The Antigua Public Utilities Authority says customers will not be disconnected over disputed bills while an official investigation is underway.

Customers who believe their bills are incorrect should visit an APUA customer service centre and formally lodge a complaint. The authority will then verify the meter reading, review the customer’s consumption and determine whether an adjustment is warranted.

Disconnection action related to the disputed amount will be suspended during the investigation.

APUA also urged customers experiencing financial difficulty to contact its Credit Control Department before their arrears become unmanageable.

Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer Roger Tong said the authority’s goal is not to leave customers without essential services.

“We don’t turn anybody away, and the intention is not to have anybody sleep without electricity or not have water,” Tong said.

He added that payment arrangements must be realistic and based on what each customer can afford.

APUA confirmed that its disconnection programme has resumed but said customers who communicate with the authority can receive assistance. Officials warned that ignoring bills and allowing arrears to accumulate makes it harder to reach a manageable solution.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: APUA Pauses Disconnections While Disputed Bills Are Investigated.