Title: Utility shut-offs start Wednesday | Archives | gazettextra.com
Headings: Utility shut-offs start Wednesday
Utility shut-offs start Wednesday
Content: The deadline to apply for energy assistance is May 15. This hasn’t been an easy year for consumers who are trying to make ends meet. The rising costs of energy (gas and home heating fuel), food and health care, coupled with wages that can’t keep up, have forced households to pinch their pennies. A past-due utility bill—and the threat of disconnection—has many people in a pickle. “For many people, they’re stuck with the choice of: Do we get food this month or pay the utility bill?” Schultz said. That’s why the utility companies want to work with customers. “We understand that those are factors for our customers making it more difficult for them to pay,” Arce said. Behind on your utility bill?