Utility cutoff ban is costly

BIG STONE GAP — The town is owed $29,010 in past due utilities.

During Tuesday’s council workshop, Town Manager Stephen Lawson gave an update on the town’s suspension of utility disconnections. According to Lawson, the town has 80 past due utility customers. Of the 80, Lawson stated that three-fourths of those customers are “habitual abusers.”

According to Lawson, most of those customers have not paid anything toward their town utility bills, leaving some balances as high as $800.

While council did not vote to suspend late fees, Lawson stated that most customers who have contacted the town and made payment arrangement have had their late fees waved.

Lawson stated that Big Stone Gap’s suspension of disconnections ends Aug. 1. However, the town may extend the suspension through Aug. 31 to follow the State Corporation Commission's extension of its ban. The SCC issued an order prohibiting the disconnection of electricity, gas, water, and sewer utility services during the coronavirus public health emergency.

The ban was ordered on March 16 and was originally set to be lifted on May 15, but it has been extended several times. It now ends on Aug. 31.

Lawson stated that he wanted to speak with other localities so that they can “stay together” before issuing the extension for Big Stone Gap.

The SCC order only covers regulated utilities and does not include utilities provided by local municipalities.