Frequently Asked Questions

A “DECEASED” note is placed on the member’s account, and a 90-day transfer/disconnect process begins.

  • Day 1: Certified letter mailed to the member with a request for service transfer to the new responsible party.
  • Day 60: If a request for service transfer is not received, DEMCO will mail a second certified letter to request service transfer to the new responsible party. This letter states that electric service will be disconnected if the account is not transferred within 30 days. NOTE: If a service transfer application is pending for the location, service requirements must be satisfied within 30 days to avoid an interruption of service.
  • Day 90:  If the request for service transfer is not received, DEMCO will terminate service on the following business day.

As a family member of the deceased, may I call in to report the death of a member so that surviving family members will no longer incur expenses for electricity?

Anyone can notify DEMCO of an account holder’s death; however, DEMCO requires verification of death in the form of a death certificate or obituary notice to disconnect the account.

If I do not reside at the address of the deceased member, what is my financial responsibility if a billing amount is due?

To pay the account balance of the deceased member, visit DEMCO.org and click the ‘Pay Now’ button. You will need the account number to complete this transaction. You can also call DEMCO at 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626 #3) for assistance.   Depending on the circumstances, we will agree to provide the family with the balance on the account and update the forwarding address so that the final bill can be received.

Requirements for Transfer of Service:

  • Apply for service
  • Deposit (if applicable, based on credit check)
  • Occupancy Permits (if applicable, based on parish permitting requirements)

Additional Information:

  • DEMCO staff is prohibited from initiating any action on a deceased member’s account, including, but not limited to:
    • Payment Arrangements
    • Service Orders (except for hazards)
    • Updates to Contact Information
    • Sharing Account Details and Bill Prints
  • If/when the service of a deceased member is disconnected for non-payment, it shall not be reconnected in the deceased member's name.

FAQs

How do I find and pay on a deceased member's account to avoid disconnecting?

Visit DEMCO.org and click on Pay Now; you will need the account number to pay on the account. Callers wishing to obtain a deceased member's account balance should be directed to the Pay Now feature.

What must I provide to DEMCO to discuss a deceased member’s account?

Anyone can notify DEMCO of an account holder’s death; however, DEMCO requires verification of death in the form of a death certificate or obituary notice to disconnect the account.

Surviving Spouse: Please provide DEMCO with a death certificate listing your name as a surviving spouse. The parish may require a permit; we can advise you when you contact us.

Family Member: Provide death certificate or copy of obituary, Apply for Service at the deceased member’s service address, and obtain required permits.

Why is a Power of Attorney insufficient for DEMCO to discuss specifics about a deceased member’s account?

  • Power of Attorney (POA) documents expire upon the principal's death. If the member is deceased, POA privileges can no longer be used to transact business on behalf of the member.

Why can’t DEMCO employees discuss or share details of a deceased member’s account with family members or acquaintances?

DEMCO cannot discuss bills, payments, or Service Orders (except for hazards), nor can we update contact information or share account details and bill print history. Please read ‘What do I need to transfer service of deceased member to my name for more information’.

What do I need to do to transfer the service of a deceased member to my name?

Surviving Spouse: Provide a death certificate listing your name as a surviving spouse to DEMCO. The parish may require a permit; we can advise you when you contact us.

Family Member: Provide a death certificate or a copy of an obituary; apply for Service at the deceased member’s service address; obtain required permits.

Why is there a Permit Requirement to transfer service to my name?

Local municipalities set forth permit requirements. DEMCO must abide by those established rules when providing electric service to our members.  

I live in the home of the deceased member but plan to sell or lease it. What should I do about the electricity bill?

If you benefit from service at the location of the deceased member – even if you plan to lease or sell the home – you are encouraged to either place the account in the estate's name or transfer the service to yourself until a new responsible party is identified.

Otherwise, DEMCO will proceed with the 90-day transfer/disconnect procedure.

Service at the service address of a deceased member has been disconnected. As a family member or friend, I will live in the home. Can I reconnect service in their name?

No, if service was connected following the 90-day transfer/disconnect procedure due to non-payment, it shall not be reconnected in a deceased member’s name. You must follow the procedure for a new service application and obtain permits.