Governor Roy Cooper signed a new executive order on Tuesday, one where he ordered utility agencies to keep resources like electricity, water and gas on for the next 60 days.

The order is the latest step in North Carolina to provide residents under financial duress some relief and to promote social distancing while COVID-19 continues to spread and positive cases continue to rise. The action is meant to prevent the utilities from being shut off from residents who can not afford to pay their monthly bills, with the order also directing utilities to give customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills and prohibiting any penalties or interest.

Cooper, who announced the decision at a press conference, explained why he chose Tuesday to sign the new executive order.

“This action is particularly important since tomorrow is the first of the month, and I know that’s a date many families fear when they can’t make ends meet,” said the governor. “These protections will help families stay in their homes and keep vital services like electricity, water, and communications going as we stay at home.”

Cooper also urged telecommunication companies that provide phone, cable and internet services to follow the same rules he’s ordering for utility agencies.

In addition to the executive order, state officials shared updates on the unemployment rate and filings made over the last few weeks, since Cooper issued an order easing requirements to file.

Attorney General Josh Stein, who also spoke at the press conference, said more than 300,000 North Carolinians have been laid off in the last two weeks. He said that amount is significantly larger than any amount of unemployment filings the state has seen in a two-week period than at any time during the 2008 recession, making Cooper’s order more important.

“I think the governor for issuing this executive order to provide some much-needed breathing room for people who are doing their best to scramble to make ends meet,” said Stein. “But this relief isn’t just compassionate and appropriate: it will protect all North Carolinians. Now is no time for people to be without water to wash their hands or crowded into temporary living quarters. We need to slow the spread of this virus and this order will help us do that.”

Cooper also requested North Carolinians are mindful when visiting grocery stores in the next few days. The first of each month is when federal food assistance arrives for families in need, according to the governor, and he asked residents to truly buy what they need.

“As we’re settling into this new rhythm of life, please know that if we all do our part, we’ll get through these times,” Cooper said. “The decisions we’re making to battle this invisible enemy have not been easy, but they’re necessary to save lives. Every time I’ve spoken from this podium, I’ve encouraged North Carolinians to look out for each other in the face of this crisis. Today, I’m honored to sign an order that does just that.”

In Orange County, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, which serves Chapel Hill and Carrboro, announced earlier this month it would be turning water back on for residents who had not paid bills in an effort to keep public health amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Photo via the Associated Press and Julia Wall/The News & Observer.

 

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