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In May, just 68 businesses in the 149 towns across Connecticut that Eversource services disconnected their electric compared to 118 in 2019.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, as many businesses are struggling to stay afloat throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Eversource has suspended all involuntary customer disconnections due to missed payments since mid-March.
“We’ve waived all late payment charges and began offering a special, flexible payment plan for any past due bills,” said Frank Poirot Jr., a spokesperson for Eversource. “We’ve also set up a special resource page on our website as well as an 800 number for business customers to connect with a team of dedicated representatives who can advise them on available state and federal CARES stimulus funding.”
When the shut-off moratorium ends on July 1, according to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, there are likely to be many more businesses that are forced to permanently close their doors after months of little to no business.
“I think it’s too soon to tell,” said Carl Fortuna, first selectman of Old Saybrook, about exactly how the pandemic will impact main streets across southeastern Connecticut.