Many of our members and the public at large have monitored Broad River Electric’s measures to maintain excellent service to members while ensuring safety of all stakeholders. Management tracks advice from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, SCDHEC, the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, the World Health Organization, WHO, and AccelerateSC, the Governor’s advisory team for economic revitalization during this dormant period. Broad River Electric Cooperative has decided to re-open our lobbies to members as part of our Phase I Plan for Resumption of Excellent Service. This update serves to advise members and the public about the aspects of this stage. These steps will impact members and the public who visit our offices as well as our staff. The points listed accomplish our ultimate goal of safety without straining the comfort and sanity of our members and staff alike.
The following measures take effect June 1, 2020:
External: Affects Members and Public
- Gaffney office drive thru continues usual operating practices: 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. M-F.
- Night depository drops at both locations are available for member’s convenience.
- Lobby operating hours are as follows: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The closure and break in operating hours allows for sanitization of the lobby and workstation surfaces.
- Physical protocols: Floor signage instructs members where to stand for recommended social distancing. Safety occupancy signage posted to advise members how many persons are allowed in the lobbies to maintain appropriate space between individuals. Hand sanitizing stations at entry and exit.
Internal: Affects Employees / Board of Trustees
- Office staff return from remote work. Each employee’s temperature is recorded, and a health questionnaire is completed prior to beginning the workday.
- Continue social distancing; but must wear protective masks when employees need to work in close proximity.
- Required to sanitize workstations twice daily: immediately after lunch and before leaving for the day.
Resumption of operations as usual
On March 18, Broad River Electric Cooperative suspended disconnection of service due to nonpayment, in hopes to ease oncoming financial hardships members could face as businesses closed, lay-offs and furloughs happened, and our area was under state-at-home orders. This action was the right thing to do for our members. However, the decision, which was correct at the time, does cause uneasiness as we move forward. Disconnections stopped, but energy consumption, and thus costs, were not eliminated. Members would eventually need to pay their electric bill. To discourage unmanageable bills, BREC advised members to continue paying bills in a timely manner. Now, as business and our region re-opens from the standstill, our normal operations begin again. This means electric service is subject to termination for non-payment. We encourage members who are experiencing financial hardships to call our member care representatives at 866-687-2667. Each is empowered to help members to ensure electricity continues to flow without interruption.
Help during and after the state of emergency:
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of hardship, please call 2-1-1 from your phone, visit SC211.org or download the SC211 app to your mobile device. This is a one-stop resource for individuals and families that need assistance in our area.
Financial help in paying utility bills:
If you or someone you know needs help paying utility bills, please contact the following agencies who may be able to help.
Cherokee County residents: GLEAMS 864-489-6140
Spartanburg County residents: GLEAMS 864-707-5029
Union County residents: Carolina Community Actions, Inc. 864-427-0336
Cleveland County residents: Cleveland Co. DSS 704-487-0661
Polk County residents: Polk Co. DSS 828-859-5825
We thank you for your patience and your trust shown to us during this worldwide time of uncertainty. Thank you for being our valued member.
Terry Mallard,
President and CEO