Negotiating a utility bill

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to help my sister, who has gotten herself into a mess. She owes over $1,000 on her gas bill, which is about to be shut off if she doesn't pay it in full (they won't allow her to make payments).

Do you think the gas company will negotiate with me? For example, I call and offer to pay $700 on the spot, if they consider the bill paid in full?

Otherwise, what will happen is that the gas company will turn off her gas and send the bill to collections, then she will never pay it. So, this way, at least they get a good chunk of money. At least, that's my thinking, but I understand that the gas company probably views it differently.

Do you think I have a shot? And if so, any tips on how to approach them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm trying to help my sister, who has gotten herself into a mess. She owes over $1,000 on her gas bill, which is about to be shut off if she doesn't pay it in full (they won't allow her to make payments).

Do you think the gas company will negotiate with me? For example, I call and offer to pay $700 on the spot, if they consider the bill paid in full?

Otherwise, what will happen is that the gas company will turn off her gas and send the bill to collections, then she will never pay it. So, this way, at least they get a good chunk of money. At least, that's my thinking, but I understand that the gas company probably views it differently.

Do you think I have a shot? And if so, any tips on how to approach them?

I don't think they would negotiate with anyone except the responsible party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm trying to help my sister, who has gotten herself into a mess. She owes over $1,000 on her gas bill, which is about to be shut off if she doesn't pay it in full (they won't allow her to make payments).

Do you think the gas company will negotiate with me? For example, I call and offer to pay $700 on the spot, if they consider the bill paid in full?

Otherwise, what will happen is that the gas company will turn off her gas and send the bill to collections, then she will never pay it. So, this way, at least they get a good chunk of money. At least, that's my thinking, but I understand that the gas company probably views it differently.

Do you think I have a shot? And if so, any tips on how to approach them?

I don't think they would negotiate with anyone except the responsible party.

I have legally taken over her finances, plus she has spoken with all of her debtors and added my name to the account/given them permission to speak with me.

[Anonymous]

No, I do not think they will negotiate the amount, with you or anyone else.

[Anonymous]

Why would you add your name to her delinquent gas account?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I do not think they will negotiate the amount, with you or anyone else.

+1

$1000 sounds like she started not paying about a year ago-(its summer now). I do not believe they will negotiate with anyone. They gave her ample time to get it together of make payment arrangements.

[Anonymous]

No, a utility will not negotiate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm trying to help my sister, who has gotten herself into a mess. She owes over $1,000 on her gas bill, which is about to be shut off if she doesn't pay it in full (they won't allow her to make payments).

Do you think the gas company will negotiate with me? For example, I call and offer to pay $700 on the spot, if they consider the bill paid in full?

Otherwise, what will happen is that the gas company will turn off her gas and send the bill to collections, then she will never pay it. So, this way, at least they get a good chunk of money. At least, that's my thinking, but I understand that the gas company probably views it differently.

Do you think I have a shot? And if so, any tips on how to approach them?

If it goes to collection, a court order to attach wages could be sought and implemented. She would probably never be able to get gas in her name until this is taken care off.

[Anonymous]

Is she low income? On government assistance? She may qualify for a reduced rate based on that
In California it's 30% less I think
Try looking into that

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would you add your name to her delinquent gas account?

As someone who they can discuss the account with, not as a responsible party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she low income? On government assistance? She may qualify for a reduced rate based on that
In California it's 30% less I think
Try looking into that

I don't think so. She makes somewhere in the $40-$45k range. Two kids. Lives in Pennsylvania.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is she low income? On government assistance? She may qualify for a reduced rate based on that
In California it's 30% less I think
Try looking into that

I don't think so. She makes somewhere in the $40-$45k range. Two kids. Lives in Pennsylvania.

Also, she works as a state employee in a government assistance office, so I'm sure she has explored those options.

[Anonymous]

Many places have two utility programs. Have her go to social services. One for emergency shut offs and one for helping to pay through the year. She needs to get to social services today or tomorrow. She needs to call and beg them to leave it on for a few more days. Also call non-profits and churches. Many have funds to help, especially if this is the first time.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/pennsylvania_emergency_assista.html

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many places have two utility programs. Have her go to social services. One for emergency shut offs and one for helping to pay through the year. She needs to get to social services today or tomorrow. She needs to call and beg them to leave it on for a few more days. Also call non-profits and churches. Many have funds to help, especially if this is the first time.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/pennsylvania_emergency_assista.html

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/

Sadly, it is not the first time. I believe that is why they are saying they will only accept payment in full. She has exhausted all of her options.

[Anonymous]

Have her on a 3 way on the call and first offer $500 with a payment plan and then offer the $700. Have her apply for the social service help first as if it is not in disconnect mode they will not be able to help.