Help may be out there for high winter utility bills

Wed., Jan. 23, 2008

David Uffington King Features Syndicate

A December poll by CreditCards.com revealed what many are thinking: It’s getting tougher to pay home heating bills. According to the poll, 27 million Americans expect to have to borrow money to pay for heating fuel or utilities before the winter is over. Of those, 20 million expect that they’ll need to use credit cards.

If you’re having trouble paying your heat bill, there are places you can go for assistance.

•Ask your utility company for a reduced payment plan.You can catch up in the summer when your regular bills are lower. Some states have laws against turning off electricity in the winter, even if a customer is behind on payments.

Different states have different requirements, such as paying a small portion of your income, or banning a disconnect if there are medical concerns, low temperatures or elderly occupants of the house.

•Charities know that people are struggling, and many of them have funds set aside to help those who can’t pay their fuel bills.

•If you must borrow, look for a credit union where loans will generally have a lower interest rate.

•The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is funded by Congress with money sent to states to divide among community agencies. LIHEAP got a boost last month when $409 million was added to the budget.

In general, a LIHEAP applicant who receives assistance has an income of $20,650 for a family of four. However, even if your income is over that amount, don’t let it stop you from applying.

•If you can’t find a LIHEAP program in your area, call the National Energy Assistance Referral project at 1-866-674-6327 for information on where to apply. (Let it ring a very long time.) Or send email to energyassistance@ncat.org and give your state, county and city. Leave an e-mail or home address for them to send you information.

•Don’t take the easiest way out if you’re having trouble paying utility bills or buying fuel. Taking a cash advance or paying by credit card shouldn’t be your first step. Avoid payday loans, too, because of the fees and interest.

•Don’t use the credit card convenience checks you were sent over the holidays. Look for the cash anywhere else first.

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