Hundreds of downtown Youngstown residents could lose heat and hot water as soon as this week after the owners of their buildings failed to pay steam service bills. SOBE Thermal Energy Systems has sent disconnection notices to four downtown buildings for nonpayment.
The notices went to Wick Tower and Erie Terminal Place, which each hold 40 residential units plus commercial space, as well as the former Mahoning National Bank and First National Bank buildings, both slated for residential renovation. The properties have not paid their SOBE bills in at least 60 days, following a major rate increase that took effect June 30. Service could be cut the week of October 5 unless payments are made, according to the attorney for SOBE’s receiver.
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel says it is “very concerned” about residents who could suffer because a building owner did not pay. Director Maureen Willis noted that tenants who receive steam service through their buildings generally have no control over whether the owner pays, and urged affected residents to contact their landlords immediately and demand steps to keep heat and hot water on.