by Cortney R.
Member since:
August 28, 2006

Ideas?

February 02, 2008 05:28 AM EST
views: 98 | rating: 10/10 (33 votes) | comments: 42
I am at my wits end, completely out of ideas.  My husband and I got a cut off notice from our electric company two days ago.  The past due amount (the amount that we have to pay to keep it from getting shut off) is $240.37.  We have until the 7th to pay the past due amnt.  We got an energy assistance check, but that doesn't even cover half.  We only get that check once a year.  I was curious if anybody new of any assistance programs or anything that could help us get this payed.  If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate it. 
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Comments: 42

Beverly T. Feb 2, 2008, 6:16am EST
Are you with Consumer Energy? They allow you to make payments. You call them on the phone and you get an automatic message. you go through that and they set up a payment schedule which they send through the mail. That's how we are surviving hubby's many layoffs these days.

Salvation Army will usually help out a little bit. They will usually only give you the minimum for what you need before being cut off.

Sometimes local churches will help out with some payment money. A few of them will personally want to pay the bills themselves.

I can't think of anything else. Help is thin on the ground around here! I know what you are going through, though. We went through several winters up here in MI without heat (except for room heaters. and that didn't help much when it was -20 outside!). Hang in there!

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Aesop for Today, February 1
Cortney R. Feb 2, 2008, 6:38am EST
We are with Wake Electric.
Danielle P. Feb 2, 2008, 6:41am EST
what about your local welfare office. If the money is tight they MIGHT help. I am not sure. If not maybe they can help you find someone that can help.
Lesli B. Feb 2, 2008, 7:01am EST
Call Wake and speak to someone they can probably do something about an extension or payment arrangements. Also ask what assistance programs are available. Perhaps a winter protection plan, which keeps you from being shut off during the cold months.
Lesli B. Feb 2, 2008, 7:02am EST
They may also have a budget plan which helps stretch payments over the months when you bills are naturally lower. Good Luck
Cortney R. Feb 2, 2008, 7:13am EST
I called them and they were not very helpful. They would not do a payment plan and told me that they give money from their program to different counties.
Luna Rushdi Feb 2, 2008, 7:19am EST
Hi Cortney, I am feeling really bad for you. Unfortunately I am in New Zealand and don't know how america electricity companies work. But here in New Zealand we are able to talk to the company and sort out a payment plan. But looks like you have allready tried this.

May be try a governement benefit program? Can you take out an emergency loan from the government? You could pay the bill from that and then repay the loan on installment.
Christine P. Feb 2, 2008, 7:21am EST
Do you have a social worker with the county you are living in? Possibly him/her can get some type of plan in place for you? There are a lot of ppl struggling this year with electric/fuel prices on the raise. Here is MN they have the Cold Weather Rule where they have to work with you in some type of plan until spring.
Beverly T. Feb 2, 2008, 7:32am EST
Usually payment plans mean that you have to be at your residence for a year, so they can determine an average. Usually you have to have paid on time for that year, too, to qualify for a payment plan. They make you jump through a lot of hoops!

Did you try Salvation Army? How about Lion's Club? A local church?

I know a lot of church's are being stretched by the cold weather and so many people being displaced out of work around here. Assistance is very hard to get!

I hope you can find something. Google energy assistance or winter bill assistance. See if something pops up. There has to be someone who can help you!

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Aesop for Today, February 1
Deb J. Feb 2, 2008, 8:05am EST
Try talking to them again and explain your situation. Ask for "Manager". Start at the top, as the saying goes. Best of luck!! I know how you feel!! I've been there, but fortunately my electric company worked with me!
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N A Feb 2, 2008, 8:09am EST
I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck to you, Cortney.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Feb 2, 2008, 8:09am EST
I wish I had any ideas, but I am of no help. I hope you find a solution soon.
Go to your local welfare office and the electric company. Call your county to find out if there is any emergancy help available. Go to your church if you have one. Anything you can or others think of. Even try the state.
Bert Van Essen Feb 2, 2008, 9:43am EST
In South Dakota there is a law that says power can not Be shut off until April. Check with a legal aide. I like the idea of Salvation Army, churches. If you pay the energy assistance check will that help? I am sorry about this. I am really sorry and wish I was close as a minister I used to have connections with many sources to help people.
Bert Van Essen Feb 2, 2008, 9:45am EST
In a political year call your House Of Representative office! They do help greatly. A phone call from a Representative carries weight! Believe me the congress knows the high electric costs are hurting people!
Audrey F. Feb 2, 2008, 10:26am EST
Most electric companies offer a much lower-priced plan to individuals or families whose income is below a certain amount. Are you already on this plan? If not, ask if they have one. Where I am (L.A.) I think it is is called the Universal Lifeline, but each company may call it something different.
Cheryl W. Feb 2, 2008, 12:50pm EST
I don't really know any advice to offer other than what others have suggested. I know here in Charlotte there is a place called Crisis Assistance Ministry that helps people in situations such as yours. I don't know if there is anything like that available to you or not where you live. There may be some kind of assistance hotline you can call as well that could direct you to some help. I hope it works out for you. Its an awful feeling to be in that position, I know.
CyberGwen ! Feb 2, 2008, 2:04pm EST
I have no ideas, but I hope that you get some help. Bert's idea is interesting!
Cortney R. Feb 2, 2008, 4:16pm EST
Thanks for all the great ideas. I will have to try out that stuff. I mean it couldn't hurt to try.
Bridget M. Feb 2, 2008, 7:15pm EST
Cortney, Bert's idea about calling your local state Rep. It is amazing that politicians can actually do great things for their constituates, try them. Let us know how you make out. I have been there before, fortunately because we had a baby and could prove it they weren't allowed to shut it off. Good Luck let us know how you make out.
Emma L. Feb 3, 2008, 2:59am EST
I don't know specifics about where you live, but talk to the company- they have told me they really do not want to shut off service in most cases and are usually willing to work with you
Marco P. Feb 3, 2008, 9:50am EST
As long as you pay a % each month of your balance they should not shut you off.
donna h. Feb 6, 2008, 6:26am EST
I think Marco might have a point
Sarah (I want points) Feb 6, 2008, 10:33am EST
I hope you figure it out! Surely SOMEONE should be able to help out somehow.
Cortney R. Feb 6, 2008, 12:47pm EST
Thank you everyone for your ideas. We made an appointment at social services and they agreed to pay the full amount.
Erin P. Feb 6, 2008, 11:27pm EST
Call them and see if they can put you on some sort of payment plan. Our electric company has done that before in the past for us when money was tight.
Erin P. Feb 6, 2008, 11:27pm EST
BTW - thanks for commenting on my Save $, Reduce Clutter, & Go Green (All At Once)! article. I appreciate it!
Laura H. Feb 9, 2008, 9:28pm EST
Good luck, I hope things pick up soon. It's a frustrating battle with utillitiy companies.
Kate Keeley Feb 14, 2008, 11:02am EST
Some communities have ecumenical assistance programs. Also, did you call the company and ask if you could work out a payment plan?
necee t. Feb 16, 2008, 1:10pm EST
oh dear Cortney... i hope you were able to get this taken care of...
i'm praying for you and yours...
hope you were able to enjoy your Birthday on the 9th....
sending you my best wishes...
Clare Stella Feb 18, 2008, 5:50pm EST
Cortney, I am glad that things worked out well for you. It is very hard to make a go of it nowadays, isn't it? I wish you well.
Corinne M. Feb 20, 2008, 10:30am EST
I hope everything went well, Cortney!
DIANE D. Mar 16, 2008, 11:37am EDT
Surely you can get some help at your Community Center, hope it all works out.
Jerri H. Mar 26, 2008, 8:22pm EDT
I have no idea but it looks like you got some good advice above~
Cortney R. May 20, 2008, 4:47pm EDT
Thanks for everyone's ideas. We were able to get it paid at social services.
Rae M. Oct 7, 2008, 10:49pm EDT
Our electric company here has an assistance program. You should call the electric company and talk to them and explain your predicament. They are a lot more understanding if they know you are trying to work with them. I wish you luck.
Bryan "That 80's Dude" B. Oct 11, 2008, 11:39pm EDT
If it ever happens again, call the dept. of human services in your area. They can usually guide you to some help.
Donna S. Nov 30, 2008, 5:25pm EST
A local church might be able to help. Here you can call 211 for information.
Tina R. Nov 30, 2008, 7:31pm EST
I'm glad everything worked out!!
Becca J. Jan 5, 2009, 12:10pm EST
I know the feeling! We seem to run into this type of problem with our light bill on occasion too! I know how it feels
Sandra L. Jan 12, 2009, 11:00pm EST
I'm so glad that you got the help you needed. Sometimes it's really hard to have to ask for help.

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