Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is assisting with the distribution of Coronavirus Relief Funds to member-owners who fell behind on electric bill payments between March 1, 2020 and October 1, 2020.
These funds, which were part of the federal CARES Act and were authorized for this use by the General Assembly and the governor in the amended state budget, will be applied to the past due amounts of individual member-owners who complete an online application certifying that their electric bill debt is due to an economic hardship caused by the pandemic. Eligible REC member-owners will receive a notification letter in the mail with the amount of relief funding potentially available to them.
The deadline to complete the required application to receive funds is February 1, 2021.
“We care about our member-owners, and know this has been an exceptionally challenging time for many,” said John Hewa, president and CEO. “We are fortunate that REC has received these funds from the state and hope our members will utilize this opportunity to minimize some of the hardship they’ve experienced.”
Coronavirus Relief Funding can only be applied to past due amounts for electric service incurred between March 1 and October 31. The amount available to be applied to each account will not be known until after February 1. The state’s relief funds can only be applied to the debt for actual electric service, not to fees, deposits or non-electric services provided by REC. Local organizations may have funding and services available to support member-owners with additional needs.
Member-owners who complete the required application, and who meet the required criteria will receive a credit on their electric bill. For further information, members should visit www.myrec.coop/COVIDHelp. Members who are unable to access the internet or who need assistance completing the application may call 800-552-3904.
