March 27, 2020 (Onaway, MI) – Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G) is carefully following the CDC recommendations and Governor Whitmer’s March 24th Executive Order asking Michiganders to stay at home to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. With the safety of its employees, members and the general public in mind, and to minimize the negative impacts of the virus on families and businesses, PIE&G has instituted temporary procedural changes.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order directs Michiganders to stay in their homes except for approved reasons such as critical infrastructure jobs or performing tasks necessary for health and safety, at least through April 13, 2020. Since PIE&G’s operations are considered part of Michigan’s critical infrastructure, PIE&G has taken additional precautionary measures to protect its employees so they can keep the electricity and natural gas flowing.
PIE&G is extending at least until April 15, suspension of all nonpayment shut offs, collections and late fees on delinquent balances for residential and commercial accounts. PIE&G is also offering installment payment plan extensions for those adversely affected by the crisis, especially seniors, low-income members and those experiencing financial hardship due to job loss, lay off or illness.
PIE&G’s lobby will continue to remain closed through April 14 and possibly longer, while maintaining a full staff, including linemen and natural gas crews, and the Member Services Department, all of whom are working to maintain essential utility services. Some employees are working from home and work stations have been moved to accommodate social distancing between employees.
According to CEO Tom Sobeck, “PIE&G is doing everything possible to maintain essential services, while keeping employees, members and all families safe and healthy. We’re still asking members to avoid in-person contact with PIE&G outside employees, and to keep the recommended six (6) foot social distancing. Besides employee and public safety, our main right focus right now is on emergencies only. All non-essential appointments have also been cancelled to limit contact.”
PIE&G is also calling members prior to responding to emergencies and essential visits, to confirm with members that no one in the household has been recently sick or traveled out of state in the last 14 days.
These extraordinary steps are intended to protect employees, members, the public and all families from unnecessary risks of exposure during the pandemic. Members are encouraged to contact PIE&G Member Services Representatives for all normal billing and service requests by calling 1-800-423-6634 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To report power outages anytime, call 1-800-423-6634. For natural gas emergencies, please call 1-800-655-8565.
