about to have my gas and electricity shut off

shortandcute · Jul 10, 2014 at 07:28 PM

My gas and electricity are combined into one bill, because of the company I go through. Well, I got behind because some house repairs I had to get done set me back financially, then my only income (at the time) stopped one month earlier than it was supposed to, and now I am really behind. I have until Monday to pay it or they will shut if off on Tuesday. We have some income right now, but not enough to pay that amount. There are no resources in my town at all to help with that, so I had to call some other resources for the county I'm in. None of them will help me because:
1) They are out of funding...or
2) My town is "out of bounds" (even though we're in the same county)....or
3) I have no minor children, and I am under 60 and not blind

Yeah, so I don't know what I'm gonna do.

kaliope · Jul 10, 2014 at 07:41 PM

gosh I am so sorry you are in this bind. can you call them and ask if they will take what you do have as a down payment and work out some sort of payment plan for you? it is a shame the county cannot help you. it is the end of the fiscal year. it is possible that new grant monies coming in july here will open up funding to help soon.

shortandcute · Jul 14, 2014 at 01:43 AM

Well, yeah they did say that if I can at least give them something, they can hold off for a while on the rest.

Perna · Jul 14, 2014 at 08:05 AM

Oh, that sounds better, still stressful though

shortandcute · Jul 17, 2014 at 01:33 AM

Just to let you all know, my son and daughter pulled together to help me pay half of the past due amount that I owe, and the company is giving me two weeks to come up with the rest, and I know I will have it by then.

Perna · Jul 17, 2014 at 07:24 AM

Oh, how wonderful! Thanks for the update.

pbutton · Jul 17, 2014 at 07:26 AM

So glad to hear it worked out.

birdpumpkin · Jul 17, 2014 at 08:04 AM

I'm so glad it worked out for you. I stress so much over bills, and ever since the derecho 2 years ago when we were without electric for 10 days I just don't ever want to be without electric again!! When we are I panic, or even if it just flickers. I'm really glad you won't be turned off now.

sabby · Jul 17, 2014 at 11:06 AM

shortandcute,

Have you considered going to some local churches for assistance? Many churches have funds set aside to help with these kinds of situations and it really is a huge help. I've been there and had to do that and was so blessed by their generosity. Just a thought for you.

keefsgirl13 · Sep 20, 2014 at 02:35 PM

If this happens to you or anyone else there are usually programs if you can claim a medical reason they cannot legally shut you off. And most electric companies will make it so you can pay over a three to six month period usually can be done once a year and you may have to make a partial payment to set it up.

shortandcute · Sep 21, 2014 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keefsgirl13

If this happens to you or anyone else there are usually programs if you can claim a medical reason they cannot legally shut you off. And most electric companies will make it so you can pay over a three to six month period usually can be done once a year and you may have to make a partial payment to set it up.

I think you're right on that. It seems to me that they would work with someone because that way they at least get something.

keefsgirl13 · Sep 21, 2014 at 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortandcute

I think you're right on that. It seems to me that they would work with someone because that way they at least get something.

I've actually had to do both options over the years I was on my own and put the payments out over six months (had to sign up for budget billing - same price every month). And recently we did the medical emergency because I have my sister-in-law living with me and her 7 year old has seizures. I've also contacted a local church and got my water paid.
Most companies don't care who pays a bill as long as it gets paid.

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

about to have my gas and electricity shut off

My Support Forums

shortandcute Grand Magnate Member Since Aug 2011 Location: Washington State, U.S.A. Posts: 3,169 12 2,427 hugs given	Jul 14, 2014 at 01:43 AM #3 Well, yeah they did say that if I can at least give them something, they can hold off for a while on the rest. __________________ "Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can see the top." -Wildflower http://missracgel.wixsite.com/bearhugs
	Reply With Quote

Perna Pandita-in-training Member Since Sep 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 27,289 (SuperPoster!) 17 550 hugs given	Jul 14, 2014 at 08:05 AM #4 Oh, that sounds better, still stressful though __________________ "Never give a sword to a man who can't dance." ~Confucius
	Reply With Quote

shortandcute Grand Magnate Member Since Aug 2011 Location: Washington State, U.S.A. Posts: 3,169 12 2,427 hugs given	Jul 17, 2014 at 01:33 AM #5 Just to let you all know, my son and daughter pulled together to help me pay half of the past due amount that I owe, and the company is giving me two weeks to come up with the rest, and I know I will have it by then. __________________ "Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can see the top." -Wildflower http://missracgel.wixsite.com/bearhugs
	Reply With Quote

Perna Pandita-in-training Member Since Sep 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 27,289 (SuperPoster!) 17 550 hugs given	Jul 17, 2014 at 07:24 AM #6 Oh, how wonderful! Thanks for the update. __________________ "Never give a sword to a man who can't dance." ~Confucius
	Reply With Quote

pbutton Oh noes! Member Since Jul 2011 Location: in a house Posts: 4,485 12 6,819 hugs given	Jul 17, 2014 at 07:26 AM #7 So glad to hear it worked out.
	Reply With Quote

birdpumpkin Member Member Since May 2014 Location: West Virginia Posts: 297 9 459 hugs given	Jul 17, 2014 at 08:04 AM #8 I'm so glad it worked out for you. I stress so much over bills, and ever since the derecho 2 years ago when we were without electric for 10 days I just don't ever want to be without electric again!! When we are I panic, or even if it just flickers. I'm really glad you won't be turned off now. __________________ "My life was ecstasy." - Henry David Thoreau
	Reply With Quote

sabby Moderator Community Support Team Member Since Feb 2005 Location: Southwest of Northeast Posts: 33,346 (SuperPoster!) 19 6,304 hugs given	Jul 17, 2014 at 11:06 AM #9 shortandcute, Have you considered going to some local churches for assistance? Many churches have funds set aside to help with these kinds of situations and it really is a huge help. I've been there and had to do that and was so blessed by their generosity. Just a thought for you.
	Reply With Quote

keefsgirl13 New Member Member Since Sep 2014 Location: ohio Posts: 9 9	Sep 20, 2014 at 02:35 PM #10 If this happens to you or anyone else there are usually programs if you can claim a medical reason they cannot legally shut you off. And most electric companies will make it so you can pay over a three to six month period usually can be done once a year and you may have to make a partial payment to set it up.
	Reply With Quote