if a person is on oxygen and their electric bill goes up and they cant pay it, what are their options?

Question

my mother is on oxygen and has diabetes. My father is 75 and has diabetes. their electric bill this month was over 800 dollars. What are their options, they need the electric. Is there some law that can keep it from being cut off?

Answer 1

I would notify the local utility supplier and explain the emergent nature of the need for electric. I must say, though, that I'd be concerned as to why the bill is that high, unless your parents also have such inefficient features as electric baseboard heat. Most utilities maintain an emergency fund, to draw from for their own benefit, for just such a situation.

If the utility tells you there is nothing they can do, I would contact the your local Dept. of Aging, County Executive, Mayor, or the Governor to see what can be done to intercede.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am surprised U would ask this as there is not electricity involved in the operation of the oxygen tanks. They are pressurized via the air inside. My mother has a large, very large oxygen bottle in her home and it is " NOT " dependent on an electrical source. She also has a small one that she takes with her when she goes shopping. Needless to say it also has no electrical source. So you are barking up the wrong tree. !!

If this were the truth then you would be able to satisfy the electricity company in your area that this is the case with your parents, and they would allow for a limited of electricity to be used solely for the purpose of the oxygen. They are very understanding of things of this sort.
So if it is indeed true that they run on electricity then you can contact them.

Bear in mind, . . . . . .ANY SPARK CAN CAUSE SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.
That is why there is no electricity involved.!!

Answer 3

thats awfully high even with the increases. with a record from their doctor they should be able to insure there won't be any shut offs should they not be able to pay. i have a friend who has it due to her son's severe asthma. there are also dept's within the county or village that help pay your bills in situations like this. have someone look at their furnace and air conditioning to see if it's in proper working order and take a look at the insulation and windows. i've never seen a bill that high.edit - to having fun -i believe they must have an oxygen machine which does use electricity.

Answer 4

In my state, there is a program for low income people regarding paying their electric bill. That is incredibly high. I thought mine was ridiculous last month and it was $287. I would suggest you also look into ways to save them energy: insulating outlets, plastic sheeting on the windows, sealing doors, etc. I would also advise buying a programmable thermostat so that the heat won't come on at night unless it goes below 60 degrees. Electric blankets can help, also.