Did your bill amount this summer also went through the roof?
Ah, the electric bill. This has to be my most dreaded utility bill of all as it takes up a huge chunk of our monthly budget. But no matter how costly it gets, let's face it, it's something we all can't live without. There are many different reasons, however, that require budget adjustments and payment extensions. May it be urgent medical bills, unforeseen expenses, or when there's simply not enough funds to cover your total bill for the month, it is at times necessary to reschedule some utility payments in order to get by. And it usually falls on our shoulders as mothers - and keeper of treasures - to deal with this grueling task. Just earlier this year, I've had my own share of needing to have my electric bill payment extended so I could prioritize some urgent medical necessity. The company graciously allowed me an extension. This is how I did it.
Don't delay it.
Once we receive our electric bill, there's usually still a couple of days before the actual due date. And once this date has passed, we usually get 7 days tops before they disconnect our power. Don't wait until they're supposed to disconnect your electricity before you take action. Once you receive your bill and figured you'll need a payment extension, act right away! Once your power gets disconnected, you won't have any other option but to pay the total bill amount ASAP plus reconnection fee.
Identify your branch of account.
Based on your location, there should be an assigned branch servicing your account. Identify that branch by getting through customer service or via quick online research, and get the assigned email address for that office. You may also opt to reach out to branch managers or representatives via call, but I'd guess they will still require you to send them a formal email detailing your request for documentation purposes.
Explain your case via email.
I strongly recommend to send your request formally via email so you could also attach any related documentation or proof of why you need additional time to pay your bill. If you needed an extension to prioritize urgent medical expenses for example, you may attach copies of your medical receipts or hospital admission ORs to support your case. Remember that while utility companies can be gracious about payment extensions, they can only do so for valid reasons. So while we're all free to request for an extension, you need to make sure that your circumstances are reasonable and excusable. Granting payment extensions may actually vary from one branch to another, but there's certainly a manager from your branch of account who's going to review your case and ultimately approve your request. I also haven't tried requesting for a second payment extension - and I don't intend to do so, but I mean who knows if I'll be needing that again in the future - but I doubt that they'll permit 2 payment extensions for 1 bill (because otherwise, your bill will double for the next month and it may become much harder for you to settle). Don't forget to also include all the pertinent details of your account such as your 1) service ID number, 2) account name, and 3) total bill amount. You may also leave a contact number in case they needed to call you for verification.
Your request is as good as Promise to Pay.
Your email request, should also include an attached promissory note with a date when you commit to settle your due amount. This date should not coincide with your next month's due date to ensure that your bill amount won't double. I was very fortunate to receive an affirmative feedback from my branch shortly after sending my email request. They even called me to ensure that my request has been properly received. The discourse was simple and straightforward. They were quick to tell me via email that they've approved of my request and will be expecting my payment on the date promised. Then on my committed day of payment, I also sent a follow-up email informing them that the due amount has been successfully settled.
Considering all the reports of electric bills doubling over the summer, plus all the school preps and tuition fees we need to cover, budgeting can become very draining. Some moms would perhaps opt to just borrow money from friends or relatives in times like this and that's okay too. But personally, I'd rather keep matters like this on my own and work directly with my utility providers towards more flexible payment terms - just to not cause unnecessary stress and burden to loved ones. Bottom line is: we can't live without electricity - especially if you have a baby like mine who's like a little arctic bear (our AC is the hardest-working appliance in the house). And if like me you're also the assigned manager of your household budget, it's relieving to know that we have options like this to help alleviate some of the inevitable budgeting hiccups. What's your most unforgettable electric bill experience? Feel free to share with me in the comments ♡
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