Although municipal utilities – such as Gardner – are not subject to the Kansas Cold Weather rule, the city tries to work with those customers who are behind on their bills during the winter months. “We are working closely with customers to get them into contact with the agencies that offer assistance to help them with the hardships brought on by the COVID 19 Pandemic,” said Daneeka Marshall-Oquendo, public information officer.
Although the Kansas governor suspended late fees and penalties during the pandemic, that order was lifted in Oct. 2021. At the end of the pandemic order, 1518 customers were delinquent, which Marshall-Oquendo said was 306 percent higher than the usual 300 scheduled disconnects. Due to the installation of “smart” meters last year, customer utilities can now be disconnected from the city office. Customers delinquent on more than $100 will receive a notice, and disconnects will only take place on Wednesdays.
Source: Gardner News
