Black Hills Energy begins reinstituting nonpayment disconnections in Arkansas

Like many energy companies, Black Hills Energy temporarily suspended nonpayment disconnections during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, as the Arkansas Public Service Commission prepares to lift restrictions, May will bring a return to normalcy.

The measures were meant to help those hit financially by the pandemic. However, restrictions on disconnections lift as of May 3, 2021, as Arkansas, like many states, focuses on reinvigorating the economy. While Black Hills Energy will be among those reinstituting disconnections at that time, it added last week that financial support options remain for those most in need.

“Black Hills Energy has always set a priority to do all we can to keep the gas flowing in the communities we serve, particularly during times of hardship,” Chad Kinsley, vice president of Arkansas gas operations, said. “As we all transition into a new normal, Black Hills Energy will continue to take steps to support our customers as they continue to rebound from the effects of COVID-19.”

As a result, the company had kept open the following options for customers struggling to pay utility bills: 

• Budget Billing — a free, stable payment plan based that averages the amount customers pay each month 

• Payment arrangements to provide extended payment terms 

• Hearts Warming Homes — an energy assistance program provided in partnership with The Salvation Army and Black Hills Energy/Black Hills Cares, which offers financial aid to residents who need help with home heating expenses

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — a program offered by a network of 15 Community Action Agencies (CAA) serving all of Arkansas

• Medical extensions providing a limited extension of time for residential customers to pay their utility bill, if they have a medical certificate

• 211.org — a free source of social services information throughout the United States