Summit Natural Gas Suspends Disconnections in Response to COVID-19

Yarmouth, ME – Summit Natural Gas of Maine (Summit) today announced a suspension of service disconnections to any customers who are having a hard time paying their bill. State law prohibits electric and gas utility companies from disconnecting certain customers between November 15 and April 15.

“Right now, our top priority is protecting the health and wellbeing of our customers and the communities we serve, which is why we are suspending service disconnections to any customers who are struggling to pay their heating bill,” said Fred Kirkwood, senior vice president of customer development for Summit. "The COVID-19 pandemic is causing uncertainty across the country, the last thing our community members should be worried about is whether they can afford to keep their heat on, have gas to cook their food or hot water to take a shower. We pride ourselves on being a reliable energy partner for our customers, and this is one small step we can take to live up to that mission.”

Customers struggling to pay their bills should visit https://summitnaturalgasmaine.com/paymentassistance for a list of agencies that can provide financial assistance to help them with their heating bill.

Summit is committed to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of its customers, team members and communities it serves. In addition to the temporary suspension of service disconnections, Summit is taking precautionary measures including:

• Asking customers if they have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who was recently diagnosed so the company can take necessary precautions when visiting their home.
• Instituting a mandatory work from home policy for all team members who are able.
• Providing enhanced health and safety guidelines to all members of the Summit team who interact with customers.
• Implementing company travel restrictions.

Additional information about Summit’s response to COVID-19 is available here.

Information about Summit Natural Gas:

Summit Natural Gas of Maine is a natural gas utility company headquartered in Yarmouth, Maine with the mission of delivering clean, safe, affordable, and reliable energy solutions to our customers every day through exceptional service and a strong commitment to our communities.

Summit began building its pipeline system in Maine in 2013 and since that time, the company has invested more than $350 million to install more than 250 miles of pipe throughout the Kennebec River Valley and in Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth to bring natural gas access to thousands of families, businesses and industrial users.