Corporate America steps up to help with missed payments, late fees and disconnections – By Leticia Miranda (NBC News) / March 16 2020
For service workers economically affected by the virus, any relief is lifesaving.
With the threat of economic hardship looming for some workers as businesses close across the country, some of the largest companies are waiving late fees, forgiving missed payments and expanding services.
More than 100 municipal water and utility companies across 34 states said they won’t shut off water service for late payments in response to the coronavirus outbreak, according to data collected by Food & Water Action, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.
Utility companies from Duke Energy in North Carolina to regional utility companies in California have all suspended shut-offs for nonpayment as the virus continues to disrupt daily life. New York’s Con Edison said it will forgo shut-offs “involving customers having payment difficulties” as the state faces “the enormous challenges presented by the coronavirus.”
The announcements come as some retail, restaurant and travel companies are forced to close up shop until the virus is contained. New Jersey, Connecticut and New York planned to shut restaurants and bars beginning Monday night to stem infection rates. Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Rhode Island and Indiana announced similar measures.
For service workers like Simone Swanson, 22, any relief is lifesaving. Swanson, who lives in Bloomington, Indiana, works three jobs to pay for school and living expenses as a server at a pizza restaurant, as a server at a restaurant on Indiana University’s campus and as a babysitter. But as of Monday, bars, nightclubs and restaurants will be closed for in-person patrons through the end of March, leaving her with no income.
Continue to article: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/corporate-america-steps-help-missed-payments-late-fees-disconnections-n1161076
