Mammoth AwardsThe good news is that there are ways to negotiate with cable, Internet, and utility companies when it comes to your bills. And some have even eased up on their billing for the time being.
The last thing you need during a quarantine is to have your utilities, cable, or phone shut off. Unfortunately, a lack of money may make it hard to pay your bills, which could lead to a suspension of service.
Luckily, some companies have decided not to suspend services for non-payment while also waiving late fees, and you’ll find a list of them near the bottom of this article. Right now, let’s discuss what you should do if you can’t pay one of your bills.
The most obvious tip is not to ignore the bill. Not opening it or tossing it in the trash will only make your situation worse. And if you forget or refuse to pay, you could literally end up in the dark or be stuck inside without any Internet or phone service.
Contact the company in question immediately and speak to a representative. Tell them your situation and give them details as to why you cannot pay your bill.
Did the company you work for have to shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak? Were you laid off or furloughed? Are your hours reduced? Whatever the case may be, explain it in detail, so the representative knows the whole story.
Since COVID-19 has negatively affected almost every corner of the world, you’ll have a better chance of gaining some leeway with the company right now more than ever. As long as you’re polite, they may give you several options on how to handle your bill.
They may allow you to postpone your payment or get an extension. They may waive any expensive late fees or penalties that you owe. You may be able to set up a payment plan that better fits your budget. Or, in some cases, the company may refer you to services that can assist with paying your bills.
Should you succeed in getting a payment plan set up, ask to obtain confirmation of it in writing, so you have proof if you need it.
To prevent future issues with utility bills or get government assistance now, have a look at the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It can help reduce your cooling and heating costs.
Companies With Temporarily Changes to Their Billing Procedures Due to COVID-19
Here’s a list of companies that have decided to make moves like waive late fees, suspend shutoffs for lack of payment, or provide free or upgraded services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If you see a company that you do business with on the list, visit their website for more details or give them a call.
And if you don’t see your companies on here, contact them now to see if you can waive any penalties, postpone a payment, set up a manageable payment plan, and so on:
- AT&T
- Atlanta Gas Light
- Atlantic Broadband
- Charter Communications
- Comcast
- Consolidated Edison
- Dominion Energy
- Duke Energy
- Georgia Power
- Green Mountain Power
- National Grid
- Northern Indiana Public Service Company
- NV Energy
- Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
- PSEG
- Southern California Edison
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
Mark Luigi Dacumos
