The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) will resume collecting bill payments from NWT residents following months of suspended activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
NTPC, the arms-length subsidiary of NT Hydro, issued a news release on Wednesday explaining that those activities, which include disconnections and use of loading limiting devices on overdue accounts, will proceed as of Nov. 9.
NNSL file photo
On March 16, the NTPC suspended collection activities across the territory.
"As part of NTPC’s regular review of service offerings, an assessment has been done on the measures that were brought in to provide immediate relief in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic," stated Doug Prendergast, manager of communications.
The NTPC reported having more than $2 million in overdue accounts in the release and therefore "must take into account both the needs of customers as well as the financial situation of NTPC."
Prendergast goes on to say that by resuming collection activities, it will allow NTPC to ensure that customers are paying for electricity they consume and can avoid falling too far behind with payments.
"It also ensures that unpaid balances aren’t subsidized by other customers through higher rates, by taxpayers or passed on to future generations," he stated.
Payment plans
Prendergast stated that there are options to create "realistic payment plans" in order to avoid additional charges on outstanding balances.
"Customers who continue to meet the terms of their payment plans will be allowed to carry an outstanding balance for the term of the plan," states the release, adding that those interested can contact an NTPC customer service representative at 1-800-661-0855 or customercare@ntpc.com
With the colder and darker months approaching, NTPC adds that it won't be disconnecting power for those unable to pay for their electricity bills.
"Load limiters will be used to help customers avoid running up large bills over the winter that cannot be repaid during months with lower electricity consumption," the release states. "Use of load limiting devices is a standard practice by Canadian utilities."
Noel Voykin, President and CEO of the corporation, provided a statement noting that he is aware of the challenges residents face.
“NTPC is sensitive to the economic challenges that the pandemic continues to pose for customers but cannot afford to maintain the status quo," he said. "We will work with customers to develop realistic payment plans so that electricity service can continue uninterrupted.”