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For many low-income families, utility bills can be a major financial burden. Many households have to decide whether their income will allow them to run a fan, run the air conditioning unit, or neither on a hot day. There are energy efficiency resources that can help a household, but affordability of utility bills remains a significant concern, especially in the southeastern United States. This post will highlight some of the existing assistance programs to address energy bills.
Read MoreWater is such a universally essential service, that many utilities seek ways to help their low-income customers with affording the service. Generally referred to as a “customer assistance program” or CAP, this help can take different forms. Some utilities assist by repairing leaks and retrofitting low-income customers’ homes with water efficient devices. But, the more common approach is to provide some sort of financial assistance. For example, a special payment plan to help customers who have arrearages may be coupled with some debt forgiveness. Many utilities also offer discounts on the bills of customers who can prove their low-income status. But, is the cost of implementing such a program prohibitive? The good news is that there has never been a better time to find out.
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