A couple of ways to avoid getting your electricity shut off
May 1st, 2009 | by mbhunter |I’m on the benevolence committee at our church. Quite out of the blue during the past couple of weeks we’ve had at least four requests come for help with electrical bills. This drives home that people are really struggling. People will sacrifice a lot of things before they lose electricity.
Once the electricity is shut off, there is usually a reinstatement fee in addition to back charges, so keeping the power on if at all possible is preferable to letting it lapse, not just for comfort and standard of libing, but financially as well.
In going through a few cases I’ve learned a couple of ways to help keep the power on if it’s about ready to be cut off:
- Make payment arrangements with the power company. This may or may not work, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If the time for shut-off is approaching and a lot of money is owed, they may accept smaller installment payments and keep your power on. It’s not a free ride but it can possibly save the extra cost of turning it back on.
- Find a church or other organization that can pledge payment to the company. Our church is able to do this. We can call the power company on behalf of someone right before the power is to be shut off, say that we’ll pay the amount needed to keep it on, and they’ll keep the power running even if they receive payment after the cutoff time. This gives a small amount of extra time before cut-off.
These are the tips I’m aware of. I’d like to hear others if you know of any!
4 Responses to “A couple of ways to avoid getting your electricity shut off”
By Kyle on May 1, 2009 | Reply
After working in collections for years, probably the best thing you can do is ask your church or friends to front a little cash to get you through you tough times. People can be too proud to ask for help, but in a situation like this you really need to suck it up and ask, the worst they can say is no but the chance of getting help is worth the hit to your pride.
By SaveBuyLive on May 1, 2009 | Reply
I would like to add that many electric companies have energy assistance programs for low-income or otherwise needy individuals. It may be worth while contacting your electric company and seeing if you qualify.
Many electric companies also offer payment plans where you pay a single flat rate each month. This rate is calculated based on your average monthly electric use per year. You don’t pay less money in total with this plan but it does even out the payments so that those months where you use a lot of power (e.g. summer) don’t result in a massive spike in your bill.
By Avery on May 1, 2009 | Reply
Some utility companies have care funds for people who are temporarily unable to pay their bills. Check with the company if they have any sort of assistance program. I know on my bill I can opt to donate $1 – $2/bill to the relief fund.
By mbhunter on May 6, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the extra points!