BWL Prepares for COVID-19
The Lansing Board of Water & Light is continuing to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and is taking appropriate actions to prepare for and reduce the risk of infection, as well as help customers have the resources to prevent further spread of the virus.
“The safety of our workforce and customers is our first priority, and we’re working to ensure proper procedures are in place for them to be healthy while also maintaining all utility services,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley. “Our business continuity plan is structured to continue delivering safe, clean water and reliable electric service during an emergency, including a pandemic.”
To continue delivering water to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus, the BWL will suspend water shut-offs for non-payment until further notice and COVID-19 is better controlled. Water customers who are currently shut-off will have services restored. Customers are encouraged to contact customer service to setup a bill payment plan to not fall behind when the moratorium is lifted.
The BWL has also activated its Crisis Communications Center to continue to monitor and coordinate with national, state and local health officials, and to follow their guidelines to keep employees, their families and customers safe.
The BWL has instructed all employees to stay home if they’re sick, continue to wash hands frequently with hot water and antibacterial soap, practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and cancel all non-essential business travel outside of the Greater Lansing area until further notice. Additionally, hand sanitizer has been distributed as available, and cleaning services have been increased. Plans for employees who are able to work from home are also being reviewed. Employees who enter customer homes have been told to use the appropriate personal protective equipment and wipe down any work surfaces they may need to touch.
If customers need to pay their bill, the BWL is encouraging them to use alternative methods other than in person payments at the Haco Customer Service Center. Customers may pay their bill online, through the mail or over the phone. More information on the ways to pay your bill can be found at www.lbwl.com/paybill.
Additionally, the BWL Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole and Finance Committee meetings on Tuesday, March 17, its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, and its joint meeting with the Lansing City Council on Monday, March 30 have all been cancelled.
Follow the Lansing BWL on Facebook and Twitter, as well as the BWL website, www.lbwl.com, for future updates.