LOUISVILLE, Ky. — If you're struggling to make those utility payments during the pandemic, you're not alone, and local utility companies have programs to help you keep the lights on.

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities (LG&E and KU) are encouraging customers with outstanding utility bills to take advantage of assistance designed to help customers get back on their feet. The reminder comes as the utility shutoff moratorium, which has been in place for more than a year, comes to an end in June.

Customers with outstanding balances will begin receiving disconnection notices during the May billing cycle indicating that disconnections will resume in June.

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, LG&E and KU suspended service disconnections for nonpayment for residential customers. In addition, the utilities waived new late payment charges and third-party payment fees, offered extended payment arrangements and provided information and resources for financial assistance available through the many COVID-19 Relief Funds.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve been committed to working with our customers and have continued to extend the suspension of disconnects to ensure customers who need support have an opportunity to receive the full benefit of the local, state and federal assistance funds available to them,” said LG&E and KU Vice President of Customer Services Eileen Saunders. “We’re providing this advanced awareness of our plans to resume disconnects so that customers can seek out additional assistance or arrange a payment plan which gives them an opportunity to avoid loss of service.”

So what should you do if you need help? There are a few options.

Setting up a payment plan

Customers who are behind can set up a payment plan that best fits their situation and spreads out their past due balance over installments. Once a disconnection notice is received, customers can sign up for a payment plan through any of the following options:

• LG&E and KU mobile app – available in the App Store and Google Play Store
• MyAccount – available through the LG&E and KU website
• LG&E and KU automated phone system – press 1-2-2-1 at any time

Customers can also visit an LG&E and KU business office in person or speak to a Customer Care representative by phone.

Assistance funds

Financial assistance may be available to customers to help them catch up on their monthly bill with the help of community assistance programs. Resources and available programs can be found on our website at lge-ku.com/assistance-programs or by visiting:

• Healthy at Home Utility Relief
• Louisville Ministries
• Community Action Kentucky