Page 4 - BWL PipelineAprMayJun2020

Pipeline is a publication of the Lansing Board of Water & Light
Welcome to another edition of Pipeline. It’s hard to believe
it’s been almost four months since we started responding to COVID-19, and I don’t know that anyone could have predicted the impact this pandemic would have on all of us, but at every turn, we’ve tried to be proactive to help our customers and protect our employees.
It’s no secret COVID has had a deep economic impact to the economy, and BWL is no different as we face a $9 million deficit because of it. This is a big hole that we’re going to have to dig ourselves out of, but I’m thankful that before COVID-19 hit and the economy shutdown, BWL was in a strong financial position to allow us to recover.
Recognizing many of our customers are struggling financially because of the pandemic, and knowing how important utility services are right now, we suspended new water shut-offs and reconnected all water customers who were shut-off for non- payment, as well as extended our moratorium on all utility shut-offs through July. We’ve identified federal, state and local service assistance programs for our customers to receive bill payment help, as well as waived delayed payment charges and extended payment plans to help offset the financial burden for our customers.
We’ve done everything possible to protect you, and our more than 700 employees. We’ve had no layoffs, furloughs or pay cuts, our employer benefits have continued with no interruption to employees and their families, and we’ve continued to fully fund 401a biweekly contributions. Remote work has allowed all employees who are able to provide meaningful work at home to remain gainfully employed, while also making accommodations for employees to simultaneously care for and support their families via flexible work assignments and hours.
We will get through this, and we’ll be a stronger organization on the other side, but it’s going to take time. You’re continued
commitment to working hard and serving our customers is critical to make that
happen. I know our community is thankful we’ve had no interruptions of any utility service because of COVID-19. Thank you for everything you do every day, pandemic and otherwise. I appreciate each of you.
Chief Editor
Amy Adamy
Editor
Robyn Harney
Design Editor
Michelle Nasrey
Contributing Writers and Photographers
Amy Adamy, Michelle Nasrey, Dan Barnes,
Erica Beck, Cody Clark, Jean Gannon, Anthony Green, Kelsey Khory, Alex Martin, Pamela Moore, Abigail Staples, Shannon Thompson, Carlee Updike
BWL Chair
David Price
BWL Vice Chair
Tony Mullen
BWL Commissioners
Beth Graham Deshon Leek David Lenz Ken Ross Tracy Thomas Sandra Zerkle
Non-Voting Advisory Members
Mike Froh
Douglas Jester
Larry Merrill
General Manager
Dick Peffley
Customer Service
517-702-6006
Human Resources
517-702-6262
www.lbwl.com Lansing BWL
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