The Oklahoma City Utilities Department will lift its temporary suspension of water disconnections for non-payment in Feb. 2021. The department temporarily suspended water disconnection for delinquent accounts in Mar. 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.
Nearly 16,000 of the City’s 190,000 residential customers are behind on their utility bills, adding up to about $9 million. City representatives understand many customers are experiencing financial hardships and are contacting customers to set up payment arrangements. Letters have also been sent out notifying customers of the change and providing options for assistance.
Customers who need bill pay assistance are encouraged to call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 and speak with a representative about their options. The department has extended payment arrangement options for up to one year.
“This is an issue where there are no easy answers,” said Chris Browning, Utilities Director. “We want to work with our customers to enable them to have uninterrupted water service.”
In August 2020, the City worked with Community CARES partners to provide water bill assistance with funds from the Federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) act. Customers can call 2-1-1 for referral to agencies that may be able to help.
Help 2 Others H20 program
Customers who want to help their neighbors are encouraged to take part in the Utilities Department’s Help 2 Others program to round up their monthly utility bill to the nearest dollar amount or make a one-time donation. Contributions are tax deductible. Donations are administered through the Salvation Army and 100 percent of the contributions are used to assist customers with their utility bill.
Media Contact
Jennifer McClintock
(405) 297-3363
jennifer.mcclintock@okc.gov