Dayton Power and Light proposes extended customer assistance plans due to COVID-19
July 16, 2020
DAYTON, Ohio – July 16, 2020 – Dayton Power & Light Company (DP&L), a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), this week filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), options for additional flexibility to assist customers experiencing temporary financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 13, DP&L suspended disconnection for nonpayment during Ohio’s stay-at-home order. Now, as the disconnection moratorium ends, DP&L is expanding its flexible payment options. Residential customers with past due balances can select 6, 9 or a new 12-month payment option, and business customers may choose a payment plan up to 6 months.
Eligible customers can benefit from DP&L’s Gift of Power program through October 15. The Gift of Power is an emergency relief funded by DP&L customer donations and a $165,000 grant by the company. The program, administered by The Salvation Army and typically targeted to winter heating needs, has been extended to offer one-time grant assistance to eligible customers.
“At DP&L, we care about our people, customers and communities, and understand the ongoing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Lisa Krueger, president of the AES U.S. strategic business unit. “That’s why we are pleased to help our customers plan their budgets by offering a variety of payment options so they can continue receiving safe and reliable electric service.”
During July and August, DP&L customers with an overdue account balance will receive several communications from the company on bill assistance plans and convenient enrollment options. DP&L is modifying its website to allow customers to easily select the payment extension that best fits their budget. Additionally, DP&L is updating its automated phone system to accommodate customers who prefer self-service by calling 1-800-433-8500 to select their payment extension preference.
Beginning in early August, DP&L’s payment plan website will go live allowing residential customers to review and enroll in a 6, 9, or a new 12-month payment agreement. Business customers can extend their unpaid balance across 6 months. DP&L will continue to suspend all credit card fees with electronic payments made through the terms of the new 12-month payment plan or November 2021. In addition, DP&L is temporarily waiving the requirement to pay a security deposit prior to re-activation of previously disconnected service. To stay on track, DP&L recommends customers review their statements carefully and do their best to maintain timely utility bill payments. The disconnection moratorium expires September 1, and standard billing and collection processes, including assessing late fees, will resume.
When enrollment opens, DP&L encourages customers to act quickly by using self-service options either online or by phone avoiding the potential for long wait times. Customers who are unable to self-serve can call a service specialist who will help them with customized plans. DP&L representatives are available at 1-800-433-8500 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Additional Expanded Assistance Options
Customers evaluating which extended payment option works best for them should first see if they qualify for other assistance programs, such as United Way of the Greater Dayton Area Help Link 2-1-1, Miami Valley Community Action Partnership, or Income-Qualified Programs.
DP&L’s COVID-19 webpage includes a list of resources made available during the pandemic, such as small business loan assistance and more.
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About The Dayton Power and Light Company
The Dayton Power and Light Company is the principal subsidiary of DPL Inc. (DPL), a regional energy provider and an AES company. DPL’s primary subsidiaries include The Dayton Power and Light Company and Miami Valley Insurance Company (MVIC).The Dayton Power and Light Company, a regulated electric utility, provides service to over 527,000 customers in West Central Ohio and MVIC, a captive insurance company, provides insurance services to DPL and its subsidiaries. For more information about the company, please visit www.dplinc.com. Connect with DP&L at www.twitter.com/dpltoday, www.linkedin.com/company/dayton-power-and-light, and at www.facebook.com/DPLToday.
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 14 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world’s changing power needs. Our 2019 revenues were $10 billion and we own and manage $34 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com. Follow AES on Twitter @TheAESCorp.
Media Contact:
Mary Ann Kabel
The Dayton Power and Light Company
Mobile: 937-608-4030
mary.kabel@aes.com