Question

How can I get help paying my high electric bill in the winter?

My house has electric furnace for heat and my electric bill runs $300.00 per month and I just can't afford that much and by the time spring comes around I'm facing disconnection of electric service.

Is there anyway I can get assistance in paying my winter electric bill so it won't get shut off come spring weather?

What can I do to keep my electric bill down in the winter when my heating is all electric?

Answer 1

First thing you should do if you're having trouble paying your electric bill is contact your electric company and see if they have a program setup where other customers make a donation to help people with their electric bills.

The assistance though is usually from the Salvation army where you'll actually go to to see if you qualify. But your electric company should let you know if they have such a program.

Also your electric company should work with you on payment arrangements and you could also get setup on budget billing where you pay the same amount each month and then catch up on your bills later when winter is over.

Keep in mind though that in the winter your electric company is prohibited from disconnecting your electric service due to the cold weather rule. But you still need to contact your electric company and let them know that you're having trouble paying the bill and need to setup payment arrangements.

Also if you can at least send them some money even $30.00 a month as it's better than not paying at all and you'll have a worse time getting it paid when winter is over and they disconnect you.

Answer 2

You can get help paying your high electric bill by going to the Salvation army, your local church, or signing up for LIHEAP.

If you qualify for assistance with your electric bill LIHEAP will pay the electric company directly.