Covid-19

COVID-19 CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

On March 18, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 20-23 prohibiting electricity, telecommunications, and water service providers from charging late fees on past due account balances or taking any action to disconnect service due to non-payment. In response to this Proclamation, the District began providing customers with the same relief ordered by the Governor. As of September 30, 2021, the Governor’s prohibition on collection charges and actions ends and the District observance of these prohibitions will end too. The District will begin following standard collection procedures on all utility service accounts for charges billed on or after October 1, 2021.

Standard Collection Procedures for non-payment of charges billed on or after October 1, 2021:

Payment is due by the end of the month following bill date.

After due date: 10% late fee assessed.

60 days after due date: $51 lien fee assessed and lien filed.

90 days after due date: $15 1st Notice of Cap-off letter fee assessed and notice posted and mailed.

105 days after due date: $15 2nd Notice of Cap-off letter fee assessed and notice posted and mailed.

135 days after due date: $195 Cap-off fee assessed, service capped off.

COVID-19 Collection Procedures for non-payment of charges billed before September 30, 2021:

For all accounts carrying a past due balance, a written Payment Plan Agreement must be made with the District before September 30, 2021. Payment agreements must include a minimum $50 per month payment, and must plan for payment of the delinquent balance within 12 months (unless other arrangements are approved by the District Manager). If any payment is late, missed, or less than the scheduled payment amount, a 10 % late fee will be assessed on the past due balance, a District lien fee of $51 will be assessed and a lien will be filed.

All written Payment Plan Agreements shall be signed by the customer and the property owner if the owner is different than the customer.

The District will not assess fees or proceed with collection actions on accounts which stay current with written Payment Plan Agreements made for amounts billed prior to September 30, 2021 AND amounts billed on or after October 1, 2021.

Customer failure to request a written Payment Plan Agreement prior to September 30, 2021, will result in the District filing of a lien on or after October 1, 2021.  For all past due accounts, contact the District at (509) 884-2484 to set-up a written Payment Plan Agreement to pay off the past due balance.

Customer Assistance Resources:

Chelan Douglas Community Action Council (509) 662-6156

Serve Wenatchee Valley (509) 663-4673

Call 211 for help, or visit the 211 website at https://search.wa211.org