The utility companies that power and heat Ouray County homes and business have put a freeze on disconnecting customers who may be struggling to pay their bills and are working with them on payment plans.

Black Hills Energy spokeswoman Carly West said it’s too early to tell if the South Dakota-based utility is seeing an increase in people unable to pay their bills, or a change in energy usage, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.But she said Black Hills implemented policies to suspend discon...