It is easy to fall behind on utility bills with the surging inflation and increasing daily expenses. However, you might struggle to get fully caught up again. Falling behind on utility statements can negatively impact your credit score or decrease your credit. Some service providers might terminate the service just by missing one payment. The longer you fall behind, the more likely it would occur; some firms even terminate just for missing one week of payment.
GOBankingRates lists some tips on how to stay on top of paying your utility bills.
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How to Stay on Top with Utility Bills
Call Your Service Provider
If you miss a payment on any utility service, the first step that you should do is to contact the service provider. Depending on your financial situation, the service provider might offer you some help or plans.
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Ensure not to miss any payments on your utility bills and review government services available in your state. (Photo: Energy Institute at HAAS)
Review Government Services
You can also review the relief plans offered by your state government. Some states offer various assistance programs through major utility service providers. In California, PG&E firm helps low-income customers through its Relief for Energy Assistance Through Community Help (REACH) program. The energy firm also offers a Budget Billing program, allowing its customers to pay the same amount every month by averaging household energy costs for the last 12 months.
The federal government also assists with your home heating and cooling bills. The Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers help in paying heating or cooling bills and other emergency services in the event of utility shutoffs. You can check the interactive map on NEADA.org to see the eligibility requirement in your states and other information about LIHEAP.
Remember your Deadlines
Save a reminder on the payment deadline of your utility bills to avoid missed payments. You can also do autopay to ensure you never miss a payment. If you want to change the due date, contact your service provider to see if they’re open to changing it. Making the payments on the same day is recommended to remember the due date and budget ahead of time easily.
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