Essential services offer their support during Covid-19 pandemic

Further to the Treasury Minister’s statement on Monday 30 March the following businesses have stated their continued support to their customers and extra measures to relieve some of the financial pressures facing customers due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said: ‘In these unprecedented times I am proud to see our local businesses offering their support and stepping up to ease some of the financial pressures for the Island’s residents.

Philip King, CEO of Manx Utilities, has staff available at all times to ensure essential services are not cut off and emergency solutions are available.

He said: ‘Our team are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist customers in ensuring you receive your essential services at this time. We are making fault response and key meter customers our main priority. 

‘If a customer should have any concerns at this difficult time we would please ask them to get in touch via our website contact form or call 687687 during office hours to speak to a member of our team. That same telephone number remains in place for emergencies outside of working hours.’

Ian Plenderlieth, Group Managing Director of Manx Gas, wants to reassure customers they will not be left without supply in the coming months.

He said: ‘We recognise the challenges people are currently facing and will look at any case sympathetically where someone has been affected. No one who has been materially impacted by the coronavirus crisis will be cut off during the next 3 months.’

Gary Lamb, CEO of Manx Telecom, assures customers that they are there to listen and help with a mutual, long term solution for due payments.

He said: ‘If you are suffering financial hardship due to coronavirus please contact us. We will work with you to try and relieve some of the worry. If you ring us and explain your situation we will make sure we keep your service working, agree a delay in your payments and even a repayment plan if necessary.

‘In addition, we are introducing a number of temporary measures to help reduce costs and to help ensure people can stay in touch.’

Mike Phillips, CEO of Sure Isle of Man, is encouraging customers to make contact and talk to staff to ensure no additional fees are added.

He said: ‘We are committed to supporting all islanders during this difficult time and if you are facing financial hardship we would encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can help - which may involve payment arrangements without fear of late payment charges and interest being applied to outstanding bills.’

Providers have been working together to make a range of phone numbers free during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The following phone numbers are now free for residents to call from mobiles and landlines.

• 111 – Emergency COVID-19 line – (already free)
• 686262 – Coronavirus Information Line (non-medical)
• 686455 - Coronavirus Business Support Line
• 685400 - Income Tax
• 685656 - Social Security

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, visit https://covid19.gov.im/