,” however customers on the Government’s COVID-19 Unemployment Programme can apply for the bill deferment programme and customers who may have difficulty paying their bills are encouraged to contact BELCO to make payment arrangements.
BELCO first announced they would be suspending all disconnects for residential and small commercial customers back in March of this year when the pandemic first started to affect the island.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited [BELCO] today provided an update on operations and information for customers with the announcement that Bermuda will enter Phase 4 of the COVID-19 restrictions on July 1st.
“As of July 1st, BELCO will resume normal disconnection activities for non-payment of bills. Residential customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are participating in the Bermuda Government’s COVID-19 Unemployment Programme remain eligible to apply for the BELCO COVID-19 Bill Deferment Programme and will not be disconnected for non-payment.
“The BELCO credit team is available to assist customers who may have difficulty paying their bills and customers are encouraged to contact the team to make payment arrangements. They are available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm on 299-2801.
“Safety measures remain in effect at our head office including mandatory face masks, only four people in the lobby at one time and maintenance of a safe distance of six feet between people. The payment centre at 27 Serpentine Road will continue to be open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 3:00 pm for bill payments. Customers are asked to pay using their debit or credit card if possible.
“Customers can also pay their bills at the three satellite locations located at the St. George’s Money Shop, the Washington Mall Money Shop and Somerset Marketplace.
“Meter readers have resumed reading meters island-wide. However, out of an abundance of caution and safety, meter readers will not be entering customer homes to read meters. Affected customers are asked to take photos and submit to info@belco.bm
“Customers should also review their bills carefully and only submit a photo now if the bill says ***THIS IS AN ESTIMATED BILL*** on the right-hand side of the bill, otherwise the bill is based on an actual reading.
“BELCO has provided several options for customers to make service requests and view and pay their bills without having to visit the main office.
“Customers can sign-up for an account at www.belco.bm where they can view their account details and make service requests or they can call 299-2800 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm and a Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist them. They can also send an email to info@belco.bm to sign up for e-billing and bills will be e-mailed to them.
“Customers may also pay their BELCO bill online at www.belco.bm using Mastercard, Visa or America Express, sign-up for on-demand debit and direct debit services or opt to pay through local online banking or via an ATM. Credit card fees will be waived for online and on-demand payments as BELCO works to provide relief and options during the challenging circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“As we enter Phase 4, we will continue to implement measures at BELCO to ensure the health and safety of our staff and customers. Safety measures remain in place at our Serpentine Road office and we encourage customers to use one of the many alternate ways to pay their bills or request services without having to come into the office.
“On behalf of the entire team at BELCO and the Ascendant Group of Companies, thank you for your understanding as we work together to keep the Bermuda community safe.”
