(Photo: WBOC)MILFORD, Del. - The city of Milford may stop mailing late notices to electric customers to reduce costs.
The Milford City Council is considering a proposal to end written notices for customers who do not pay their bill on time; for repeat offenders, the city could also disconnect power without a written warning.
City Manager Richard Carmean said the city sends roughly 1,800 late notices each month, meaning nearly one-in-four customers do not pay on time. The city spends upwards of $20,000 a year on printing and postage for past due warnings, he said.
Carmean noted that neighboring municipalities and many companies do not send customers notices when they miss a payment. Customers can still sign up to receive late notices by email or phone, Carmean said.
The Milford Senior Center expressed concern over the proposal, noting some seniors may not realize they are late and rely on electricity to run medical equipment.
Councilman Skip Pikus said the city will traditionally work with customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Still, he said the city must cut costs ahead of the upcoming budget.
The city generally reviews a customer's payment history before deciding to disconnect service, Carmean said. City employees stay late on disconnect nights to assist customers.
The City Council is expected to vote on the measure at its meeting Monday.
