By Sentinel Staff
With the expiration of the state’s COVID emergency declaration, those who can’t pay their city electrical bills will again face disconnection starting next week, the city announced today.
The state’s emergency declaration expired Feb. 14, ending a number of statewide coronavirus mitigation measures, including the requirement for travelers coming into the state to have a coronavirus test.
In Sitka, the state’s emergency status allows the city to remove the power shutoff provision for non-payment of utility bills.
“Beginning the week of March 8th, disconnection of electricity service for nonpayment will resume following the expiration of the state emergency declaration and subsequent extensions,” city clerk Sara Peterson announced today.
Utility bills are issued in cycles, and a disconnection date will be determined by these, Peterson noted. For a household that receives bills around the 14th of the month (Cycle 2), disconnection due to nonpayment will occur the week of March 8.
Those who receive bills around the 21st of the month (Cycle 3) would be disconnected on the week of March 15.
Someone who receives bills around the 27th of the month (Cycle 4) would be disconnected due to nonpayment the week of March 22.
Those on Cycle 1 are issued bills around the 7th of a month and would face disconnection the week of March 29, Peterson wrote.
She said those unable to pay their electrical bills may receive guidance at the utility bill payment desk at city hall; by email to accountsreceivable@cityofsitka.org; or by phone to 747-1859.
The application period for funds for rent and utility assistance, available from Alaska Housing Finance Corp., will be open until March 5, by internet at alaskahousingrelif.org, or by texting “relief” to 1-833-440-0420.
Peterson said the Salvation Army, at /https://sitka.salvationarmy.org/sitka_corps/sitka-corps-information, and Sitka Tribe of Alaska, at https://www.sitkatribe.org/pages/tribal-services-social-family-services, also can provide some aid.
