Title: What Happens & What to Do About Unpaid Utilities | Fiscal Tiger
Headings: What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your Water or Electricity Bill
What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your Water or Electricity Bill
Dayton Uttinger
Table of Contents
Can Utilities Shut Off My Service?
How Long Before They Shut Off Electricity?
How Long Before They Shut Off Water?
Rights and Protections From Disconnection
Can Your Utilities Be Shut Off in Winter?
COVID-19 Utility Protections
How to Prevent a Water or Electricity Utility Shut Off
Contact the Utility Company
Ask for a Payment Plan
Lower Utility Bills
Social Resources for Utility Assistance
Declaring Bankruptcy to Prevent a Utility Shut Off
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Content: Some states have suspended disconnections for everyone, while others are only suspending disconnections for low-income and senior households. COVID-19 disconnection suspensions are state-regulated and may change often, so it is important to keep up to date with changes for your state and utility. How to Prevent a Water or Electricity Utility Shut Off
If you have unpaid utility bills or fear that you will not be able to make your utility payments, there are a few options to consider. Failing to pay your utility bills may not only cause your services to be discontinued, but missed payments may also appear on your VantageScore credit report, which could be damaging to your credit score . The debt accrued from missed payments may be sent to a debt collections agency, which could further affect your credit score and your future financial health. If your unpaid utility bills have already gone to collections, you should contact your state regulatory commission and ask about your consumer rights. Contact the Utility Company
The first thing to do if you have missed payments or fear that you cannot make your usual monthly bill is to contact the utility company directly. You will need your latest statement that includes your account number, as well as the debt that you owe. You should inquire about: Any additional fees that may not be included on your current statement.