COVID-19

Like you, we’re monitoring the latest news about the coronavirus. That’s why we are doing all we can to make sure we are available to our members and continue to provide excellent member service. We have plans in place, like any emergency, in the coming weeks should the need arise.  

For the most part, we will continue to operate business as usual, but we have decided to close our front lobby to members. Please, if you need to conduct business in person, use our drive-thru. Member service representatives will continue to answer the phone and website chat. You can pay your bill using our Secure Pay phone line, the kiosk, and the SmartHub app. We can still communicate and handle requests for service connects or disconnects and answer general account questions. If you need a meter, we will schedule a delivery time. You will NOT need to come to the office.

The Boone Electric Community Room will also be closed to meetings and events until the end of April.

This is not only for your safety but for the safety and wellbeing of our employees. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any changes. Remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you sneeze or cough and limit contact with those who are ill to keep yourself healthy.

 

World Health Organization information about coping with stress during this outbreak

March 23

BEC is waiving late fees for late payments and non-pays. We understand the difficult financial circumstances facing some of our members as thousands have lost work hours or even jobs.

Members in need of assistance are encouraged to call and talk to one of our member service reps. You can also find out payment options available to all from the comfort of their own home.

We also encourage energy efficiency efforts to help keep bills low: turn thermostats down, add curtains or blankets to windows at night to keep cold air from coming in, turn off space heaters (store them to keep yourself from turning them on) and weather proof your home by adding weather stripping to doors and caulk to your windows.

While most of our crews continue to work at a distance, we have been able to identify new efforts to keep business moving for those industries who continue to progress.

We currently plan to continue to stake and complete the following field activities:

  • System maintenance – safety concerns only - broken hardware, damaged facilities, or code violations
  • Temporary electric service for construction purposes - evaluated on an individual basis
  • Final services – prioritized and evaluated on individual basis
  • Primary line extensions for new services – residence, business, and livestock facilities
  • Lights for security purposes
  • Employees must maintain a safe distance from the public and other co-workers when working in the field or in the office. We respectfully request if you see our crews in the field to also maintain the recommended six feet.

 

March 16

BEC announced it was shutting its lobby down and sending most employees home to telecommute. Our phone lines and drive-thru remain open.

We will no longer be handing out meters at the office, members need to call us and we will deliver.

We will no longer allow employees into member's homes for energy reviews. Rebates will be handled via email, mail or drop box. 

Mulch Days have been cancelled for now. We still allow mulch to be picked up. Please call 573-449-4181 to schedule an appointment.

BEC’s Board of Directors delayed its scheduled in-person meeting for a teleconference to a future date.