Share Your Past-Due Bills Story
Posted on November 19, 2024 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Energy, General Interest
Having your power shut off or being behind on your energy bills can be incredibly stressful. No one should have to choose between paying their electricity bill and food, medicine, or other necessities. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many families and households in Oregon.
Thankfully, regulators are currently working to address Oregon’s energy affordability crisis by considering new rules around how utilities handle past-due bills and disconnections. That’s why CUB is asking you to share your experience with past-due energy bills and having your power shut off with us.
Share Your Story
CUB is gathering stories from Oregon utility customers to better advocate for the needs of customers who have past-due bills and disconnection experiences. Stories will be shared with regulators, decision-makers, and the media to ensure the human impacts of past-due bills and disconnection are appropriately represented and prioritized.
We understand that talking about when you’ve struggled to pay the bills can be vulnerable. CUB is committed to presenting these stories respectfully and will only use your first name, city, and story to protect your privacy. Submit your story by November 20 for the biggest impact!
Story Guidelines
You can keep it short, just a few sentences will go a long way. Some questions to get you started on sharing your story:
- Who is your utility provider?
- Could you tell us about when you struggled to pay your bill, needed emergency assistance, or had your utilities disconnected?
- How did navigating the disconnection or past-due bill process with your utility provider feel?
- What was unclear, confusing, or frustrating when navigating this process?
- Did you feel supported in accessing emergency assistance or preventing disconnection?
- Have you seen your utility bills increase in recent years? How have increases impacted your ability to pay your energy bill?
These questions are meant to help guide you, not an exhaustive list. You’re welcome to share anything you think is important!
Let us know how past-due bills and disconnections impact your household today!
Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues
CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.
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12/09/24 | 0 Comments | Share Your Past-Due Bills Story