Late on your utility bill? You're not alone
By Kim Quintero KVAL NewsEUGENE, Ore. - More Oregon families are struggling to keep the heat and lights on in their homes. And with last month's cold spell, some are in for a sticker shock when they see their utility bills. So what should you do if you fall behind on your payments? There's money available through assistance programs if you can't pay your bill, but utility companies want you to call them at the first signs of your financial struggle. "I'm unemployed, and bills caught up, and I lost my truck, and it was either the truck or the power," said Eugene resident Herb Syverson. Syverson and his wife Mary lived in their home without power for three months. "Of course the challenges are a lot tougher when you have the children here," said Syverson. The family of seven resorted to living off of a homemade solar panel for lighting and plenty of blankets during the December cold spell. Over the past three years, Eugene Water and Electric Board has seen a rise in the number of homes they've had to cut power to because of unpaid bills. "One of the things we urge people to do is not wait until it's too late," said Lance Robertson, EWEB Spokesman. And as December utility bills make their way into mailboxes, homeowners might be in for a surprise. "This is the time of year normally when power bills go up," said Robertson. If you qualify, you can get as much as $200 of your electric bill paid for per year through EWEB's Customer Care Program, but you have to call the company before getting the help. "It does kind of give us a leg up. We have a surplus now that goes towards the bill," said Syverson. Robertson warned as the jobless rate continues to rise, the demand for help does too, and there's often not enough money to go around. But because of a $300,000 donation to EWEB last month, the company will be able to help an additional 1,500 homes this year. If you're not an EWEB customer but still need help, you can contact the Lane County Human Services Commission at the number on your screen at (541)-682-3378. |
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