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You guys I am so upset, I just found out my gas is shut off to my house. I couldn't pay it because of this stupid payday loan mess I got in. They want $750 to get it going again & I don't know what to do. Do you know if it is my husbands names only can I restart under my name? Add the balance owed to T&C???

Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 8:56 pm Subject:

oh no! I'm sorry. Do you have a gas water heater, or is it cold enough to need the heater running?

I would call them tomorrow, explain the situation and see what they can do to work with you. I have no idea if they will let you start service under your name. Good luck. Smile

Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 9:17 pm Subject:

did they send you a disconnect notice? just wondering becuz i'm behind also and i've talked to some people and they've received notices of disconnection and i haven't. just want to be prepared. thanks

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 7:19 am Subject:

I'm so sorry... I know how stressful that is. I'm waiting for them to show up to my door... Here's a thought to make u feel better though mine is $1700 right now and deliquent by 4 mo. Utilities don't shut off during winter by government orders but come spring here they come.

Don't know if you can add to T&C might want to call them. Try calling them. If it's in hubby's name and he has not authorized you they will tell u so. If you are not deliquent on any previous back bill payment plans they have to set u up on on they have 6 months one... they divide it out by 6 months and you will have to pay that plus your currents mo bill. If u miss a payment they will be out immediately and disconnect again. Next option is 3 months. If you get disconnected a 3rd time for deliquency... have to pay the bill in full. But call them!

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 8:23 am Subject:

check your area for local nonprofits that provide emergency bill/cash assistance. you should also check with your local social services office, especially if you have children or are low income. Even if you are not, check anyway, they may be able to provide some temporary assistance.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 9:41 am Subject:

Some banks can extend credit during times of emergencies. It usually depends upon the business relation you have with them. Explain your problems to the supervisor and he might be able to offer you some assistance. It might be worth giving a try.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 9:46 am Subject:

Local churches and organizations help people in these types of situations. I know what you are going through. We had our gas turned off in October 2005 for non payment because of the damn payday loans taking the whole paycheck. I contacted one of the local churches and explained the situation to them and they paid the gas bill for me. The bill was 4 months behind.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 9:51 am Subject:

Here in Columbus, there are utility assistance programs around.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:04 am Subject:

Also if you have sick or disabled persons in your home, I don't think they can completely disconnect you. I know here in California they have some law like that.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 3:32 pm Subject:

I work for an electric company, and we have programs onsite for peole in need. Contact your gas company immediately to find out any options they may have..Even if they can't help you themselves they may be able to help you in the right direction. There are many different assistant programs in most areas. Good luck, and my thoughts are with you

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 4:25 pm Subject:

I hear you. I had electricity shut off because Mr. Stupid didn't put the account in his name even after asking me to move out and back in again (for details see My Story) and he didn't bother to pay it either. I got it back, my credit didn't get ding'd, but since this is May, you don't have to worry about freezing, so until you can feasibly get it back, try to stick to microwaveable foods, charcoal grilling, or fondue. I've learned to do without before, my new husband used to light chafing gel candles instead of turn on electric heat, to save money, it was cold but we never suffered hypothermia.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 6:53 pm Subject:

Here in memphis where I live, if you get a cut off notice, you can go down to their office and speak with a counciler and they will set you up on a payment plan to help get the balance paid. I haven't had to do it recently but I have had to do it in the past. I live in the city so my lights, water and gas is all on the same bill and ran by the same company. I get one bill for it all. The light company here will let you go two months without paying, but then you have to pay up or get a cut off notice. If you get the notice, then you can go in and they'll work with you. If you wait until they cut you off, then you'll have the reconnect charge to deal with too.
But if you have an electric stove, then losing your gas won't effect you too much, just maybe with taking a hot shower if your hot water heater is gas. I suggest you go to the gas company and see if they will put you on a plan to get it cut back on. let us know how it goes. shirley

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 7:24 pm Subject:

If push comes to shove, baby wipes are good for sponge-baths! I know I must sound like a rediculous survivalist type, but I've been where you are and didn't have any choice at one point to hang in there. if that becomes your case, I'm just giving you little pointers, I'm not trying to be pessimistic. Smile

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 8:26 pm Subject:

Do they have a community action commission in your area? They might be able to help you. We have fuel oil so we have to pay for it when it comes in the winter months. It was very expensive this past winter so we put an old wood stove in the house. We used that a lot to cut down on the fuel oil expense. I'm sure there will be some agency that can help you out if your explain your situation to them. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I was in an accident last month and my car got totalled. My settlement check was enough to pay off the car loan and I will have enough left over to buy a decent used car and pay off a couple of small bills. I'm sure something will work out for you.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 8:42 pm Subject:

Thks guys for your thoughts. I am so depressed. They would not do anything. I was 4 mths behind total of $553. I had to borrow it from a relative & be totally humiliated. I had to explain everything. Payday loans and all. And, they wouldn't come out today after I paid it. They wait until the next day & I have to be here to wait for them. Sooooo I have to take off work tomorrow to wait. I begged them to come today because I was off. They just kept telling me we don't do same day connect. This sucks. I had to lie to my boss why I needed off. I feel like a big loser scum.

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 8:51 pm Subject:

olive1276 yes I did receive a disc notc but I paid it online w/ my old bank acct# to stall a little while. Well it was returned obviously & they shut off w/out a new notc....All of this becuase of payday loans. I really thought I could swing it a little while longer. God how dumb can I be?

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