The general manager of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission is encouraging customers to reach out to the utility if they are having trouble paying their increased bills caused by the recent cold snap.
“We know that their bills will be much higher than what they would normally experience,” David Trego told the PWC board during a meeting Wednesday.
He also assured customers that there has been no rate increase and that the increased bills were solely caused by the weather.
In late December and early January, temperatures plunged into the teens at night for a few weeks. Trego said temperatures were 20 percent lower than normal during that time.
Due to the colder temperatures, heating systems had to use more energy to keep houses warm. Trego said this led to most customers receiving higher utilities bills.
Trego said customers who are struggling to pay their PWC bill may qualify for a bill payment extension or financial assistance.
He emphasized that customers are only able to qualify for such extensions or financial assistance if they call PWC. No extensions will be automatically granted.
“Please call us,” Trego said.
Customers with concerns should call 483-1382.
Staff writer Monica Vendituoli can be reached at mvendituoli@fayobserver.com or 486-3596.