Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) today outlined how customers can sign up for its previously announced bill deferment programme.

In order to apply for the programme, customers must have an online account at www.belco.bm. An account can easily be created on the BELCO website by following the registration prompts.

Once an account has been set up, under ‘Forms’ select ‘Application for Bill Deferment’ and follow the instructions to apply.

Eligibility for the programme is also outlined on the BELCO website. Customers who have applied for and been approved to receive the Bermuda Government COVID-19 Unemployment Benefit will be able to defer their electricity bills for as long as they are receiving the Bermuda Government COVID-19 Unemployment Benefit.

Customers will need to provide either a letter from the Bermuda Government indicating approval to receive the Bermuda Government COVID-19 Unemployment Benefit or a letter from their employer used to apply for the Government Unemployment Benefit. In either case, proof of payment of the benefit such as a screen shot of the payment deposit in their bank account must also be provided.

Applications will be reviewed and, if approved, a member of the BELCO Credit Team will contact customers regarding their bill deferment and future payment arrangements.

A BELCO spokesman said: “We want to work with our customers to ease their financial burden as much as possible during the current Shelter in Place and State of Emergency. Our Credit Team will work with customers who defer their bills in accordance with this programme to establish a payment plan that will commence when they are able to return to work and no longer require the Government unemployment benefit. BELCO will not charge any late fees on outstanding payments. Our staff remain available via telephone at 299-2800 (Customer Experience) and 299-2801 (Credit), via email at info@belco.bm or through the BELCO website.”

• Press release from Belco