Eastern Iowa REC COVID-19 response

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Eastern Iowa REC has put a plan in action to protect the health and safety of its membership and employees while ensuring the continuity of electric service to all those served by the Cooperative during this time of increasing concern regarding the COVID-19 virus.

In an effort to provide a safe working environment for its employees and keeping key personnel, such as line workers and member service representatives, available so that they can continue to provide the excellent service and reliability expected from Eastern Iowa REC several actions have been implemented.

The lobbies of all Cooperative service centers have been closed to the public. Service centers remain open and members can use the telephone, 1-800-728-1242, or online options through our website, www.easterniowa.com, to pay bills and conduct business.

Disconnections and late fees for non-payment have been suspended at this time. Meter reading will continue to be gathered and bills will be calculated during this crisis. The Cooperative does encourage members to continue to try to make payments toward their energy bill to avoid facing a large past due amount when this situation subsides. Those having difficulties with their bills are urged to contact the Cooperative’s billing department, 1-800-728-1242 or billing@easterniowa.com, to discuss payment plan options.

If a Cooperative member is experiencing financial difficulty, they may apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) financial aid by contacting their local community action agency. The Iowa Department of Human Rights recently extended the LIHEAP application period for eligible Iowans until May 31, 2020.

Line crews remain on duty, working in two-man units unless emergency repairs require additional personnel. Eastern Iowa REC is communicating with its staff regarding controlling the spread of illnesses in the workplace and is taking steps through frequent cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, equipment, and common areas. Additional Cooperative employees are working from home or on reduced in-office schedules.

In addition, all Cooperative employees are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick to reduce the exposure of illnesses to others. Employees are instructed to stay home until they are fever free without medication for 24 hours.

Statewide, electric cooperatives are coordinating through the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives to prepare for and respond to disasters or threats to critical infrastructure. This includes scenarios, such as pandemics that could impact the utility workforce.

Through this coordination, electric cooperatives and government partners focus on actions and strategies that help protect the energy grid, prevent threats that may disrupt electricity service, and develop capabilities that help electric cooperatives quickly respond and recover when major incidents impact the grid.

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