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Terrible_Use7872 t1_ja1h60q wrote

I wouldn't expect them to turn it back on if I'm still not current. If that's what you're asking.

18

Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja1iq4n wrote

Don’t you think that’s interesting . That they would let people who got a shut off notice before winter months freeze but if they received the notice after sometime in November they will let them keep their heat?

−24

Terrible_Use7872 t1_ja1kcsj wrote

Hopefully they'll take the time between the notice and the time they need heat to get the assistance they need or get caught up on the bill.

15

4kidsmom1 t1_ja2xrnt wrote

No. You got it shut off in the summer when the bills were low and you had months to pay it and didn’t. Priorities.

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Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3rw9g wrote

Lmao all these assumptions. The person in reference got the notice in early November. Good try tho! Y’all really lack empathy huh? I sincerely hope you go through this so you can eat your own words and learn about sympathy since empathy is out of reach.

−10

4kidsmom1 t1_ja5rkf1 wrote

I worked for a public utility for 32 years. I worked in collections and customer service for over 10 years. They do everything possible to work with you. If your utilities are shut off, it is not the utilities persecuting you.

5

suckstomyassmar t1_ja1s4ua wrote

Don't be a crumb bum. There are several programs in PA for those in need of heat assistance and many people hiring.

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Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3s9ts wrote

Lol assumptions assumptions. The person has a job. A good job. But there have been some really dumb reasons they have been turned down for assistance when they need it. I am not the crumb bum, I can assure you.

−3

yeags86 t1_ja377gn wrote

Not interesting at all. Don’t pay the bill, don’t get the service. Sounds like you expect free heat just because it’s cold. Do you also expect free electric for air conditioning in the summer?

11

Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3re6y wrote

Lol why do you assume I’m speaking about myself. I’m speaking about the rules of the moratorium which are designed to ensure people don’t freeze to death—but only the people who didn’t receive q shut off notice before winter months apparently . And I’m from Texas and a family that doesn’t use AC 98% of the time so no I don’t expect that. Btw it seems like capitalism has you in a choke hold.

−5

yeags86 t1_ja3xeeh wrote

Context clues.

I’d bet a paycheck to there were plenty of notifications sent before the winter months.

You can freeze in Texas too, even if you pay your bill.

Three strikes - want to step up to the plate again?

6

worstatit t1_ja2oqfy wrote

It's a shut off moratorium. There's no rule requiring service, just one that it not be terminated during "heating season".

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Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3s25u wrote

Yes but don’t you think that is counterintuitive to the end goal of the moratorium ?

−2

worstatit t1_ja49252 wrote

I believe the goal is to prevent people in temporary financial straits from losing their heat in winter?

6

Practical_Fix_5350 t1_ja2zkgf wrote

LiHEAP

LiHEAP

LiHEAP

It's tied into Compass, you can apply for it with SNAP and Medical Assistance via the popular PA portal. If you're unfamiliar with it just head over to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/. It's straight up the easiest energy assistance program I've encountered.

In addition to that: Please call and ask about payment payment plans. My electricity was astronomical a year or two ago. Didn't have steady employment and I was letting it rack up in the hopes I could pay the whole thing down the line. They killed the power and I called that afternoon and had it back on in 30 seconds after setting up a basic payment plan.

The way it works is they split what you owe over several months over what you're accruing normally so your bill will be higher but manageable now.

Example: if you're monthly bill averages $1, say. After a while you owe $5 and they shut off the power. If you call and literally just say the words "Payment Plan" they say "Okay, you'll pay us $1/month on the plan". Now you owe $2 a month until you pay it off. I know this isn't crazy hard to understand but it is nice you still have the option after "the point of no return" so-to-speak.

If you miss one of those payment plans they will shut it off again so start finding a way to prioritize it from then on.

10

Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3rkmk wrote

You wouldn’t believe the stories I know about trying to qualify for liheap and the attitude received by poor folks trying to get help.

1

Practical_Fix_5350 t1_ja3vj6u wrote

No way, is it the county maybe? I had no issues at all a few years ago when I needed it one winter, I was approved before the end of the day.

You mentioned it was stories that drew you away. I would call anyway if you haven't yourself. These programs can be a hassle but I would suggest you start throwing darts at the board and see what sticks. Getting a SNAP card will still help you catch up on your utilities.

The Compass website makes this fairly easy, and yes: that change was recent. Within the last year I'd say. When I used it I had to call, it was so easy I still remember the person's name because it stood at that much, it was Lisa. She took a run through all the programs under Compass that I could apply for in basically one go without having to call different organizations and departments myself. By the end of the day I knew the results for about 90% of my applications, got some and didn't get others but it didn't matter because the strain on my total finances was lifted enough.

So there's a positive one for you. If that ends up not being your experience I'm sorry, but do please try.

5

4kidsmom1 t1_ja2xoxu wrote

That’s correct. If it was already off, they do not turn it on for the winter.

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Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3rzkv wrote

Do you think that is counterintuitive to the point of the moratorium ?

1

Annahsbananas t1_ja4fu3d wrote

You keep bringing that question up after literally every single person answered you.

There are programs out there if you need help (and stop telling people it's not you because the way you're posting it's definitely your electricity that's been turned off.

There are many agencies who can help you with your electrical bill. Seek them out. There's no shame asking for help

Edit: also I noticed you quit your job 2 weeks ago and tried to get ue benefits from quitting. That doesn't work either

You need a job to make money and you need money to pay your utilities

2

4kidsmom1 t1_ja422k7 wrote

No. All summer long they has to option to pay the very small bill for heat since heat is not used in the summer. People,should get their priorities straight.

1

ronreadingpa t1_ja2z5zc wrote

Fortunately, it's been a mild winter in much of PA and Spring is nearly here. As others mentioned, there are various programs to assist paying current and past due bills. Some hoops to jump through and not all qualify, but it's something.

Utility rates are increasing far faster than most incomes. Eventually rates should moderate and likely even fall somewhat. It's happened before. PA has a diverse energy mix and many connections to other energy sources (power lines, gas lines, etc). Not all places are as fortunate. For example, energy rates in California are often multiples higher.

If you need some cash fast, temporary employment agencies are always hiring. Also, big box stores and supermarkets for stocking (often overnight / early AM with stable hours) and picking orders for curbside pickup and delivery (day shift, but hours may be more fluid).

Regulations for how utilities do shutoffs is unlikely to change much despite more struggling. Not saying it won't happen eventually, but unless delinquencies greatly increase and/or there's a large public outcry, politicians will likely do little more than make some public statements saying they're "looking into it" and whatnot.

Finally, the distribution cost (the part one can't shop rates for) is greatly increasing too. PUC allows Weather Normalization Adjustment (ie. in my case, for gas; how it's calculated is seemingly a mystery and not transparent) and System Improvement Surcharge (ie. in my case, 5% for electric) to be added. Adds up and there's little one can do. PUC should do more to help consumers.

6

Opening-Ad-8793 OP t1_ja3rp9e wrote

Do you know what a house feels like when it’s 33° and no heat? How about 25°? 12°? Mild is not the same with no heat.

3