MUB assisting customers with applying for CARES Act funding

Customers encouraged to apply immediately upon receiving packets from MUB


West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has announced the availability of CARES Act funding to assist with delinquent residential utility accounts. In response, MUB is mailing application packets to nearly 1,700 customers that may qualify. It is important that customers read the packets thoroughly and respond by the deadline.

According to MUB Director of Communications Chris Dale, there are two primary rules from the Governor’s office that determine eligibility.

“Foremost, the delinquency must be due to COVID-19 such as loss of job, reduction in hours worked, or illness. Also, the program only applies to bills issued between March 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020,” Dale said. “The packets we are mailing include amounts for which each customer may be eligible for CARES Act funding."

For residential customers meeting the above criteria, other important policies from the Governor’s office apply.

“It’s important to understand that this program only covers amounts due within the timeframe of March 1 to July 31. Bills accrued outside this period are ineligible and remain due,” Dale said. “Unfortunately, amounts that have been paid toward bills that occurred between the timeframe of March 1 to July 31 are ineligible. CARES Act funding does not provide for reimbursements.”

Because funding is awarded on a first-come first-served basis, it is important that customers apply as soon as possible.

“Customers should not delay in applying for these funds. As we receive applications, we will immediately forward those that are complete to the state for review. In the meantime, we will suspend any action on amounts owed that fall within the eligible timeframe. Once payment is received we will notify the customer and apply the funds to their account. If the application is not approved, we will notify the customer and work with them in meeting the outstanding balance, even if it requires arranging a deferred payment plan,” Dale said.

The most critical thing customers should keep in mind is the deadline of November 12, 2020.

“Customers must absolutely ensure that applications are received by MUB no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 12. This is the last point at which the state will accept applications so there is no way we can extend the deadline. Customers can mail their applications or use the drop box located in our office parking area, the critical thing is that the application must be received in our office by 4:30 p.m. on November 12,” he said.

Customers who believe they qualify but do not receive an application packet by Friday, October 23, should contact MUB at (304) 292-8443, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Information on MUB’s COVID-19 billing policies, including the deferred payment policy, can be found at https://mub.org/covid19.

MUB to “restart” normal customer billing practices

As allowed by West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) General Order No. 262.5, beginning July 1, 2020, Morgantown Utility Board will “restart” normal customer billing processes related to overdue amounts, late payment fees, new service fees, and service disconnections for nonpayment.

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on March 16th MUB announced a number of special temporary policies designed to aid its customers during the stay at home time period. These policies included suspension of late charges and termination of service for non-payment, as well as the reconnection of water service for all customers who had been recently terminated for amounts past due. This action was also taken for the purpose of protecting public health in the face of COVID-19.

Now, pursuant to the PSC’s “restart” order, MUB is re-implementing certain policies to transition back to normal billing practices. The goal is to do this in the least impactful way possible for customers.

MUB’s “restart” plan includes the following:

  • Normal late fees will be applied only to bills issued after July 1, 2020. That means that no late fees will be applied for any unpaid amounts accumulated between March and July 1, 2020.
  • Late payment notices and termination of service notices will resume July 1. Notices will be issued beginning July 1, and terminations will resume 20 days after the issuance of the notice. You can review the process in "Resources/Policies" below.
  • Understanding that some members of our community face severe financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 event, MUB is offering a Deferred Payment Plan (DPP). This plan requires an immediate payment of 20% of the amount due, with the remainder of the balance spread out over time. To learn more please see "Resources/Policies" below.
  • Customers whose service was reconnected without providing a deposit, will be required to pay the deposit amount. However, this amount can be spread out if needed. Deposit amounts vary based on the rates which apply where the customer resides.
  • While MUB is restarting its normal billing practices, it is mindful that some customers may have been more negatively impacted by the pandemic than others. Therefore, MUB is committed to working closely with customers to ensure that its normal billing practices are fairly applied.

Anyone requiring an in-person meeting with MUB staff or with questions can contact MUB via phone at (304) 292-8443 or by sending an email to mubmail@mub.org. All in-person meetings are by appointment only, and subject to COVID-19 screening.

Resources/Policies