Back to Blog

Important OPALCO Billing Updates: Get a Payment Plan to Stay Connected, Capital Credit Statements and New Payment Option

Governor Inslee is going to lift the moratorium on all utility disconnects on September 30, 2021. Since the beginning of the pandemic, OPALCO has worked with its members to offer bill-pay assistance and long-term payment options for those who have fallen behind on their bills. Members who have payment plans in place will NOT be disconnected! OPALCO staff are available from 8:00am to 4:30 pm to help members to create a payment plan so that no one gets left behind. Please call 360-376-3500 today if you are behind on your OPALCO bill.

In addition to an OPALCO payment plan, there are resources available to help those who are struggling with bills due to COVID-19 impacts. Contact your island Family/Community Resource Center to learn more or visit wa211.org to access information.  OPALCO is working with the Family/Community Resource Centers to help members get caught up – but members in arrears must ACT NOW. After the moratorium is lifted, OPALCO will return to the normal cycle of billing and collections, including disconnects, and normal penalty fees will begin again after October 27, 2021.

OPALCO has a variety of options for members to pay their bills to fit the needs of all households including autopay, online billing, budget billing and traditional paper billing.  A new payment option will be available to co-op members starting this fall: pre-pay billing allows you to pay as you go. Members keep as much of a balance as they want on their account and simply deposit more funds when the account balance gets low. It’s like filling the gas tank on your car: put in as much as you can and refill when empty. Stay tuned for more information on pre-pay billing.

On your OPALCO bills in June, you’ll see your capital credit allocation – to be paid out to you in 25 years (2045). Capital credits represent each member’s ownership in the cooperative. A statement of accrual is issued each summer for the previous year and checks are sent out (after 25 years) at year-end. Capital credits cannot be paid out early, except in the case of death.

You may also like...

Quick Fact: Renewable Energy Siting Critieria

This guide outlines the criteria that must be met for siting OPALCO renewable energy projects in San Juan County. These standards ensure that proposed sites are compatible with the utility’s … Read more
capitol bell

Lighting the Way

Local students attend ICUA Leadership Camp Every year, students from San Juan County schools represent Orcas Power & Light Cooperative at the Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association Youth Rally. OPALCO’s … Read more
solar

Interested in Local, Renewable Energy? Come to OPALCO’s upcoming Community Meetings

OPALCO is planning now for what our energy future will be like in the next 25 years. OPALCO wants co-op members to get involved! OPALCO is hosting a series of … Read more