Beauregard Electric Announces
Energy Emergency Deferred Billing Program
Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BECi) has implemented an Energy
Emergency Deferred Billing Program to provide eligible customers with
a mechanism to defer utility payments in the event the Louisiana Public
Service Commission should declare an "Energy Emergency." This
act prohibits the utility from discontinuing service to a customer enrolled
in a deferred or similar program as long as the customer continues to
make the required payments.
To qualify for the program, a residential customer or government entity
must meet certain requirements and be pre-qualified and pre-enrolled
prior to any LPSC declared energy emergency.
An "Energy Emergency" is characterized by inordinately high
utility bills which are: the product of high gas or other fuel costs;
unusually inclement weather, which necessitates extensive used of utilities;
or any other circumstances as determined by the Commission. The "emergency"
would be for a specific period of time as declared by the LPSC. The
utility is required to maintain a list of "Energy Emergency Deferred
Billing Program Eligible Customers" who have elected to participate
in the program.
The amount to be deferred equals an amount in excess of what would
have normally been billed to the customer under a "normal bill."
This excess amount would be spread out equally over a time period contracted
with the customer. For details and the requirements to become a "Qualified
Consumer," contact any of the three BECi offices or call 1-800-367-0275.
Eligible consumers: Eligible customers include any of the following:
- Those persons whose income does not exceed 150% of the poverty
level as established.
- Those persons who receive any one of the following: (1) Food Stamps;
(2) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Those persons whose sole income consists of Social Security payments.
- As determined by the Commission or other vital government entities
that provide services, the absence of which could result in imminent
peril to health, safety, and welfare.
- Those persons who need life-sustaining, electrically operated equipment,
or life-sustaining medical treatment that requires electricity in order
to live.
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