oh dear god...

[boodie]

The electricty bill arrived, in spite of freezing all during winter because I knew that i couldn't afford to have any heating going, the bill is still over $500.

I have no idea how I am going to afford to pay for this, none at all, the last one almost pushed me towards declaring bankruptcy, this might be the one that does it.

*broken*

Comments

[bobbain.livejournal.com]

I just received my electricity bill today as well and I must admit I was expecting a quarterly bill about $500 but it's only $162.

You may or may not be aware that some charities issue vouchers for those who have difficulty paying an electricity bill.

I have reached a point in the past when I sought to avail myself of this facility and they were ready and willing to talk to me. My contact in Katoomba sometimes gets vouchers for utility bills.

If you feel you have difficulty paying remember that this is a "necessity of life" and you will almost find assistance if you actively seek it out.

You may find some small print in your electricity supplier's literature. If not do some googling on the topic.

Good luck

Bob

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

I'm going to have to arrange another payment plan with them, thats about all I can do, they are usually reasonable, but this will be the second bill in row and they tend to take a dim view of that.

[bobbain.livejournal.com]

You might also consider what Centrepay might be able to do for you.

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/centrepay.htm

[ladytmara.livejournal.com]

I agree with Vulpy - that seems too high for a single household, honey. I'd be looking into that. See if you can contact the company to see if they can run any checks on if something is wrong. Check with your neighbours to find out which company theirs is through and how much it is. Shop around to available power companies for a quote on how much similar usage would cost through them.

*hugs tight* I'll see what I can do to help you out, honey. I really will.

[ladytmara.livejournal.com]

Honey, would you mind terribly if I raised a little money to send to you? I'm considering opening art commissions to help you out. Let me know, ok? I want to help.

[ladytmara.livejournal.com]

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/904116/

Let me know if you'd prefer me to take it down - but I want to help.

[wizarth.livejournal.com]

In addition to this, I'd find out if they actually read your meter, or if this is an estimated bill. If its an estimated bill, based on estimated usage, see if you can get them to read your meter. Since as you say, you've dramatically cut back on usage, the bill may be much less.

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

Nah they come around and read the meter, I saw them, part of the problem is that electricity went up by 20% in the space of 6 months and my income didn't.

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

We only have one electricity company in the state, there is no competition, the only other alternative is gas and thats not even available in this street.

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

Yeah I'm at a loss too, I know what some of it is, people having showers that last for 20 mins and running the hot water dry, which means it has to heat up again, that happens at least 4-5 times a week.

[sioneva.livejournal.com]

Can you limit shower lengths and perhaps turn the hot water heater base temperature down slightly? Even a few degrees can help.

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

Ohh I have tried believe me, i bang on doors and yell, the hot water was already turned down from last bill.

[sioneva.livejournal.com]

How old is the person in question?

If said person is old enough to understand the concept of a $500 electric bill, then they're old enough to *pay* part of it if they can't take a shorter shower.

Either that, or you turn off the water main after 10 minutes.

[handmadeone.livejournal.com]

Isn't it SO much?
It's an average salary in Moscow.

[funnelwebkitten.livejournal.com]

It's twice my weekly income 8-)