The Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC, or UDWI, says nearly 2,000 residential customers are behind on utility bills.
According to the group, that equals about $600,000 in uncollected revenue.
UDWI, like all rural electric cooperatives in Indiana, are non-profits. None fall under the guidance of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, which restricted how utilities could treat customers.
READ MORE: State Consumer Advocate: People Need More Time To Pay Overdue Utility Bills
Despite not falling under state regulators’ purview, UDWI CEO, Doug Childs, said his co-op is meeting or exceeding all IURC policies.
“What we try to do throughout the process is to be as pro-member as we can on this," he said. "On our payment plans what we’re trying to do is to make sure we’re giving people at least six months to try and get caught up with their past due balances.”
While many members are not behind enough to warrant a shutoff, Childs says starting a conversation is imperative. He said UDWI has waived many late fees, and is helping connect customers unable to pay with available aid.
A rate increase is not expected.
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