Moratorium Helps Some Oklahoma Utility Customers

Gan Matthews, News 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- As the temperature climbs higher and higher, so do our electric bills.

That's an overwhelming burden for some folks, but OG&E is going to cut them a break the rest of this month.

OG&E has announced it won't shut off any customer's electricity for the rest of this month, no matter how delinquent a bill is.

"We feel like it's a public service to help ensure safety through this most intense heat," says OG&E spokesman Brian Alford.

That's welcome news for OG&E customers like Katrina Evington of Norman.

On Monday she got a notice from OG&E that her electricity would be cut off if she didn't pay a sizable chunk of her bill. Over the past two months her bill has swelled to almost $600.

She says OG&E's no cutoff announcement is a relief. "I have two special needs children, and they're going to a special school here in Norman," she says." So I have to pay extra to get their supplies and stuff, so it's gonna help."

The Salvation Army has also provided assistance with high utility bills, but the organization has already used up this month's allotment.  They do, however, still have some fans to give away to families that need some extra help to keep cool.

The Norman Salvation Army accepts private donations for its programs.

You can send a donation to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1062, Norman, Oklahoma, 73070.