Customers of Sawnee Electric will see a change on their April bill, and some may be surprised to discover it will be in the customer’s favor. Sawnee EMC announced on Thursday, March 26th that they have approved a refund to all members who received electric service in 2019. They hope this is one way to relieve any financial difficulties caused as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
According to an announcement released by the company, the amount each customer will receive will vary, depending on the amount of money they paid for services in 2019.
This is a patronage capital refund, totaling approximately $10 million approved by the Board of Directors. “These proactive measures, approved by the forward-looking members of our Board, will put extra funds into the pockets of our members” states Michael A. Goodroe, Sawnee EMC President and CEO. “Our goal is to assist as many members as possible during this crisis and to do so in a meaningful way,” he adds.
Late payment fees and disconnects for nonpayment have also been temporarily suspended. "These items were put in place by Sawnee staff to futher demonstrate that we are about more than just providing electricty; we stand with our members, and working together, we will all get through this difficult time," adds Blake House, Vice President of Member Services.
They also announced that all rate increases, originally scheduled for April, will now be delayed til July 1, including several changes in both residential and commercial charges.
Sawnee Electric services approximately 181,000 customers in seven counties of North Georgia.
