COVID-19 Related Processing Delays Reflected in Utility Bills

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Bank Delay resulting in Inaccurate Past Due Amounts    
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (Wednesday, April 8, 2020) – Newport Water Division customers are being advised that due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, payments mailed prior to March 31^st may have been delayed due to a processing lag experienced by the City’s bank. As a result, April bills that were mailed to customers last week may inaccurately include a past due balance reflected on their account.
 
The Water Division is aware of the discrepancy and is assuring customers that any payment made prior to March 31^st will not be subject to interest charges.
 
On Wednesday, the Water Division posted the following statement to the City’s website:
 
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a delay by our bank in the  processing of payments  mailed in March. If your April bill shows a past due balance but you mailed your payment prior to March 31^st, it is likely that your payment was not posted to your account before the April bill was mailed. We apologize for any confusion and be assured you will not be charged interest for any delayed postings.
 
Customers are also reminded that as part of the City’s COVID-19 financial relief measures announced last month that utility shutoffs and collections activities have been suspended, however we ask that if you are facing financial hardship to please contact the Utilities Department at (401) 845-5600 to set up a flexible payment plan in order to avoid growing balances.
 
More information about the City’s COVID-19 response can be found on the City’s website at www.CityofNewport.com/COVID19.