Utility Grace for those struggling

Indiana Michigan Power and Fort Wayne Utilities are extending disconnections until late September for those who have fallen behind.

With the end of governor eric holcomb's eviction and utility moratorium, you may be at risk for a disconnection.

Fox 55's brianna dahlquist spoke with two local utility companies that say "there's still time to get the help you need".

With everything going on..

The last thing you want to worry about is being stuck at home with no power or running water.

Tracy warner with indiana michigan powers says they've seen a drastic increase of customers needing help.

Right now that number is nearly 7 percent."out of 470,000 customers in indiana, as of june 30th more that 32,000 of those customers were behind on their payments."

Frank suarez of fort wayne utilities says they're committed to helping residents in their time of need..

"certainly this is a public health issue.

People need water in order to wash their hands to battle this pandemic.

It's very important to us for people to stay connected."

Suarez says even if you're running behind, you still have some time to reach out in order to prevent a disconnection.

"we're going to go until the end of september and hopefully people will call us and our agents are ready to take your calls."along with fort wayne utilities, warner says they've also been extending grace even before governor eric holcom's moratorium began.

"we've been communicating with customers since march when it became clear that people were going to have a tough time when businesses became closed.

We've been telling customers all along; if you think you're going to have trouble paying your bill.contact us!"warner cautions people who can't pay right now.

Don't wait.

"if at some point, you get a disconnect notice...don't wait until that day to call us.

Call us as soon as you can!"

In fort wayne, i'm brianna dahlquist.

Fox 55 news.