Help Paying Electric Bill in Pennsylvania
Residents of Pennsylvania get no relief from their need for electricity. Hot, humid summers force many residents to crank up the air conditioner. Chilly winters, especially in northern areas of the state, force homeowners to turn up their heating systems. Pennsylvania has numerous programs to help low income residents pay for electric service.
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Budget Billing
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Under Pennsylvania law, residential customers may contact their electric or natural gas company and request budget billing at any time. Under this plan, each monthly bill will be the same amount. The company may adjust the bill four times a year, up or down, depending on the customer's usage, according to the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission. Budget billing can help residents "smooth out" their electricity bills, and plan their budgets better.
Customer Assistance Programs and Hardship Funds
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Various electricity companies have customer assistance programs that can wipe out past due bills. These programs can also set monthly utility payments according to the amount of money a customer can pay, rather than the amount of electricity he uses. Hardship funds, in particular, aid homeowners who do not qualify for other assistance. These programs require a homeowner to document his or her income, and any hardship he faces.
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Weatherization
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Grants are available to help low-income residents insulate their homes and seal windows. Under these programs, a customer may receive free or reduced-cost services, and see a subsequent reduction in his or her electricity bill from the weatherization. Homeowners who live at less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify. Each program is operated by a local electricity provider.
County Assistance
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Each county in Pennsylvania may have additional funds available to help residents pay an electricity bill in an emergency. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare maintains a list of county assistance offices.
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References
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- Photo Credit cold in the park image by Alex Motrenko from Fotolia.com
