$800 Summer Utility Bills Hitting Your Wallet? How To Ask For Help
The average American household was projected to spend $800 on power this summer, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
For families already struggling with rising costs, a single phone call to the utility company could unlock payment plans, bill assistance or other relief programs.
I'm a Budgeting Expert: This Is My Favorite Way To Save on My Bills
Learn How: 12 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)
Here's the exact script experts recommend using when calling customer service.
Don't Wait To Call
Many customers often procrastinate when they’ve missed a payment. But that’s a mistake, said Leland Gohl, a marketing executive at community solar company PowerMarket.
“Most utilities would rather work with customers before an account becomes delinquent,” Gohl said. “So, it's important to call as soon as you anticipate difficulty paying a bill.”
The earlier the conversation starts, the more options may be available.
Ask This Question
Once the call begins, Gohl recommended starting with a simple question designed to uncover every available form of assistance: “Can you walk me through every program available to help lower my bill or manage payments?”
Many customers know to ask about payment plans. However, that may be only one of several options available through a utility company. Gohl said representatives may also be able to discuss budget billing programs, low-income assistance programs, energy-efficiency incentives and other forms of relief that can lower costs over time.
Beyond Payment Plans
Customers struggling with a utility bill may qualify for more than a payment plan.
“The first thing they should ask about is any available payment arrangements that can prevent service disruption while they explore additional assistance,” Gohl said. “Customers should also ask whether they qualify for any state, local or utility-sponsored affordability programs.”
Those programs can vary widely. Some may help reduce monthly utility costs, while others provide short-term assistance for households facing financial hardship. For that reason, Gohl suggested asking utility representatives to explain every program a customer may qualify for, and not just the most widely known options.
Use This Follow-Up
Once a utility representative outlines the available programs, Gohl suggested keeping the conversation going with a follow-up request: “I'd like to understand all available options to lower my bill, both immediately and over time."
Gohl said that the follow-up encourages customer service representatives to discuss more than short-term payment assistance. It can also open the door to programs designed to reduce future utility costs.
The goal is to leave the call with both immediate relief and a plan for lowering bills in the months ahead.
Unlock Hidden Savings
The call doesn't have to end with payment assistance. Free energy-efficiency programs, rebates and home energy audits are among the utility-company benefits many customers overlook, according to Christine Ciavardini, client relationship manager at MD Energy Advisors.
“Take the opportunity to get a free home energy audit,” she said. Those audits can identify problems that may be driving up energy costs and, in some cases, uncover opportunities to lower utility bills by 10% to 20%.
The same phone call that leads to bill relief today could also uncover ways to reduce future energy costs.
Bottom Line
Many utility customers assume the monthly bill is nonnegotiable. However, utility companies often have payment arrangements, affordability programs, rebates and energy-saving resources that go unused simply because customers never ask about them.
A phone call may not eliminate a high electricity bill, but it could uncover options that make it easier to manage.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: