Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Company Suspends Disconnections in Response to COVID-19

Fort Smith, AR – Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Company (AOG) today announced a suspension of service disconnections to any customers who are having a hard time paying their bill. This policy will remain in effect until May 31, 2020. At that time the company will evaluate whether to extend the suspension.

“Right now, our top priority is protecting the health and wellbeing of our customers and the communities we serve, which is why we are suspending service disconnections to any customers who are struggling to pay their heating bill,” said Fred Kirkwood, senior vice president of customer development for AOG. "The COVID-19 pandemic is causing uncertainty across the country, the last thing our community members should be worried about is whether they can afford to keep their heat on, have gas to cook their food or hot water to take a shower. We pride ourselves on being a reliable energy partner for our customers, and this is one small step we can take to live up to that mission.”

Customers struggling to pay their bills should visit https://aogc.com/PaymentAssistance for a list of agencies that can provide financial assistance to help them with their heating bill.

AOG is committed to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of its customers, team members and communities it serves. In addition to the temporary suspension of service disconnections, AOG is taking precautionary measures including:

• Asking customers if they have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who was recently diagnosed so the company can take necessary precautions when visiting their home.
• Instituting a mandatory work from home policy for all team members who are able.
• Providing enhanced health and safety guidelines to all members of the AOG team who interact with customers.
• Implementing company travel restrictions.

Additional information about AOG’s response to COVID-19 is available here.

Information about Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Company:

Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation is a natural gas utility committed to delivering clean, safe, affordable, and reliable energy solutions to our customers every day through exceptional service and a strong commitment to the communities we serve.

The company provides natural gas to approximately 60,000 residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers in Arkansas and Oklahoma. It has been serving the people in Fort Smith and the surrounding area with safe and reliable service for nearly 75 years.