You can sometimes negotiate an electric bill, although it depends on the provider and the local energy market.
If your electric utility is the only utility that provides electricity in your area, the electric costs are fixed and cannot usually be negotiated.
However you can asks for rate plans and discounts, apply for hardship programs and assistance and asks for payment plans.
Some electric utilities have Time of Use or TOU rates.
You can ask your electric utility company if they have TOU or off peak rates and if so, you can save money by shifting heavy energy use like laundry, clothes dryer, or running your dishwasher to off peak hours, which can significantly lower your kWh cost.
You can also see if you can get on budget billing, which averages your annual energy usage into equal monthly payments and it prevents seasonal bill spikes and makes budgeting for electric bill easier, but it does not lower the total cost of the electricity.
And many electric utilities offer small monthly credits or waive processing fees if you enroll in automatic payments or go paperless.
If you're behind on your electricity or facing a temporary financial setback, call the electric utility and ask for an adjusted payment schedule before the service is disconnected.
Or see if your electric utility has a pay as you go program, where you can add money to your electric account and keep the power on, although it does not lower the cost, but it can help by allowing you to pay when you can.
But if the funds run out on a pay as you go electric account, the power will be remotely disconnected until you bring balance back up
You can also get help with an electric bill through United Way (211) as they can help you find all the resources / organizations in your area to help with utility bills you can’t pay.
Your state or city may have a program that can provide a one-time payment with proof of income and SOME payment history.
Many of these applications can be expedited with a shutoff notice if you have one, as they often prioritize the most urgent cases.
Many church organizations also offer utility assistance, albeit in smaller chunks, but if you apply to several you can start making some good dents in the balance.
Again, if you're already without electricity let them know you are currently without power due to financial difficulty.
United Way can help you find these places also.