MEDFORD, OREGON — May 6, 2020, In direct response to the declared state of emergency from Governor Kate Brown, Avista Utilities has taken steps to support Oregon customers and communities who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Since the beginning of the crisis, Avista has donated $29,000 to Jackson County organizations to support emergency childcare, food banks and other essential services. The local organizations include United Way of Jackson County, Rogue Valley Family YMCA, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Avista has also suspended service disconnections due to nonpayment and is waiving late payment fees and collections. Additionally, commercial customers can apply deposits on file to any late payments “We understand that this crisis is going to affect people who have never had trouble paying their bills,” says Steve Vincent, Oregon Regional Business Manager at Avista. “We want to be as accommodating as we can.” As health and safety measures continue to become the norm, Vincent adds that Avista employees will continue to practice social distancing and wear masks when they go into a home or business and urges customers to call Avista with any questions about services or past due payments.
For more information on Avista’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, contact Steve Vincent, Oregon Regional Business Manager, at (541) 858-4773 or Steve.Vincent@avistacorp.com.
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