June 08, 2025
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30-minute electricity shut off working for Peru to solve delinquencies

22 residents service was disabled for 30-minute cycle; all but 4 rectified accounts, clerk says

By Derek Barichello
Peru City Hall in Peru, Illinois

Peru Municipal Building (Shaw Local News Network)

The practice of shutting off power for delinquent residents in Peru for 30 minutes at a time has been successful at getting residents attention, said City Clerk Dave Bartley at the Feb. 28 City Council meeting.

Bartley reported 22 residents had their service disabled for 30 minutes, with power being restored for 30 minutes, then shut off again in a cycle.

“All but four brought their accounts current,” Bartley told the council.

Bartley said it’s been an effective tool and the city will continue to do it. Last spring, the city was owed as much as $70,000 in delinquent utility charges, having issues with about one-third of them not communicating with City Hall.