BPU board discusses dealing with COVID-19

BPU members viewed a presentation during Wednesday evening’s board meeting in Kansas City, Kansas. Board members discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and actions it might take, as well as the lineman apprentice program. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

Board members discussed various ways to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic at the March 18 meeting of the Board of Public Utilities.

Board members discussed and asked questions about BPU employees who are working from home. Board members were sitting about six feet away from each other.

The BPU also recently announced a temporary moratorium. It will not disconnect utility service for nonpayment during hardships that are faced during COVID-19 .

In other action, Jeremy Ash gave a presentation about the lineman apprentice program. He said the apprentice program was started on March 5.

He also stated it cost the BPU $800 per person to go through the program.