Heartland REMC Suspends Disconnects
Cooperative Implements New Health & Safety Measures in Response to COVID-19
Markle, IN – Heartland REMC, in response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, will be implementing new steps to protect its members and employees.
Until further notice, Heartland REMC will not be disconnecting any member’s electric service due to non-payment, allowing members experiencing financial challenges additional time to provide payment. Members should expect continued delivery of billing statements, as usage readings will continue. During this time of uncertainty, members with concerns should contact Heartland REMC to discuss flexible payment arrangements and other available billing options. Members are also encouraged to pay what they can to avoid facing larger bills moving forward. Since you’ll be home more, you’re going to use more electricity. Be conscious of this and continue to practice energy-saving tips like unplugging appliances while not in use or turning the lights off when you leave a room.
“It is very important that you contact us if you are unable to pay your bill,” stated Rachel Olsen, Marketing and Communications at Heartland REMC. “We have always been committed to helping those in need and will continue to uphold our practices during this time. We ask that members also help us get the word out to those who may be in need as well.”
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Heartland REMC asks that members do not pay their bill in person or come into the office unless necessary. We will be open, but request that members reduce their interaction with our employees as much as possible. Members are encouraged to make payments from the comfort and safety of their homes. Bill payments can be made via phone, by calling the office at 260-758-3155, online at heartlandremc.com, or on the HREMC mobile application. A dropbox and drive through are also available.
“We are focused on maintaining a healthy workforce and keeping personnel—such as line workers and member service representatives— available so that we can continue to provide necessary services,” stated Rob Pearson, CEO. “Our linemen and service crews will continue to respond to outages and other emergencies while adhering to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s safety guidelines.” Pearson also added that incoming service orders and account updates will continue to be completed.
Services that are not urgent or time-sensitive, but require in-person customer contact, such as energy audits, will be rescheduled. Heartland REMC staff will contact members to update them and reschedule those appointments.
The Heartland REMC team is closely monitoring the situation. Please refer to our website, www.heartlandremc.com, and our social media pages for the most up to date information.
Heartland REMC members should also be on the lookout for suspicious emails, phone calls, or persons impersonating business employees or charitable organizations. If you get a call from someone claiming to represent Heartland REMC that make threats or demands immediate payment, please hang up and call 260-758-3155.
Heartland REMC is a distribution cooperative that serves over 18,000 members across nine counties in north central Indiana. Learn more at www.heartlandremc.com.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rachel Olsen
Marketing and Communications
Phone: 260-758-3155
Email: rolsen@heartlandremc.com