I think my electricity is going to get turned off. I'm scared.

[lildreamer316]

Husband has been out of work since Sept. We raided an IRA I have; but we already put a huge dent in it and I can't take any more out witout collapsing it...and the money wouldn't get here soon enough anyway.

The electric company wants a $350 deposit and a $300 payment by Thursday to keep our power on.

Husband found a small job that started this weekend, but they won't pay him until the end of the month.

Electric will not take a payment plan because we've had so many before.
So, we're screwed.

I called about LIHEAP but so far am getting red tape. I think there may be an emergency fund but I'm not sure.

I have no idea what we're going to do..we do not have this money. AND I have a five year old in the house. No family close (three hours away), my friends all live in one bedroom apartments.

This absolutely and completely sucks.

I'll try to keep up with you guys until the cut me off. We have a laptop so I should be able to find a place to post from aftewards..wherever we are.

What do I do with my food in the freezer? We've been eating off that. I don't think I have a cooler big enough. I'ma see if I can hunt one down.

Well, wish us luck. I hope I can figure something out.

[HopeHoops]

1. If you have electric heat, call them again - they have to leave it on during the winter.

If you DON'T have electric heat, you can still get a delay if the heating system has an electric ignition system (as opposed to an always-on pilot light). If they STILL won't budge, call the Public Utilities Commission and see what options they have. You can file a complaint and that will automatically force a delay (30 days or something), but it is sort of a dirty trick if you don't have a legitimate complaint.

[lildreamer316]

11. We have ..kinda both.

I have oil heat, but because we can't afford that right now I have about three space heaters (yes, we are being very careful!)
Am calling what you suggested..it's on my list.
Husband did get them to back off (update further down on thread) but I need some back up info in case we still can't make the payments. It's going to be close.
Thank you!

[Lost in CT]

2. Hugs... I have been there. I have no advice good or otherwise

but just to let you know. :hug:

[lildreamer316]

12. ....

:hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. Maybe contact The Salvation Army?

In Greensboro, they provide emergency utilities assistance.

[Sequoia]

15. Your pic is way too cute.

I miss having a kitten. I have a smart bird but he bites us sometimes.

[Lyric]

4. Check your PM.

:hug:

[JoDog]

5. A few ideas.

1. If your heating system depends on electricity in some way, by law they cannot cut it off until sometime in March or April. Call them and tell them you are aware of this and threaten to file a complaint if they cut you off.

2. Get in touch with the local Salvation Army or United Way office. They will sometimes offer emergency cash help for rent or utilities.

3. Prepare for a possible shut off by gathering supplies like flashlights, blankets, propane heaters, candles and matches in one place so you know where they are.

4. Is it cold enough where you are to just put the frozen/cooled food outside for a little while?

[lildreamer316]

13. Thank you for the suggestions..

as per the update downthread, we have a payment plan in place, but it's still going to be tight. I'm going to be making some phone calls based on yours, and others suggestions. It's still going to be tight.

[Whoa_Nelly]

6. check your PM

:hug:

[LiberalEsto]

7. Try these:

emergency assistance
Greensboro: 641-2517; 641-2518 - High Point: 845-7756

To Provide short-term assistance to citizens in crisis when no other funds are available to prevent homelessness, placement of children out of the home, or further risk to health or crisis.

Greensboro Urban Ministry
305 West Lee Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
Contact: Rev. Mike Aiken
336-271-5959
E-mail: [e-mail]
Open Door Ministries of High Point Inc.
PO Box 1528
High Point, NC 27261
Contact: Stephen Key
336-885-0191
E-mail: [e-mail]

Salvation Army
PO Box 300
High Point, NC 27261
Contact: Rhonda Register
336-386-1870

Community Action Program, Inc.
PO Box 3427
Greensboro, NC 27402
Contact: Patricia Owens
336-274-4673

Salvation Army/Greensboro
PO Drawer 5310
Greensboro, NC 27435
Contact: Sharena Simpson
336-273-9715


Good luck!

[lildreamer316]

8. Thank you!

Am on the phone now...

[LostinVA]

9. There's an emergency assistance program where you live

Or, there was when I lived there. I can't remmeber if the County or the City adminsiters it. Call up the City's info number and ask. They MAY be able to help.

Also, call up your Councilperson. Call up the City Clerk's office at the City and they can give you their contact info -- or just look on the COG's site.

(I used to work for the COG).

[lildreamer316]

14. Thanks...

and :hug:
I had already left a message at the emergency place when husband managed to get the electric co to agree to a payment plan. But it's still going to be tight.

[lildreamer316]

10. UPDATE!!! THANK YOU for all the kind replies!!

Husband spend the last 40 some min. on the phone to the company (while I was working the cell on the advice of lovely DUers here); and got them to agree to a payment plan, with $300 starting next Monday. I think we can do that (he has a couple of bar gigs between now and then). It's going to be to be tight but I think we will make it.

I am still going to work on some of the resources that you all so generously provided.

I love you all, and thank you so much for your care and concern.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :loveya:

[Haole Girl]

16. Oh, I'm so glad they will work with you

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. :hug:

[DarkTirade]

19. Glad to hear its worked out.

:hug:

[Spacemom]

17. I'm glad you were able to work something out

I just wanted to offer :hug: :hug: :hug:

[lildreamer316]

18. Thank you!

Back atcha!:hug: :hug: