Manitoba Hydro is reminding its customers that their hydro bills will not be delivered while Canada Post workers remain on strike and that they can use alternative methods to pay their bills.
“A labour disruption at Canada Post will prevent delivery of Manitoba Hydro paper bills and customers’ payments. It advises customers not to put payment cheques in the mail during a strike,” said the utility in a Sept. 26 news release. “Customers are responsible for making payments on time during a postal strike.”
Canada Post’s CUPW workers went on strike on Sept. 25 after the postal corporation was instructed to implement money-saving measures such as stopping door-to-door delivery and closing some rural post offices.
Hydro customers who receive paper bills have a number of options to pay other than by mail:
• Customers can sign up for an online account — and still continue to receive a paper bill after the strike is over — to view their account balance and payment due date, and/or set up pre-authorized payments.
• Customers can pay their Hydro bill at their bank or credit union.
• Using their 14-digit account number, customers can call a self-service phone channel at 1-888-MB HYDRO (1-888-624-9376) and an automated system will provide an account balance and due date. They can then pay their bill at their financial institution.
• Customers can also speak to a Hydro customer service representative, but this will likely involve waiting on hold due to likely higher call volumes.
“Anyone having trouble making full payment on time can seek a payment arrangement with Manitoba Hydro,” states the utility.
Hydro’s services are available on the Manitoba Hydro app or by phone at 1-888-MB HYDRO (1-888-624-9376).
