Apparently, the heat wave is over for most of the country. Unfortunately, there are still people who don’t have electricity, so my thoughts are with them that it will be restored soon. For those of us who do have power, next month’s bill may be the greatest concern for some.
After running air conditioners and fans 24/7, the electric bill isn’t going to be pretty for most people. So, what can you do about it? If your bill is extreme, and you cannot afford to pay it without doing without something else, find out what kind or arrangements you can make or set up a payment schedule with the power company.
Ask for an Extension
If you can’t get enough money together the pay the bill on time, call before the due date to see if the representative that handles your account will approve an extension. You may be able to get an extra week or two to pay, if you call in advance. Don’t wait until the cut off date to call or visit to find out.
Pay over Time
You may also be able to set up a schedule to pay your bill over time. You will probably need to pay a portion of it, but you may be able to divide it up over the next few months. Sometimes, you can pay an amount similar to what your bill would normally be and split up the remainder, adding it to your bills for the following months. There are also other types of payment arrangements available. A lot depends on your power company, so stop by the office or give them a call. Most utility companies will work with you. They really don’t want to turn off your power. They want their money, so they’ll usually work something out with you.