Greenwell Springs, LA – DEMCO—a locally owned electric cooperative, community-focused entity, and steward of critical infrastructure—has a crucial role to play in responding to the burgeoning coronavirus pandemic.
“DEMCO is monitoring the threat of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and taking steps now to prepare in the event there is a significant impact in our communities. We aim to maintain a healthy workforce and keep key personnel—such as line workers and member service representatives— available so that we can continue to provide the excellent service our members expect from us,” says Randy Pierce, CEO and General Manager of DEMCO.
DEMCO is one of 938 electric co-ops across the nation, who align with government partners to focus actions and strategies that help protect the energy grid, prevent threats that may disrupt electricity service, and develop capabilities that help electric co-ops quickly respond and recover when major incidents impact the grid.
“Our electric power system is critical infrastructure to hospitals, emergency response teams, and other services that would be essential during a pandemic outbreak,” said Pierce. “Our focus is to keep our employees safe and keep the power flowing to the critical electrical infrastructure.”
DEMCO coordinates with others in the electric sector and the federal government to prepare for and respond to national-level disasters or threats to critical infrastructure. This includes scenarios such as pandemics that could impact the energy workforce.
“DEMCO is monitoring the situation very carefully and is prepared to operate with a significantly smaller workforce, a threatened supply chain, and limited support services for an extended period until an unknown date in the future.”
David Latona, DEMCO Vice President of Marketing and Member Services issued the following statement: “For the health and safety of its members and in light of COVID-19, please be reminded that DEMCO offers online and mobile app access to view your account and pay your bill at any time, day or night – seven days a week. Go online to DEMCO.org and also download the free DEMCO mobile app for Apple and Android phones. An interactive voice response system is available to help guide you through a vast member services menu at 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626).”
Latona advises DEMCO members to be on the lookout for suspicious emails, phone calls, or persons impersonating business employees or charitable organizations. “Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of opportunities such as this when households are otherwise preoccupied. If you get a call from someone claiming to represent DEMCO and they make threats or demand immediate payment, hang up and call DEMCO at 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626).”
