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At Lynches River Electric Cooperative, we are following the recommendations of local, state and federal government officials and the appropriate health officials to ensure we continue to serve our members as safely and effectively as we can. Below are the current precautions and available services we are offering. We will continue to update this as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.
Paying your bill
At this time, we have stopped disconnects due to non-payment. However, you are responsible for paying for the electricity you use, which applies to any other product or service. Your cooperative cannot provide free electricity. If we did, your fellow members would pick up the tab because we are a not-for-profit, member-owned enterprise. There’s no one else to pay.
Past due payments
We know the coronavirus outbreak may cause financial hardships. Some members may face reduced employment or unemployment. Some members are staying home, which makes 24-hour electric service even more vital.
We have established policies to help members get through this difficult time. For example, we’ve suspended disconnections on accounts with past due amounts, as Gov. Henry McMaster requested of all electricity providers. But, as state officials have acknowledged, members still have an obligation to pay their bill eventually. So, we urge you to keep paying on time. Don’t let your bill grow. We will notify members well in advance before we plan to resume disconnects.
Late payment penalties, interest on overdue balances, and reconnect fees still apply.
Pre-Pay Accounts
The suspension of disconnects does include PrePay accounts. Members will still receive the alerts to help you keep track of your account status, but we will not be disconnecting. Please remember, though you will not have to make payments at this time, your account will continue to monitor your electricity usage and will continue to generate the amount owed. We urge members to continue to make payments, as you are able, so your bill is a manageable amount when things return to normal.
Access to our offices
Our office lobby is closed until further notice; however, the drive-through will stay open. All non-essential business should be postponed until things return to normal.
Drive-through window
Our drive-through window will remain open to receive payment. This also includes the after-hours dropbox. Before coming to the office for other services, please call our member services line at 843-672-6111 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to see if your business can be handled on the phone.
Our mobile app and website
You can do business with us electronically as usual. You may use the website and, if you haven’t already, download our mobile app for added convenience.
Opening a new account
If you need to open a new account for electricity service, you may do so by calling our member services line at 843-672-6111 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you would like to start a pre-pay account, you can complete an online application by clicking here or by picking up an application in the LREC drive-through.
Remote Payment Sites
UPDATE: The Energy Center in Lancaster has modified their normal business hours in response to concerns related to COVID-19. Their current business hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., CLOSED Saturday and Sunday until further notice. Members can still make payments anytime through the dropbox.
Members can also pay their bills at remote payment sites located at Piggly Wiggly in Chesterfield, IGA in Kershaw or The Energy Center in Lancaster. Please be aware these locations may have reduced hours in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These are the only sites approved to accept payment for LREC bills. For more information on remote pay site, click here.
Outages and repairs
We intend to provide the same high-quality, reliable electric service that you expect in normal times. Repairs to our electric system will be accomplished promptly. We do not foresee the coronavirus having a negative effect on our technical abilities to provide the excellent service you desire and deserve.
Protecting our employees
Whether they work in our offices or on the power lines that stretch across our service territory, we intend to provide safe working conditions for our employees and to require safe work practices by them.
Our employees have been instructed to practice social distancing. We want to be friendly, but we’ll keep our distance from each other and you, in the office and in the field, to avoid the risk of spreading illness. We are taking every precaution to maintain a healthy workforce so we can continue to keep key personnel available to serve you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this national emergency. Please know the health and safety of our members and employees is our number one priority.
